French-American actor and author, best known for his role as Corporal Louis LeBeau on the popular 1960s sitcom "Hogan's Heroes". He also wrote an autobiography about his experiences in Nazi concentration camps.
Robert Clary, a French-born actor, is best known for his iconic role as Corporal Louis LeBeau on the popular television sitcom Hogan's Heroes (1965-1971). His remarkable career, spanning over six decades, has been marked by numerous notable performances on stage, screen, and television.
Born on March 1, 1926, in Paris, France, Clary was the youngest of 14 children to Polish Jewish immigrants, Baila and Moishe Widerman. Tragically, 10 of his siblings would later perish in the Holocaust. In 1942, Clary, just 16 years old, was deported to the Nazi concentration camp at Ottmuth, in Upper Silesia (now Otmt, Poland), where he was tattooed with the identification number A5714 on his left forearm.
During his imprisonment, Clary used his talent as a singer to entertain SS soldiers every other Sunday, accompanied by an accordionist. This coping mechanism helped him survive the brutal conditions of the concentration camp, including Buchenwald, where he was later sent. Clary has spoken candidly about the horrors he endured, stating, "We were not even human beings... We were less than animals."
After the war, Clary began his professional singing career on French radio stations and studied art in Paris. He eventually moved to the United States, where he transitioned to acting, initially performing on stage before moving to television and film. In addition to his iconic role in Hogan's Heroes, Clary had recurring roles on the soap operas Days of Our Lives (1972-1987) and The Bold and the Beautiful (1990-1992).
Throughout his career, Clary has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He has received numerous awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work on Hogan's Heroes. Clary's story serves as a testament to the human spirit, inspiring generations with his resilience and talent.
In his later years, Clary reflected on his experiences, stating, "Singing, entertaining, and being in kind of good health at my age, that's why I survived." His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, perseverance, and the human capacity for survival.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Robert Clary, we honor his courage, talent, and unwavering spirit. His enduring impact on the entertainment industry and his powerful story of survival serve as a testament to the human capacity for resilience and hope.
97 Years Old
Star of the popular 1960s sitcom "Hogan's Heroes," he played the charismatic Colonel Robert Hogan, leading a team of Allied prisoners in a German POW camp.
Born in 1920
A German-American actor best known for his iconic role as Colonel Klink in the popular 1960s sitcom "Hogan's Heroes". He won multiple Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the bumbling German officer.
Born in 1910
Austrian-born actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Sergeant Hans Georg Schultz in the classic TV sitcom "Hogan's Heroes".
90 Years Old
An American actor and singer, best known for his role as Carter on the 1960s TV show "Hogan's Heroes". He also appeared in various other TV shows and films, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
99 Years Old
A veteran character actor with a knack for playing charming, eccentric characters, particularly in popular TV shows like "Bewitched" and "Hogan's Heroes".
95 Years Old
Noted for his groundbreaking roles in film and television, particularly as Kinchloe in the classic TV series "Hogan's Heroes," and for directing numerous episodes of popular shows like "The Waltons" and "Magnum P.I."
