Hal Linden
Hal Linden (born Harold Lipshitz; March 20, 1931) is an American actor, singer, and musician whose career has spanned more than 65 years across stage, television, film, and music.[1] Born in the Bronx, New York City, to Lithuanian immigrant Charles Lipshitz and his wife Frances Rosen, Linden grew up in a musical family with an older brother who later became a professor of music at Queens College.[2] He studied music at the High School of Music and Art (now Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts), Queens College, and City College of New York, where he earned a business degree, while playing clarinet with big bands like Sammy Kaye's in the 1940s and 1950s.[2] Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, Linden served in an entertainment unit, performing in revues that honed his acting skills before his honorable discharge.[3] Linden transitioned to acting in the late 1950s, making his Broadway debut as a replacement for Sydney Chaplin in the musical Bells Are Ringing (1958).[3] He gained prominence on stage with roles in productions like the 1962 revival of Anything Goes and achieved his greatest theatrical acclaim as Mayer Rothschild in the 1970 Broadway musical The Rothschilds, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1971.[3][1] On television, Linden became a household name starring as the level-headed precinct captain Barney Miller in the ABC sitcom Barney Miller (1975–1982), a role that earned him seven Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.[4][2][5] He also hosted the educational series Animals, Animals, Animals (PBS, 1976–1981) and FYI (ABC, 1980–1984), winning two Daytime Emmy Awards for the latter, as well as a third Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special in 1995.[3][5] In film, Linden appeared in supporting roles such as in Out to Sea (1997) opposite Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, and he has continued performing in regional theater, cabaret, and voice work into his 90s.[2]Biography
Early life
Hal Linden was born Harold Lipshitz on March 20, 1931, in the Bronx, New York City, to a Jewish family of Lithuanian and Russian descent.[6] His father, Charles Lipshitz, was a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant from Kaunas who arrived in the United States in 1910 and worked as a printer, while his mother, Frances Rosen, was a Russian Jew; he was the youngest of their children, with an older brother who later became a professor of music at Queens College.[7][6][2] From an early age, Linden showed a strong aptitude for music, receiving classical training on the clarinet during high school and aspiring to a career in symphony orchestras.[8] He attended Herman Ridder Junior High School and the High School of Music and Art in New York City, then studied music at Queens College before transferring to City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1952.[7] During this time, he played clarinet with big bands, including Sammy Kaye's, in the 1940s and 1950s.[9] In the early 1950s, as he prepared to enter the entertainment industry, Linden changed his surname from Lipshitz to Linden after spotting the name on a water tower while passing through Linden, New Jersey.[10] He enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, serving as a clarinetist in the United States Army Band at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where participation in Army revues sparked his interest in acting.[7][8]Personal life
Linden met dancer Frances Martin during a summer stock production in 1955 and married her on April 13, 1958.[11][12] The couple shared a marriage lasting over 52 years until Martin's death on July 9, 2010, in Santa Monica, California.[11][13] They raised four children together—Amelia Christine, Jennifer Dru, Nora Kathryn, and Ian Martin—in a family-centered life marked by Linden's performing career demands.[7][14] Linden has not remarried since Martin's passing.[15] The family resided in Beverly Hills, California, where Linden and Martin established their home after relocating from New York.[13] Linden continues to reside in the Los Angeles area as of 2025.[16] Linden has been deeply involved in philanthropy, serving as national chairman of the March of Dimes for more than 20 years and helping raise approximately $75 million through hosting its annual telethons.[17][18] Since 1997, he has acted as national spokesman for the Jewish National Fund, promoting environmental conservation, afforestation, and educational initiatives in Israel.[19][20] Born Harold Lipshitz to Lithuanian Jewish immigrant parents Charles and Frances Rosen Lipshitz, Linden maintains strong ties to his Jewish heritage and supports causes advancing Jewish values, including his father's lifelong Zionist commitment.[11][19] At age 94 in 2025, Linden remains professionally active, appearing in theater productions, fan reunions, and public events while reflecting in interviews that aging brings societal biases but also fulfillment from a long career and family connections.[16][21][22]Career
