HAL LINDEN (Mr. Baker) is an American actor, singer and musician whose career has spanned more than 65 years. Linden is perhaps best known for his portrayal of police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit series that aired on ABC from 1975-1982, earning multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work.
Linden made his Broadway debut in 1957 in BELLS ARE RINGING. He later starred in the 1962 revival of ANYTHING GOES. He has performed in more than 20 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. His numerous stage credits include PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, ON GOLDEN POND, CHICAGO, CABARET, and THE ROTHSCHILDS, for which he won the 1971 Tony Award for Best Actor In A Musical.
Feature film credits include: “Bells Are Ringing” (1960), “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” (1979), “Starflight One” (1983), “Out To Sea” (1997) with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, “A New Life” (1988) with Alan Alda, “Time Changer” and “The Samuel Project” in 2020. His most recent feature film, “You People,” premiered in 2023.
Linden starred in several more series for network television: “Blacke’s Magic” (1986), “Jack’s Place” (1992-93), and “The Boys Are Back” (1994). Numerous guest appearances include: “Two Broke Girls”, “Hot In Cleveland”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Will and Grace”, “The Drew Carey Show”, “The Nanny”, “The King of Queens”, “Touched By An Angel”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU”.
Linden has spent considerable time traveling the country with his show, “Hal Linden In Concert.” The set is an entertaining combination of songs and theatrical musings highlighting memorable moments from his life and career. He recently starred in the off-Broadway play “Two Jews Talking,” which was a Fall 2022 hit at the St. Clement’s Theatre.
In 2011 Hal released his first CD, titled “It’s Never Too Late”. The disc, a labor of love that Linden recorded over a period of three decades, includes 14 tracks that range from classic pop to jazz standards, Broadway and feature film tunes and favorites from the American Songbook.
A classically trained clarinetist, (he joined the musician’s union at 15), Linden played in dance bands, before being drafted into the Army, where he sang and provided entertainment for the troops. He enrolled at New York's American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama. Linden was married for 52 years to his wife Frances, until her passing in 2010. They have four children.
Linden serves as spokesman for the Jewish National Fund.