The actor who wouldn't play a Nazi unless he was a fool
In short: Werner Klemperer became a television icon by portraying a high-ranking Nazi officer. However, he refused the role unless the character was depicted as a complete buffoon. This moral boundary shaped one of the most recognizable comedic performances in American history, ensuring the villainy of the regime was never mistaken for heroism.
Born in Cologne, Germany, to a renowned musical family—including his father, orchestra conductor Otto Klemperer—Werner Klemperer emigrated to the United States in 1933. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he began a versatile career spanning Broadway, film, and television. Before finding fame, he appeared in notable works like Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Wrong Man' (1956) and the award-winning 'Judgment at Nuremberg' (1961), where he played a Nazi prosecutor. His father was a famous conductor who was Jewish by birth. Klemperer's mother was a soprano from a Lutheran background. He also performed in several television shows like Perry Mason and Maverick.
Klemperer's most enduring legacy is his role as Colonel Wilhelm Klink in the sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes' (1965–1971). Because of his personal history and the gravity of the subject matter, Klemperer was highly conscious of the implications of portraying a German officer. He accepted the role only on the specific condition that Klink be depicted as a bungling, cowardly, and self-serving fool who never succeeded in his goals. He spent years touring the Pacific to entertain troops while in the military. This period preceded his Broadway debut in 1947. He also appeared in the 1961 film Operation Eichmann.
This distinction allowed Klemperer to achieve massive success, winning back-to-back Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1968 and 1969. His career remained diverse throughout his life; he transitioned into opera, narrated classical music, and appeared in everything from 'Law & Order' to 'The Simpsons.' He remained a dedicated advocate for his peers, serving as a vice president of the Actors' Equity Association until his death in 2000. He received five consecutive Emmy nominations for this specific role. He also performed as Prince Orlofsky in a Seattle Opera production. His papers are currently held by the New York Public Library.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Werner Klemperer
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