Stage career
Hal Linden began his stage career after serving in the United States Army, initially performing in summer stock productions and off-Broadway shows during the 1950s.[3] These early experiences honed his skills as a performer, transitioning from his background as a saxophonist and big band musician to acting.[8] His Broadway debut came in 1957 with the musical Bells Are Ringing, where he understudied Sydney Chaplin in the role of Jeff Moss before replacing him from June 1958 to March 1959.[23] During this period, Linden also appeared in industrial musicals, such as Going Great! for Rambler Motors in 1963 and Diesel Dazzle for Detroit Diesel in 1966, which provided steady work and showcased his musical theater abilities in corporate-sponsored productions.[24] Linden's breakthrough on stage arrived in the early 1960s with prominent roles in musicals. He replaced as Matt in the Broadway production of Wildcat opposite Lucille Ball from March to June 1961, marking a significant step up from understudy positions.[23] In 1962, he starred as Billy Crocker in the off-Broadway revival of Anything Goes at the Orpheum Theatre, which ran for 239 performances and highlighted his comedic timing and vocal prowess in Cole Porter's classic score.[25] These successes led to further Broadway appearances, including supporting roles in Something More! (1964) and Illya, Darling (1967-1968), building his reputation as a versatile performer capable of blending song, dance, and drama. Linden achieved his greatest stage acclaim with the title role of Mayer Rothschild in the original Broadway musical The Rothschilds (1970-1972), earning the 1971 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his nuanced portrayal of the historical banking patriarch.[23] He followed this with a starring turn as Sid Sorokin in the 1973 revival of The Pajama Game, demonstrating his leading-man appeal in musical comedy.[23] Later in his career, Linden continued to take on challenging roles, often as replacements that allowed him to inject fresh energy into long-running shows, such as Nat in I'm Not Rappaport (1986-1987) and Mervyn Kant in The Sisters Rosensweig (1993-1994).[23] His stage work extended to regional theater, where he starred as Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond at the Colony Theatre in Burbank in 2011, earning praise for his emotional depth in the dramatic role. That same year, he portrayed the Interlocutor in the Los Angeles premiere of The Scottsboro Boys at the Ahmanson Theatre, bringing gravitas to the musical's commentary on racial injustice.[26] Throughout his stage career, Linden's journey from understudy and industrial performer to Tony-winning lead underscored his adaptability across musicals and straight plays, solidifying his legacy as a enduring figure in American theater.[3]Television career
Linden began his television career in the 1960s with guest appearances on variety shows, including a spot on The Perry Como Show where he performed as part of a vocal group.[8] He also appeared on Kraft Music Hall, leveraging his background as a musician and singer to contribute to musical segments.[27] These early roles built on his stage experience and helped establish him in broadcast television before he transitioned to more prominent acting parts in the 1970s. During the run of his breakthrough series, Linden also hosted the PBS educational children's series Animals, Animals, Animals from 1976 to 1981, for which he won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host in a Children's Series in 1979 and 1980.[5] Linden achieved his breakthrough in television as Captain Barney Miller in the ABC sitcom Barney Miller, which aired from 1975 to 1982 across eight seasons.[27] The ensemble-driven series, created by Danny Arnold, depicted the daily operations of a New York City police precinct in Greenwich Village, emphasizing character interactions over action-oriented plots and offering social commentary on urban policing challenges such as community relations and bureaucratic hurdles.[28] Praised for its realistic portrayal of police work—focusing on paperwork, interpersonal dynamics, and societal issues rather than chases— the show was lauded by crime novelist Joseph Wambaugh as one of the most accurate depictions on TV.[8] It broke ground in representation by introducing Marty and Darryl, portrayed by Jack DeLeon and Ray Stewart, as one of the first ongoing gay couples on American primetime television starting in 1976; creator Arnold collaborated with the Gay Media Task Force to ensure sensitive handling amid network censorship battles.