Meet the Cast of Hogan's Heroes: Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, John Banner

About Hogan's Heroes

Released on September 17, 1965
Comedy War & Politics

"Hogan's Heroes" is a classic American television sitcom that graced the screens for an impressive 168 episodes, airing from September 17, 1965, to July 4, 1971, on CBS. This beloved show is set against the backdrop of a German prisoner of war camp during World War II, offering a unique blend of humor and historical context. The show centers around Colonel Robert E. Hogan, portrayed by the charismatic Bob Crane, who leads an international group of Allied prisoners in a Special Operations unit, all from within the confines of the camp. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a series filled with clever schemes, witty dialogue, and a cast of characters that viewers grew to love.

The show's popularity during its six-season run can be attributed to its exceptional cast and crew. Alongside Bob Crane, the series features Richard Dawson as Peter Newkirk, adding a touch of British charm to the crew. Werner Klemperer delivers a memorable performance as Colonel Wilhelm Klink, the commandant of the camp, while John Banner's portrayal of the bumbling sergeant-of-the-guard, Hans Schultz, provides a constant source of comedic relief. The chemistry between these characters is palpable, and their antics within the camp keep viewers entertained and engaged.

Despite its end in 1971, the legacy of "Hogan's Heroes" lives on. In a testament to its enduring popularity, Bernard Fein's estate and Albert S. Ruddy acquired the sequel and separate rights to the show from Mark Cuban in 2013 through arbitration. The acquisition has led to plans for a movie based on the show, proving that the humor, camaraderie, and unique premise of "Hogan's Heroes" continues to captivate audiences even decades after its original run. Fans of the original series, and those new to the exploits of Colonel Hogan and his crew, eagerly anticipate the opportunity to revisit this classic sitcom on the big screen.

Main Cast of Hogan's Heroes

Bob Crane
plays Robert Hogan (168 episodes)

Bob Crane's portrayal of Robert Hogan in the iconic TV series "Hogan's Heroes" is truly commendable, showcasing his exceptional comedic timing and dramatic flair. Playing a seemingly mild-mannered Colonel commanding Allied prisoners, Crane brought a unique blend of intelligence, charisma, and humor to the character. His ability to deliver witty one-liners, while maintaining an air of authority and resourcefulness that made Hogan the mastermind behind numerous escape plans and sabotage missions, was nothing short of captivating. Despite the controversial setting of a World War II POW camp, Crane's performance helped to create a character audiences rooted for, making him a standout among the ensemble cast, and cementing Hogan's Heroes as a classic television series. See Bob Crane's other roles →

Richard Dawson
plays Peter Newkirk (168 episodes)

Richard Dawson's portrayal of the quick-witted and charming Corporal Peter Newkirk in the television series 'Hogan's Heroes' was an absolute delight. His character, a former London con man turned British soldier, brought a unique blend of humor and intelligence to the ensemble cast. Dawson's performance was marked by his impeccable comedic timing and his ability to switch seamlessly between Newkirk's cheeky cockney accent and an array of other impressions. His character's resourcefulness and cunning added an extra layer of complexity to the show's plotlines, making Newkirk a fan favorite and a standout among the heroes of Stalag 13. See Richard Dawson's other roles →

Robert Clary
plays Louis LeBeau (168 episodes)

Robert Clary's portrayal of French Corporal Louis LeBeau in the classic TV series "Hogan's Heroes" is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the controversial setting of a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, Clary's performance is a beacon of humor, resilience, and camaraderie. His character, LeBeau, is a robust and crafty POW who, along with his fellow prisoners, outwits their captors in various comedic and often witty schemes. Clary's sharp comedic timing and impeccable delivery make LeBeau an endearing and memorable character, providing a much-needed balance of laughter and light-heartedness within the serious and tense backdrop of the series. See Robert Clary's other roles →

Larry Hovis
plays Andrew Carter (168 episodes)

Absolutely! Larry Hovis delivered a remarkable performance as Andrew Carter, better known as "The Professor," in the iconic TV series 'Hogan's Heroes.' Hovis's character was a brilliant yet goofy, bumbling Allied intelligence agent, who often found himself in amusing situations due to his clumsy and naive nature. Despite his comedic role, Hovis's performance was nuanced, balancing humor and sincerity, and making "The Professor" one of the show's most lovable and memorable characters. His chemistry with the rest of the cast was palpable, and he added a layer of warmth and camaraderie that helped make 'Hogan's Heroes' an enduring classic. See Larry Hovis's other roles →

Werner Klemperer
plays Wilhelm Klink (168 episodes)

Werner Klemperer's portrayal of Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the classic television series "Hogan's Heroes" is nothing short of iconic. Klemperer brilliantly balanced his character's pompousness, incompetence, and underlying humanity in a way that made Klink both a comedic driving force and an endearing character. The German-born actor, with impeccable comedic timing and the use of sharp facial expressions, brought humor and depth to Colonel Klink's bumbling yet comically stern behavior, crafting one of the most memorable performances in television history. Despite the controversial choice of making a German POW camp the setting for a comedy, Klemperer’s performance helped steer viewer sentiments away from offense and towards humor, making the show a long-lasting success. See Werner Klemperer's other roles →