Having only recently getting into watching the TV classic Barney Miller, my exposure to the first three seasons has help me draw the conclusion that the special ingredient in the ensemble cast was the character of Barney Miller himself. Barney was portrayed by Hal Linden, and it was his subtle, sensitive handling of the role that gave the show the extra boost to make it the classic that it was. I can’t think of any other straight-man in the history of television who could be both such a respected and moral man, while having some of the funniest comic reactions to the crazy events going on around him in TV history.
I was under the mistaken and disappointing impression that this would mean that Hal Linden himself would be equally likable when I got the golden opportunity to meet him at the Chiller Theatre Show on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Sadly, this was not the case. I’m not sure if Hal Linden was just disappointed that he had no line whatsoever waiting to greet him. Although he was a bit expensive ($30 for an autograph and $10 for a photo with him), I thought it very odd that this TV legend didn’t command the line of other performers whom I would consider of the same caliber.
But regardless, I was there, ready, willing, and able to plunk down his fee to purchase the works. So why he wasn’t more accommodating, I cannot say. First of all, his handler refused on his behalf when I asked him to add “Barney Miller” to his signature. After all, the photo was a cast shot form the show. So why the stubbornness? That’s not the way we operate around here. We do everything by the book, according to regulations, above board.
Secondly, he wasn’t especially friendly, just sitting there and letting his handler do the talking. And lastly, even though I had paid for the photo, I had to hunker down next to him instead of him putting forth $10 worth of effort to actually get out of the chair. The latter wouldn’t bother me at all, if only some of the other criteria had been attained. The only time that he did lighten up a bit was when I asked him if the rest of the Barney Miller series would be released on DVD. He said that he did think that it was in the works to have a complete series put out at some point.
Hal Linden was also selling a CD of his stand-up comedy, which I might have considered if he had been more friendly. I just don’t think that some of the celebrities realize that a little bit of kindness and generosity will ultimately go a long way in people’s very lasting impression of them – and their willingness to put more money in their pockets.
It’s sad that now every time I watch the hilarious legend Hal Linden in Barney Miller, I’ll be thinking “yeah, but he’s not really like that.”
Celebrities of the Spring 2011 Chiller Theatre Show will continue…
I was there, and I agree with everything you say, except that Mr. Linden was selling a CD of his stand-up comedy. That was not the case.
Hal Linden was selling a CD called, “It’s Never Too Late” which is 14 tracks of him crooning – his first ever CD release. On it, Linden belts out everything from Broadway show tunes, to classic pop songs, and everything in between. While it may be possible to interpret his efforts as comedic, I think Linden is desperately eager to be taken as a serious American vocalist.
Peter
June 24th, 2011
In fact, if you go here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WBTMWK
You can hear free MP3 samples of Linden chirping away.
Peter
June 24th, 2011
I checked out the samples and have only one comment: it’s too late.
Brad
June 24th, 2011
I agree. Way, way too late. At least to be taken as a serious singer.
Still, Linden’s interpretation of, “Evergreen” could catch on as a cultish/comedic masterpiece in the same vein as some of William Shatner’s early musical forays.
Peter
June 24th, 2011
That is too bad. I am shocked as I have met him at least a dozen times and he has always been very nice and friendly. Must have been a bad day!
Bob
June 27th, 2011