[29] Following Barney Miller, Linden starred in several short-lived series, including the NBC mystery Blacke's Magic in 1986, where he played a magician solving crimes with his father, played by Harry Morgan.[27] He returned to leading roles with Jack's Place on ABC from 1992 to 1993, portraying retired jazz musician Jack Evans who ran a romantic restaurant in St. Thomas, and The Boys Are Back on CBS in 1994-1995, as a sportswriter managing family life in Indianapolis.[27] These efforts aimed to recapture his sitcom success but ended after one season each due to fluctuating ratings. Throughout his career, Linden made notable guest appearances, including in the pilot for The Love Boat in 1976 as Andrew Canaan, a passenger navigating romantic entanglements.[30] In recent years, he guest-starred in the season three finale of HBO Max's Hacks in 2024 as Cliff Biff, a retired TV executive offering career advice to Deborah Vance.[31] In 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Barney Miller's premiere, Linden participated in interviews reflecting on the show's enduring cultural impact, including its innovative handling of social issues and boost in ratings from controversial episodes like the 1975 "Courtesans," which addressed prostitution and briefly earned an "X" rating.[32] Linden also ventured into directing, helming three episodes of Barney Miller starting with "Corporation" in 1977, followed by "Hostage" and "Old Love," where he balanced the show's single-set format with ensemble timing.[33] His portrayal of Barney Miller earned critical acclaim, including seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series between 1976 and 1982, though he did not win; the role also garnered three Golden Globe nominations.[27] The series itself received widespread praise for its intelligent humor and progressive themes, influencing later ensemble cop comedies and maintaining a dedicated fanbase for its authentic exploration of urban law enforcement.[28]Film career
Hal Linden made his film debut in the 1960 musical comedy Bells Are Ringing, an adaptation of the Broadway production in which he had previously appeared on stage; he performed uncredited as a singer in the nightclub sequence, delivering "The Midas Touch."[34] This early role marked his entry into cinema, though his screen appearances remained infrequent compared to his extensive work in theater and television. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Linden took on sporadic supporting parts in theatrical releases, often portraying authoritative or paternal figures that echoed his stage persona. In the 1979 drama When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?, directed by Milton Katselas and adapted from Mark Medoff's play, he played Richard Ethridge, the manager-husband of a classical musician held hostage in a tense roadside diner confrontation.[35] Nearly a decade later, in Alan Alda's 1988 comedy-drama A New Life, Linden appeared as a doctor assisting the protagonist through personal upheaval, contributing to the film's exploration of midlife reinvention.[36] Linden's film work continued intermittently into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with roles that highlighted his versatility in ensemble casts. He portrayed a retirement home resident scheming for easy money alongside Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in the 1997 comedy Out to Sea. In the faith-based drama Time Changer (2002), he played the Dean, a figure of moral guidance in a time-travel narrative. His later appearances included the 2023 romantic comedy You People, directed by Kenya Barris, where he played Mr. Greenwald, the grandfather navigating intergenerational and cultural clashes in a family dynamic. Overall, Linden's film career served as a complement to his primary successes on stage and television, featuring character roles that leveraged his warm, authoritative presence without pursuing leading-man status; his limited live-action screen credits, numbering fewer than a dozen theatrical features over six decades, underscore a selective approach to cinema.[37]Music career
