As of December 2024, Kenneth Washington, who portrayed Sergeant Richard Baker in the final season of “Hogan’s Heroes,” is the sole surviving principal cast member. Born on October 19, 1946, Washington joined the show in its sixth season, stepping in after Ivan Dixon’s departure. His career includes roles in series like “Adam-12” and guest appearances on shows such as “Star Trek” and “The Rockford Files.” Since the late 1980s, he has largely stepped away from acting.
Robert Clary, who played Corporal Louis LeBeau, was previously among the last surviving cast members but passed away in November 2022 at the age of 96. A Holocaust survivor, Clary’s life story was as compelling as his on-screen performances.
The rest of the main cast includes:
- Bob Crane (Colonel Robert E. Hogan): The charismatic leader of the POWs, Crane’s life was tragically cut short in 1978 when he was found murdered in his Arizona apartment. He was 49 years old.
- Werner Klemperer (Colonel Wilhelm Klink): Portraying the bumbling camp commandant, Klemperer passed away from cancer in 2000 at the age of 80.
- John Banner (Sergeant Hans Schultz): Known for his iconic line, “I know nothing!”, Banner died in 1973 at 63.
- Richard Dawson (Corporal Peter Newkirk): After his role on “Hogan’s Heroes,” Dawson became a beloved game show host, notably on “Family Feud.” He passed away in 2012 at 79.
- Larry Hovis (Sergeant Andrew Carter): The inventive explosives expert, Hovis died in 2003 at 67.
- Ivan Dixon (Sergeant James Kinchloe): The original radio operator before Washington’s character, Dixon passed away in 2008 at 76.
- Leon Askin (General Burkhalter): The stern General, Askin lived to 97, passing in 2005.
- Sigrid Valdis (Hilda): The camp’s secretary and Crane’s second wife, Valdis died in 2007 at 72.
- Howard Caine (Major Hochstetter): The Gestapo officer, Caine passed away in 1993 at 67.
- Cynthia Lynn (Helga): Klink’s secretary in the first season, Lynn died in 2014 at 76.
The ensemble cast of “Hogan’s Heroes” brought humor and humanity to their roles, leaving a lasting legacy in television history.
