Werner Klemperer, known for his iconic role as Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the beloved television series Hogan's Heroes, was a multi-talented actor whose life journey was intricately tied to the arts, war, and personal conviction. Born on March 22, 1920, in Cologne, Germany, Klemperer came from a rich musical heritage that played a significant role in shaping his early years.
Despite being born into a family of musicians—his father, Otto Klemperer, was a renowned conductor and his mother, Johanna Geisler, a soprano—Werner claimed he possessed little musical talent. The family's life took a dramatic turn when they immigrated to the United States in 1933, fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime. This relocation would pave the way for Werner's future career in acting in Los Angeles, where his father became the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1933 to 1939.
Klemperer initially dabbled in acting during high school, where he nurtured a newfound passion for the stage. He enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse to hone his skills. However, with the outbreak of World War II, he made a significant decision to leave acting school and enlist in the United States Army. While stationed in Hawaii, he became part of the Army Special Service Unit, focused on entertaining the troops—a formative experience that deepened his commitment to performance.
Post-war, Klemperer's career took off as he ventured into Broadway musicals, where he trained in singing and developed into an operatic baritone. His film career began in earnest in 1956 with a small role in Death of a Scoundrel, followed by noteworthy appearances in The Wrong Man (1956) and several other films, including Istanbul and Kissed Them for Me.
Klemperer’s big break came in 1961 with the courtroom drama Judgment at Nuremberg, which included a star-studded cast and significant cultural relevance; it was ultimately selected for preservation in the United States Film Registry. By 1965, he found himself auditioning for the role of Colonel Klink in Hogan's Heroes. Interestingly, he first approached the character with a serious tone, unaware that the series was a comedy. Upon adjusting his performance, Klemperer won the role, solidifying his status in television history.
Notably, Klemperer added a unique stipulation to his contract: Colonel Klink could never be portrayed as a hero nor engage in harming anyone, reflecting his distaste for the glorification of Nazis in popular media.
Throughout his time on Hogan's Heroes, Klemperer's portrayal of Colonel Klink won him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the only cast member to take home such honors. His successful career spanned decades, during which he appeared in various television series, including Lost in Space and Batman, and contributed to Broadway productions even after Hogan's Heroes ended.
In addition, he was involved in numerous films, such as Return of the Beverly Hillbillies and appearances on shows like Law & Order and The Simpsons.
After Hogan's Heroes concluded, Klemperer maintained a busy career, appearing in numerous films and television shows until 1993. His last years were marked by critical acclaim and the respect of peers and audiences alike, until his passing on December 6, 2000, due to cancer at the age of 80. True to his wishes, his remains were cremated and scattered at sea, a final act of freedom reflecting his life's journey and contributions.
Klemperer's legacy endures not just through his work in Hogan's Heroes but also through the values he upheld regarding humanity and the role of art in interpreting history. Fans continue to cherish his performance and contributions to entertainment, celebrating the good humor and charm embodied in his portrayal of Colonel Klink.
For those interested in the history of Hogan's Heroes, Klemperer’s career serves as an important testament to the strength of comedic storytelling amidst serious historical contexts. His work invites us to reflect on the past while enjoying the laughter that great performances can bring.
Part 1/8:
Werner Klemperer: The Man Behind Colonel Klink
Werner Klemperer, known for his iconic role as Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the beloved television series Hogan's Heroes, was a multi-talented actor whose life journey was intricately tied to the arts, war, and personal conviction. Born on March 22, 1920, in Cologne, Germany, Klemperer came from a rich musical heritage that played a significant role in shaping his early years.
Part 2/8:
Despite being born into a family of musicians—his father, Otto Klemperer, was a renowned conductor and his mother, Johanna Geisler, a soprano—Werner claimed he possessed little musical talent. The family's life took a dramatic turn when they immigrated to the United States in 1933, fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime. This relocation would pave the way for Werner's future career in acting in Los Angeles, where his father became the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1933 to 1939.
Early Career and Transition to Acting
Part 3/8:
Klemperer initially dabbled in acting during high school, where he nurtured a newfound passion for the stage. He enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse to hone his skills. However, with the outbreak of World War II, he made a significant decision to leave acting school and enlist in the United States Army. While stationed in Hawaii, he became part of the Army Special Service Unit, focused on entertaining the troops—a formative experience that deepened his commitment to performance.
Part 4/8:
Post-war, Klemperer's career took off as he ventured into Broadway musicals, where he trained in singing and developed into an operatic baritone. His film career began in earnest in 1956 with a small role in Death of a Scoundrel, followed by noteworthy appearances in The Wrong Man (1956) and several other films, including Istanbul and Kissed Them for Me.
Breakthrough Role in Hogan's Heroes
Part 5/8:
Klemperer’s big break came in 1961 with the courtroom drama Judgment at Nuremberg, which included a star-studded cast and significant cultural relevance; it was ultimately selected for preservation in the United States Film Registry. By 1965, he found himself auditioning for the role of Colonel Klink in Hogan's Heroes. Interestingly, he first approached the character with a serious tone, unaware that the series was a comedy. Upon adjusting his performance, Klemperer won the role, solidifying his status in television history.
Notably, Klemperer added a unique stipulation to his contract: Colonel Klink could never be portrayed as a hero nor engage in harming anyone, reflecting his distaste for the glorification of Nazis in popular media.
Awards and Legacy
Part 6/8:
Throughout his time on Hogan's Heroes, Klemperer's portrayal of Colonel Klink won him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the only cast member to take home such honors. His successful career spanned decades, during which he appeared in various television series, including Lost in Space and Batman, and contributed to Broadway productions even after Hogan's Heroes ended.
In addition, he was involved in numerous films, such as Return of the Beverly Hillbillies and appearances on shows like Law & Order and The Simpsons.
Life After Hogan's Heroes and Final Years
Part 7/8:
After Hogan's Heroes concluded, Klemperer maintained a busy career, appearing in numerous films and television shows until 1993. His last years were marked by critical acclaim and the respect of peers and audiences alike, until his passing on December 6, 2000, due to cancer at the age of 80. True to his wishes, his remains were cremated and scattered at sea, a final act of freedom reflecting his life's journey and contributions.
Klemperer's legacy endures not just through his work in Hogan's Heroes but also through the values he upheld regarding humanity and the role of art in interpreting history. Fans continue to cherish his performance and contributions to entertainment, celebrating the good humor and charm embodied in his portrayal of Colonel Klink.
Part 8/8:
For those interested in the history of Hogan's Heroes, Klemperer’s career serves as an important testament to the strength of comedic storytelling amidst serious historical contexts. His work invites us to reflect on the past while enjoying the laughter that great performances can bring.