Linden began his musical pursuits early, playing clarinet and saxophone in high school bands while attending New York's High School of Music and Art.[21] In the 1950s, after joining the musicians' union at age 15, he toured professionally with prominent big bands, including those led by Sammy Kaye, Bobby Sherwood, Boyd Raeburn, and Ray McKinley, where he performed as both an instrumentalist and vocalist.[38][39] These experiences honed his skills in big band and jazz styles, laying the foundation for a parallel career that complemented his acting endeavors.[2] His instrumental and vocal talents naturally integrated with his work in musical theater, where his background as a clarinetist and saxophonist allowed him to bring authenticity to roles requiring musical proficiency. Post-Barney Miller, Linden revived his performing career through cabaret and concert appearances, often featuring jazz-infused interpretations of standards.[40] In 2011, he released his debut album, It's Never Too Late, a collection of pop, jazz, and Broadway standards such as "Hello, Dolly!" and "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," which showcased his smooth baritone and lifelong affinity for American songbook classics.[41][42] Linden's post-television tours and concerts, including shows like "An Evening with Hal Linden" and performances at venues such as the Café Carlyle, emphasized his big band roots and jazz sensibilities, blending singing with occasional clarinet solos.[43][44] In a 2025 reflection, he described music as an enduring passion that persisted alongside his acting, noting that he never abandoned his musical side despite his fame in television.[45]Credits
Broadway credits
Hal Linden's Broadway credits span several decades, encompassing both original roles and replacements in musicals and plays. The following table lists his productions chronologically, including roles, performance periods, and notable details.[23]| Production | Opening–Closing Dates | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bells Are Ringing | November 29, 1956 – March 7, 1959 | Jeff Moss (replacement) | Replaced Sydney Chaplin from June 30, 1958, to closing; understudied the role from September 1957 to June 28, 1958. |
| Wildcat | December 16, 1960 – June 3, 1961 | Matt (replacement) | Replaced Charles Braswell from March 6, 1961, to closing; understudied Joe Dynamite; co-starred with Lucille Ball as Wildcat Jackson. [46] |
| Something More! | November 10, 1964 – November 21, 1964 | Dick | Original cast member; understudied Monte Checkovitch and Bill Deems; short run of 15 previews and 1 performance. |
| On a Clear Day You Can See Forever | October 17, 1965 – June 11, 1966 | Standby for Dr. Mark Bruckner and Edward Moncrief | Standby in original production. |
| Illya, Darling | April 11, 1967 – January 13, 1968 | No Face | Original cast member; understudied Tonio. |
| The Education of HYMAN KAPLA*N | April 4, 1968 – April 27, 1968 | Yissel Fishbein | Original cast member; understudied Hyman Kaplan; short run of 23 previews and 24 performances. |
| Three Men on a Horse | October 16, 1969 – January 10, 1970 | Charlie | Original cast member in revival. |
| The Rothschilds | October 19, 1970 – January 1, 1972 | Mayer Rothschild | Original lead role; ran for 505 performances; won Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (1971); co-starred with Jill Clayburgh as Hannah Cohen and Keene Curtis as multiple roles. [47] |
| The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window | January 26, 1972 – January 29, 1972 | Sidney Brustein | Original cast member in revival; short run of 4 previews and 1 performance. |
| The Pajama Game | December 9, 1973 – February 3, 1974 | Sid Sorokin | Original lead in revival; ran for 65 performances; co-starred with Barbara McNair as Babe Williams and Cab Calloway as Hines. |
| I'm Not Rappaport | November 19, 1985 – January 3, 1989 | Nat (replacement) | Replaced from September 2, 1986, to June 7, 1987. [48] |
| Happy Birthday, Mr. Abbott! | June 22, 1987 | Performer | One-night benefit concert celebrating George Abbott. |
| The Sisters Rosensweig | March 22, 1993 – January 2, 1995 | Mervyn Kant (replacement) | Replaced from August 16, 1993, to January 16, 1994. |
| Cabaret | March 19, 1998 – January 4, 2004 | Herr Schultz (replacement) | Replaced from April 29, 2002, to August 2002 in revival. [49] |
| The Gathering | April 24, 2001 – May 13, 2001 | Gabe | Original lead; short run of 3 previews and 24 performances. [50] |
Industrial musicals
Industrial musicals were a unique form of entertainment in mid-20th century America, consisting of non-public theatrical productions commissioned by corporations to motivate employees, promote products, and foster company loyalty at internal events.[24] These shows often featured professional performers, elaborate staging, and original songs tailored to business themes, providing steady work for actors like Hal Linden during his early career.[51] Linden participated in several such productions in the 1960s, serving as a lead singer in promotional spectacles that highlighted corporate innovations.[52] One of Linden's early industrial musical appearances was in The Saga of the Dingbat (1965), a production for the New York Herald Tribune that satirized newspaper operations through musical numbers.[24] Linden performed in the cast, contributing to the show's ensemble.[53] Linden also appeared in Going Great! (1963), a show produced for Rambler Motors to celebrate the company's automotive advancements and sales achievements.