In Memory of Actor John Banner (TV's 'Hogan's Heroes'): 50 Years After His Tragic Death

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He knew 'nuteeng' except how to make people laugh and be successful, despite enormous challenges in his life and career. He was an actor best known as Seargent Hans George Schultz on TV's long-running military comedy, Hogan's Heroes (CBS, 1965-1971). His name was John Banner, and he died from an abdominal hemorrhage on his 63rd birthday in 1973. This is his triumphant and tragic story.

A Closer Look

John Banner was born on January 28, 1910, to Jewish parents in Stanislau, Austria-Hungary (now Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine). He studied law at the University of Vienna and then became interested in acting.

Early in his career, Banner was a romantic lead in live theatre productions and motion pictures before transitioning to becoming a character actor. He made his stage debut at the Deutsches Volkstheater in Vienna, in Caramba (essentially an operetta without music).

Around 1938, Banner was appearing with an acting company in Switzerland, when Hitler annexed Austria to Nazi Germany. At this point, Banner emigrated to America, where he quickly learned the phonic sounds and words of the English language.

Subsequently, the actor made his Broadway debut in the summer of 1939 when he and several other refugees appeared in the revue From Vienna.

Later that year, he performed in the comedy, Pastoral, which once more allowed him to speak English, again phonetically.

Then Came TV

John Banner soon transitioned into TV appearing on sitcoms like Mister Ed, and variety hours such as The Red Skelton Show.

In 1956, Banner appeared with actor Werner Klemperer in the "Safe Conduct" TV episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

In 1959, Banner appeared in an episode of The Untouchables, titled, "Takeover." In one sequence, his character is questioned for information, and responds with the line: "I know nothing."

Six years later, he made the line famous with his benchmark role as Sgt. Schultz in Hogan's Heroes.

Meanwhile, too, that unique comedy (set at a Nazi camp in World War II) provided a reunion with Klemperer, who received his big break playing Banner's superior Col. Klink.

Following the cancellation of Hogan's Heroes, Banner starred in the short-lived series, The Chicago Teddy Bears. That regular gig was followed by guest appearances on TV shows like That Girl, The Doris Day Show, and The Partridge Family, and live stage productions.

Beyond Theatre and Television

Beyond his stage and TV appearances, John Banner also made movies for the big screen including The Blue Angel, The Fallen Sparrow, Seven Miles from Alcatraz, The Story of Ruth, Once Upon a Honeymoon, The Moon is Down, and more.

At the time of his demise in 1973, Banner and his wife Christine were in Vienna, awaiting a shipment of furniture they ordered for a home they had recently purchased.

Lasting Impression

John Banner and his genius comedic performance as Sgt. Schultz on Hogan's Heroes will be forever cherished by countless classic TV fans of every culture around the world.