Werner Klemperer
PMP Network Presents
Werner Klemperer, known for his iconic role as Colonel Klink in the television series Hogan's Heroes, shares insights into how he landed the part. He reflects on his experiences working with fellow cast members and the show's lasting legacy. Klemperer also touches on the challenges and nuances of portraying a character in a historical setting.
Werner Klemperer
About Werner Klemperer
Werner Klemperer was an American actor best known for portraying Colonel Wilhelm Klink on the CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes from 1965 to 1971. He won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1968 and 1969. Klemperer also appeared in the film Judgment at Nuremberg and received a Tony Award nomination for the 1987 Broadway revival of Cabaret. He worked as a narrator with American symphony orchestras throughout his career.
In this interview
- Recalls testing for the role with Bob Crane, which secured his casting.
- Reflects on the loss of cast members John Banner and Bob Crane.
- Discusses Robert Clary's personal history as a concentration camp survivor.
- Describes acting as a transformative process when wearing costumes and playing challenging roles.
“When you are an actor you're all kind of being changed when you get into your costume whatever it is.”— Werner Klemperer, in this interview
Since this interview
Werner Klemperer died on December 6, 2000, at age 80 at his home in New York City.