[54] The production, which ran as part of corporate conventions, featured Linden performing upbeat numbers like the "1964-Ward March," emphasizing themes of progress and market leadership in the automobile industry.[55] As a featured vocalist, Linden contributed to the show's energetic, morale-boosting format designed for dealer and employee audiences.[56] Linden later starred in Diesel Dazzle (1966), commissioned by the Detroit Diesel Engine Division of General Motors to showcase diesel technology's reliability and efficiency.[24] This hour-long musical, performed at company gatherings, included Linden in lead roles alongside David Hartman, singing songs such as "We Were There" and "One Man Operation," which dramatized the engineering prowess and operational simplicity of diesel engines.[57] The show's dazzling production values, including choreography and sets, underscored its role as a high-energy promotional tool for internal motivation.[58]Filmography
Hal Linden has appeared in a select number of feature films throughout his career, often in supporting roles.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Bells Are Ringing | Singer of "The Midas Touch" (uncredited)[59] |
| 1979 | When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? | Richard Ethridge[35] |
| 1988 | A New Life | Mel Arons[36] |
| 1996 | Just Friends | Mr. Barton[60] |
| 1997 | Out to Sea | Mac Valor[61] |
| 2001 | Dumb Luck | Irwin[62] |
| 2002 | Time Changer | The Dean[63] |
| 2003 | Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There | Himself |
| 2007 | Jump! | Henry[64] |
| 2008 | Light Years Away | Grandpa Sommers[65] |
| 2010 | In Security | Agent McCormick[66] |
| 2016 | Stevie D | Max Levine[67] |
| 2018 | The Samuel Project | Samuel[68] |
| 2019 | Grand-Daddy Day Care | Harry[69] |
| 2023 | You People | Mr. Greenwald |
Television filmography
Hal Linden's television career spans over five decades, encompassing lead roles in sitcoms, made-for-TV films, guest spots on popular series, and occasional directing duties. His most prominent work includes the long-running series Barney Miller, where he portrayed the titular captain for eight seasons.[70]Series
Linden starred as Captain Barney Miller in the ABC sitcom Barney Miller from 1975 to 1982, appearing in 168 episodes as the level-headed precinct commander navigating urban crime and personal dilemmas.[70] He led the NBC mystery series Blacke's Magic in 1986 as magician-detective Alexander Blacke across 13 episodes, solving crimes with illusion and intellect alongside his father, played by Harry Morgan.[71] In the ABC drama Jack's Place (1992–1993), Linden played the widowed innkeeper Jack Evans in 18 episodes, blending storytelling with light adventure.[72] He also headlined the CBS sitcom The Boys Are Back (1994–1995) as father Fred Hansen in all 18 episodes and recurred as Judge Harrison Kemp on the soap The Bold and the Beautiful (2006–2007).Television Movies
Linden appeared in several made-for-television films, often in dramatic or character-driven roles. Notable credits include Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside (1973, NBC) as Det. Lt. Jake Jacoby; Neon Ceiling (1976, NBC) as Robert; How to Break Up a Happy Divorce (1976, ABC) as Tony Larusso, a man navigating post-divorce life; Father Figure (1980, CBS) as Howard, a stepfather adjusting to family dynamics; Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land (1983, ABC) as Capt. Tod Spenser; My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn (1985, CBS) as Jack Warner; The Other Woman (1983, CBS) as Lou Chadway, a widower entangled in romance; and I Do! I Do! (1982, CBS), where he portrayed the husband in a musical adaptation opposite Lee Remick.[37]Guest Appearances
Throughout his career, Linden made numerous guest spots, leveraging his versatile persona across genres. He appeared multiple times on The Love Boat (ABC, 1976–1985), including the 1976 pilot as Andrew Canaan and subsequent episodes as various passengers. In Murder, She Wrote (CBS, 1985), he guest-starred as Lt. Ray McFall in the episode "Prediction: Murder." His most recent acting role was in the Max series Hacks (2024), playing retired executive Biff Cliff in the season 3 finale "Bulletproof," offering sage advice to a struggling comedian.[73] Other key appearances include The Golden Girls (1989–1990, NBC) as barber Sam Devereaux; The Nanny (1996, CBS) as the romantic lead; Touched by an Angel (1997, CBS) as a skeptical doctor; Law & Order (1998, NBC) as a defense attorney; Will & Grace (2000, NBC) as a judge; The King of Queens (2003, CBS) as a neighbor; Hot in Cleveland (2011, TV Land) as pilot Alex; 2 Broke Girls (2014, CBS) as a restaurateur; and Grey's Anatomy (2017, ABC) as a patient.Specials and Directing
