Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Birthdate
1910-01-28
Day of Death
1973-01-28
Place of Birth
Stanislau, Galicia, Austria-Hungary [now Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine]
John Banner
Biography
John Banner (Height: 6 feet 1 inch [1.85 meters]), born Johann Banner (January 28, 1910-January 28, 1973), was an Austrian-American actor who achieved lasting fame for his portrayal of the bumbling German Sergeant Hans Schultz in the beloved sitcom Hogan's Heroes (1965-1971). Banner was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary (now Ukraine). He studied acting at the prestigious Reinhardt Seminar and began his career on the Viennese stage. In 1938, with the rise of the Nazis, Banner, a Jew, fled Austria for the United States. After arriving in America, Banner struggled to find work in his chosen profession. He took on odd jobs to make ends meet while continuing to pursue his passion for acting. Eventually, he began landing small roles in Hollywood films, often playing stereotypical Germans. In 1965, Banner landed the role of Sergeant Schultz in the CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes. The show was set in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II and followed the exploits of a group of American officers led by Colonel Robert Hogan (Bob Crane). Banner's portrayal of Schultz, the guard who was always "seeing nothing" and "hearing nothing" while the prisoners tunneled out of the camp or conducted other escapades, was a comedic highlight of the show. Banner's comedic timing and delivery of the catchphrases "I see nothing!" and "I know nothing!" endeared him to audiences around the world. He remained with the show for its entire six-season run, becoming synonymous with the role of Sergeant Schultz. After Hogan's Heroes ended in 1971, Banner continued to act, appearing in guest roles on various television shows. He also returned to the stage, performing in a number of productions. In 1973, Banner died of a heart attack while visiting Vienna. He was 63 years old.
Filmography (46)
The Last Laugh
2016
Togetherness
1970
Star Spangled Salesman
1968
The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz
1968
Bing Crosby Color Christmas Show
1965
36 Hours
1964
Kisses for My President
1964
Bedtime Story
1964
The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour
1964
The Yellow Canary
1963
Hitler
1962
One, Two, Three
1961
20,000 Eyes
1961
Operation Eichmann
1961
