Barney Miller was a beloved American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1975 to 1982. Set in the fictional 12th precinct of the New York City Police Department, the show followed the professional and personal lives of the detectives working in the precinct. With its blend of comedy and drama, Barney Miller became a fan favorite and earned critical acclaim during its run. Let’s take a look at where the cast is today and some secrets from the show.
Hal Linden played the titular character, Captain Barney Miller. After the show ended, Linden continued acting in theater, television, and film. He also pursued his passion for music and released several albums. In recent years, Linden has made appearances in shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the movie, Sandy Wexler.
Ron Glass played the stylish and charismatic Detective Ron Harris. After the show ended, Glass continued acting in TV shows like The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Voyager, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Unfortunately, Glass passed away in 2016.
Max Gail played the sensitive Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz. After the show ended, Gail continued acting in TV shows like Whiz Kids, 42nd Street, and General Hospital. Gail also works as an activist and advocate for mental health and founded the nonprofit organization, ACT (Action for Child Trauma) Today.
Steve Landesberg played the quirky Detective Arthur Dietrich. After the show ended, Landesberg continued acting in TV shows like The Golden Girls, Head Case, and American Dad!. Unfortunately, Landesberg passed away in 2010.
Abe Vigoda played the grumpy Detective Phil Fish. After the show ended, Vigoda continued acting in movies like The Godfather: Part II and Look Who’s Talking. Vigoda passed away in 2016.
One of the secrets from the show is that it was filmed in Los Angeles, not New York City. The set was designed to look like a New York City precinct, but the show was actually filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood. Additionally, the character of Detective Fish was originally written as a temporary character, but Vigoda’s portrayal was so popular that the character became a regular on the show.
Another secret from the show is that the cast often ad-libbed during filming, especially during the famous “roll call” scenes at the beginning of each episode. The writers would often provide a basic outline of the scene, but the actors were allowed to improvise and add their own lines, which led to some hilarious and memorable moments.
In conclusion, Barney Miller was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled important social issues while still making audiences laugh. The cast was incredibly talented and went on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry. The show’s legacy lives on, and it remains a classic example of great television.