Linden hosted the musical variety special The Hal Linden Special (ABC, 1979), reflecting on his early career as a singer and saxophonist with performances and comedy sketches.[74] He also narrated educational specials like Animals, Animals, Animals (ABC, 1976–1981) and hosted FYI (ABC, 1977–1979). Linden directed three episodes of Barney Miller: "The Courtesans" (1977), "Hostage" (1978), and "Old Love" (1982), contributing to the series' behind-the-scenes production.[75] In 2025, Linden performed in regional theater productions including The Journals of Adam and Eve (March 2025, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts) opposite Sally Struthers and A.R. Gurney's Love Letters (November 22, 2025, El Portal Theatre) opposite Barbara Eden.[76][77]Awards and nominations
Theater awards
Hal Linden received widespread recognition for his performance as Mayer Rothschild in the Broadway musical The Rothschilds, earning the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical at the 25th Annual Tony Awards ceremony held on March 28, 1971, at the Palace Theatre in New York City.[78] This victory marked Linden's sole Tony Award win and highlighted his commanding portrayal of the patriarch leading his family through financial and political challenges in 18th-century Europe. The award underscored the production's critical acclaim, as The Rothschilds also garnered nominations in multiple categories, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical. Linden competed against a strong field of nominees, including David Burns for his role in Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen and Larry Kert for Company, both established stars in the Broadway scene. His win was particularly significant as it propelled his career forward, establishing him as a leading man in musical theater during a season dominated by innovative works like Stephen Sondheim's Company, which took home the Tony for Best Musical. Despite the production's success, Linden did not receive additional Tony nominations in subsequent years for his stage work.Television awards
Hal Linden received significant recognition for his television work, particularly through multiple nominations from prestigious awards bodies, though he did not secure a Primetime Emmy win despite consistent acclaim for his lead role in Barney Miller.[79] Linden earned seven consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for portraying Captain Barney Miller from 1976 to 1982, reflecting the critical praise for his nuanced performance in the sitcom.[79] These nominations highlighted his ability to blend humor with depth in depicting urban policing, but he did not win the award in any year.[79] He also received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1979 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy or Variety Series for his appearance on The Love Boat.[80] In contrast, Linden achieved success at the Daytime Emmy Awards, winning three times for his contributions to educational and informational programming. In 1983, he received the Daytime Emmy for Special Classification of Outstanding Individual Achievement as Host for FYI, a public affairs series he hosted on ABC.[5] He repeated this win in 1984 for the same category and series, underscoring his engaging on-air presence in discussing consumer and lifestyle topics.[81] His third Daytime Emmy came in 1995 for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special, earned for his guest role as Rabbi Markovitz in the episode "The Writing on the Wall" of CBS Schoolbreak Special.[82] Linden also garnered four Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Barney Miller, in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1981, further affirming his impact on ensemble comedy television.[83] None resulted in a win, but they positioned him alongside top performers of the era.[83] In 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Barney Miller, Linden participated in tributes including reunions and interviews that celebrated the show's enduring legacy in ensemble sitcoms.[32]| Award | Year(s) | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy | 1976–1982 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Barney Miller | Nominated (7 times) |
| Primetime Emmy | 1979 | Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy or Variety Series | The Love Boat | Nominated |
| Daytime Emmy | 1983 | Special Classification of Outstanding Individual Achievement – Host | FYI | Won |
| Daytime Emmy | 1984 | Special Classification of Outstanding Individual Achievement – Host | FYI | Won |
| Daytime Emmy | 1995 | Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special | CBS Schoolbreak Special | Won |
| Golden Globe | 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981 | Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | Barney Miller | Nominated (4 times) |