Werner Klemperer

As New York City flickered with post-war vitality, a German-born artist with a magnetic presence behind the footlights and in front of the camera emerged, leaving an indelible impact on American television and theater. Werner Klemperer, best known to audiences as Colonel Wilhelm Klink on the beloved 1960s sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” was an actor whose career spanned multiple spheres of public entertainment, echoing the complexities of his own storied life. Born in Cologne, Germany, on March 22, 1920, Klemperer was the son of distinguished conductor Otto Klemperer and opera singer Johanna Geisler. He grew up enveloped in music, yet amid a burgeoning Nazi regime that would upend stability for Jewish families like the Klemperers. In 1935, as the Nazi Party’s oppressive grip tightened, the family emigrated to the United States, seeking refuge from the brewing anti-Semitic fervor that would soon engulf Europe. Settling in Los Angeles, young Klemperer absorbed the burgeoning entertainment culture, although initially aiming to pursue a career in music akin to his father’s legacy. Hopes of musical prominence nudged aside, Klemperer was drawn into the orbit of acting during his college years, ultimately deciding that the theatrical arts were his true calling. Klemperer’s entry into the entertainment industry dovetailed with the era’s rising film opportunities. He first cut his teeth in summer stock theater before gaining traction with appearances in film and television. His imposing stature and resonant, commanding voice landed him roles, often portraying stern European characters that mirrored, in an uncanny twist, the very figures his family fled. His film credits began accumulating in the 1950s, with roles in movies such as “The Wrong Man” (1956) and “Judgment at Nuremberg” (1961), the latter firmly situating him as an actor capable of portraying moral complexity. Yet, it was the small screen that would forever etch his image into American cultural memory. “Hogan’s Heroes,” which premiered on CBS in 1965, offered Klemperer his signature role: Colonel Klink, the bumbling commandant of a German POW camp during World War II. It was a curious anomaly—a comedy based on war—but Klemperer embraced the juxtaposition of humor and history, bringing to life a character delightfully inept yet somehow endearing. Klemperer’s portrayal was a delicate balancing act. He eschewed over-simplified caricature, tapping into a keen sense of timing and subtlety that rendered his version of Klink captivating. Under his stewardship, Klink became paradoxically lovable, a figure mocked for his incompetence yet invariably evoking sympathy from audiences. "Hogan’s Heroes" ran for six seasons, earning Klemperer two Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Beyond the laughter shared with audiences, "Hogan’s Heroes" was a unique cultural lodestar; Klemperer, a Jew playing a Nazi—a decision he reconciled by insisting Klink would never succeed in his misdeeds. By playing such roles, Klemperer unwittingly contributed to a broader discourse on the portrayal of Nazis in popular media, a narrative shaped by both humor and horror. After "Hogan’s Heroes" concluded, Klemperer continued to show his versatility, once again returning to the stage where he had initially honed his craft. His endeavors included esteemed turns in renowned productions such as “Equus” and “Cabaret.” In 1979, Klemperer explored his musical roots, conducting his father’s works with various orchestras worldwide, including the prestigious acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic—a poignant return to a first love that linked him to his heritage. Despite the many performances, interviews, and accolades, perhaps Klemperer’s lasting legacy resided in his ability to evolve roles that were simultaneously transformative and embodied. By imbuing humor with pathos, his characters transcended the confines of a script, humanizing figures that might otherwise exist as mere historical footnotes. The hybrid of joviality and gravitas in his performances reflected a life intricately shaped by history himself. Werner Klemperer passed away on December 6, 2000, in Manhattan, leaving behind not just a treasure trove of performances, but a model of resilience for future actors navigating the porous boundaries between history and storytelling. His portfolios of work remind us that laughter is an imperfect shelter against the world's darker natures—a doctrine Klemperer himself made his own, both on and off the screen.