Anecdotes

Served in the U.S. Army from 1942-45.

Agreed to take the role of Col. Klink in Papa Schultz (1965) only on the condition that none of Klink's schemes would ever succeed and that he would always wind up looking foolish.

During his guest appearance on "The Pat Sajak Show" (1989) he was presented with a monocle by Sajak, as the host had learned that Klemperer's original monocle from "Hogan's Heroes" (1965) had recently been stolen from his personal collection.

Klemperer also appeared as a narrator with nearly every major symphony orchestra in the United States. His repertoire included such works as Beethoven's "Egmont" and "Fidelio," Stravinsky's "L'Historie du Soldat" and "Oedipus Rex."

Conducted the Buffalo (NY) Orchestra.

His last acting role was as Colonel Klink, reprising his most famous character, on a 1993 episode of Les Simpson (1989). His familiar cry "Hogan!" became "Homer!" as he counseled Homer Simpson.

He and Kim Hamilton knew each other for 21 years prior to them marrying in 1998, two years before his death.

Along with Gary Busey, he is one of only two actors to appear in all three of the longest running prime time scripted series in US television history: Gunsmoke (1955), Les Simpson (1989) and New York - Police judiciaire (1990).

He and his family emigrated to the US from Germany while he was a teenager. He immersed himself in learning English so completely that he found himself actually thinking and dreaming in English.

In his career after Papa Schultz (1965), he received accolades for his musical talent, while singing in opera and musical theatre. He also provided narration for various orchestras, and in studio recordings.

For many years, he served as an elected member of the National Council of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

His nickname "Klempy" was given to him by Tallulah Bankhead, when they worked together in the play, "Dear Charles", on Broadway in 1955.

Upon Klemperer's death, his body was cremated, and his ashes scattered in the Atlantic Ocean.

He studied to become a violinist and concert pianist before he started acting.

Born on exactly the same date as Ross Martin (of Les mystères de l'Ouest (1965) fame).

He starred with Eva Gabor in the 1969 film, Wake Me When the War Is Over (1969).