The Legacy and Real-Life of Colonel Klink from Hogan’s Heroes

Back in the 1960s, it was rare to write a farewell episode for a beloved character. Colonel Klink, the perpetually befuddled and often misplaced kommodant, was an unforgettable figure in Hogan's Heroes. His character was not just a caricature; there was a depth to his role that made him both endearing and somewhat relatable.

Klink's Role in Hogan’s Heroes

Colonel Klink's tenure at Stalag 13 as the kommodant of the German POW camp was a unique position. Unlike many of his counterparts in other prison camps, he was portrayed as someone who, despite his outward demeanor, did not actively mistreat his American prisoners. While the prisoners suffered from the deprivations of a German military prison camp, Klink was not shown engaging in extreme forms of torture or abuse.

It was made clear that Klink was not a member of the Nazi Party. If the camp was liberated by the US or UK forces, he would likely have been detained for up to a year or two and then sent home. However, if captured by the Russians, his fate could have been far more dire, possibly leading to his disappearance into a Russian prison camp.

Risks and Safeguards for Colonel Klink

One of the most significant risks for Klink was from his own side. If the Gestapo or the Luftwaffe found out about Hogan's daring activities, Klink would have faced severe repercussions. The Gestapo would likely have pursued him, leading to a very unpleasant end for him. However, as long as nothing major transpired, Klink was generally safe in managing Stalag 13. Indeed, it was hinted that he was at or near retirement age when World War II broke out. Given the shortage of qualified officers, his role as a babysitter for POWs was more administrative in nature than active military.

The Real-Life Character

The show had one significant inaccuracy: the concept of an officer and multinational enlisted personnel sharing the same barracks. In reality, German POW camps were generally segregated by rank, and when possible, by nationality. The show took creative liberties with this to create a more comical and complex dynamic for Colonel Klink.

Werner Klemperer: The Actor behind Klink

Werner Klemperer, the actor who brought Klink to life, was the son of Otto Klemperer, a renowned Jewish conductor who fled Nazi Germany before World War II. Despite the dark family history, Klemperer's career took a positive turn when he landed the role in Hogan's Heroes. Prior to this, he had been a working actor, appearing in various TV series, including several episodes of the original Perry Mason.

Klemperer took the role on the condition that Klink would remain a buffoon who never outsmarted Hogan. His portrayal of Klink was deeply rooted in his understanding of the character’s psychological profile. He ensured that Klink was both a comic and a tragic figure, reflecting the often absurd and untenable situations he found himself in.

After leaving Hogan's Heroes, Klemperer enjoyed a successful musical career, "leading" orchestras in charity performances. While he had the technical knowledge to lead orchestras, he preferred not to be called a conductor, stating that conducting involved more than simply waving one’s arms. This was a perspective he often shared in his interviews, where he came across as a very pleasant and thoughtful man.

Battle with Typecasting

Werner Klemperer faced the challenge of being typecast as the character of Klink, but he neither fought against it nor allowed it to define his career. His versatility as an actor and his deep understanding of both his character and his own background allowed him to navigate these waters with grace and dignity. He continued to be involved in numerous projects, including the stage and television, ensuring that his legacy as more than just Klink would be remembered.