Who Is Still Alive From ‘Barney Miller’?

BARNEY MILLER, Jack Soo, Steve Landesberg, Ron Carey, Hal Linden, Max Gail, Ron Glass, 1975-82
Everett Collection

50 years ago today, on Jan. 23, 1975, Barney Miller debuted. Though police dramas have been a programming staple since the early days of TV, police comedies are less common — so Barney Miller, with its unique charm and socially aware humor, broke ground. Set in an NYPD precinct, it tackled complex issues while maintaining a lighthearted, ensemble-driven narrative. In many ways, it was ahead of its time— think Brooklyn Nine-Nine with more grit and wit. While some aspects of the show may feel outdated now, there’s no denying its progressive legacy, especially for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, which often challenged censors while reflecting Greenwich Village’s diversity in the post-Stonewall era.

While several of its beloved stars have passed away, including Ron Glass, James Gregory, Jack Soo and Abe Vigoda, three key cast members are still alive. Read on to find out who they are and what they’re up to these days.

Hal Linden (93)

Barney Miller

Hal Linden

Everett Collection; Menemsha/Everett Collection

After bringing the world-weary yet endearing Detective Barney Miller to life for 170 episodes, Hal Linden has stayed a fixture in entertainment. His post-Barney Miller career has spanned decades, with roles in both television and theater. While still working on the sitcom, Linden expanded his horizons by hosting two kids’ shows, FYI and Animals, Animals, Animals — both of which won him Daytime Emmys. After the show ended, Linden dabbled in everything from guest roles on Gilmore Girls (as a man who asks Emily to dance while she and Lorelai are away on an ill-advised spa trip together) and Grey’s Anatomy to voice acting in The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Linden’s career kept flourishing with roles in films like Out To Sea and You People. He’s also maintained a career on stage, performing in productions like Guys and Dolls and On Golden Pond. Recently, Linden starred in The Journal of Adam and Eve in New York, and he’s even released his own music and gone on tour with his own cabaret show. He was most recently seen in an episode of the award-winning show Hacks.

Max Gail (81)

Wojo

Max Gail

Everett Collection; Araya Doheny/Getty Images

Max Gail, best known as the lovable Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz, was a staple of Barney Miller from start to finish. Wojo’s mix of naivety and heart made him an unforgettable part of the show’s ensemble. After the series ended, Gail remained busy, with roles in General Hospital, Magnum P.I. and Dexter. He also appeared in the film 42, about Jackie Robinson‘s life, and in Mad Men, where he portrayed a member of Don Draper’s veterans’ group.

Gail’s stage work has continued, and he is also involved in documentary production through his company, Full Circle. His most recent role was in a 2022 episode of Magnum P.I.

Barbara Barrie (93)

Liz Miller

Barbara Barrie

Everett Collection; John Lamparski/Getty Images

As Liz Miller, Barney’s long-suffering yet supportive wife, Barbara Barrie brought depth and warmth to her role, appearing in 37 episodes. A seasoned stage actor even before her time on Barney Miller, Barrie’s post-sitcom work has been equally impressive. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Breaking Away and was nominated for multiple Emmys for her appearances in Law & Order.

Barrie’s career on the big screen includes a voice role in Disney’s Hercules and appearances in Private Benjamin and Suddenly Susan. Her television resumé includes darker, more nuanced roles in Nurse Jackie, Pushing Daisies and Dead Like Me. A prolific stage performer, Barrie’s Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof and Company; she returned to the stage in 2017 for Significant Other. Outside of acting, Barrie is an accomplished author, penning memoirs and children’s books. Her book Don’t Die of Embarrassment recounts her battle with colorectal cancer. She continues to manage pulmonary fibrosis, remaining an inspiration to others.

Top TV Sleuths of the '70s
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Top TV Sleuths of the '70s

It's no mystery that TV detectives ruled the airwaves in the 1970s.

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