Werner Klemperer was a German-American actor and musician, best known for his portrayal of Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the popular television show "Hogan's Heroes." Born on March 22, 1920, in Cologne, Germany, Klemperer belonged to a highly accomplished musical family. His father was renowned conductor Otto Klemperer, and his mother was an opera singer.
Despite coming from a musical background, Klemperer chose to pursue acting and began his career on stage in Germany. However, with the rise of the Nazi regime, he and his family fled the country and settled in the United States in 1935. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Klemperer turned his focus to acting in both film and television.
His most memorable role came in 1965 when he was cast as the bumbling and inept German Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the television sitcom "Hogan's Heroes." Klemperer's portrayal of Klink, an oblivious and gullible character, brought him widespread recognition and acclaim. He won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in 1968 and 1969.
Beyond "Hogan's Heroes," Klemperer appeared in numerous other television shows and films throughout his career. He also continued to lend his talents to the musical theater, appearing in various stage productions. Klemperer's contributions to the entertainment industry spanned over four decades and he is remembered as a versatile actor with a unique ability to portray both comedic and dramatic roles.
Werner Klemperer passed away on December 6, 2000, in New York City at the age of 80, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of acting
