John Banner
Known for: Acting
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
Series
Perry Mason
A. Tobler
1957
Series
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Dutch Customs Man
1962
Series
Hogan's Heroes
Hans Schultz
1965
Series
Matinee Theater
1955
Series
The Virginian
Gus Schultz
1962
Series
The Virginian
August the Head Waiter
1962
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
General Zimring
1963
Series
The Untouchables
Franz Koenig
1959
Four Star Playhouse
Koert
1952
Series
The Donna Reed Show
1958
Series
The Lucy Show
Sergeant Schultz
1962
Series
The Red Skelton Show
Sgt. Schultz
1951
Series
77 Sunset Strip
Carl Neuman
1958
Series
Thriller
Prof. Martin Vander Hoven
1960
Series
One Step Beyond
Dr. Molhaus
1959
Series
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
Russian Chairman
1964
Series
Hazel
Mr. Mueller
1961
Series
Alias Smith and Jones
1971
Series
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
1959
Series
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Chief
1959
Series
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Train Conductor
1955
Series
Mister Ed
1961
Series
Telephone Time
1956
Series
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Martin Rutke
1963
Series
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Dr. Foster
1964
Series
The Partridge Family
Max Ledbetter
1970
Series
Navy Log
1955
Series
Adventures of Superman
Bronsky
1952
Series
Public Defender
Mr. Lambert
1954
Series
Studio 57
1954
Series
The Doris Day Show
Bruno
1968
Series
Cavalcade of America
1952
Series
The Young Marrieds
Dimitri Kilarin #1
1964
Series
The Third Man
1959
Series
Outlaws
1960
Series
The Rogues
Steiner
1964
Series
The DuPont Show with June Allyson
Mr. Popper
1959
Series
The Roaring 20's
1960
Series
Behind Closed Doors
Prosecutor Hoxa
1958
Series
Alcoa Premiere
Kaspar Kraus
1961
The Gale Storm Show
Hans Schlosser
1956
Series
Letter to Loretta
Hans
1953
The Whistler
1954
Series
General Electric True
1962
Series
Hallmark Hall of Fame
1951
Series
The Man Called X
1956
Series
Private Secretary
1953
Series
Sheena: Queen of the Jungle
Brunner
1955
Series
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Morris Odvarka
1951
Series
The Cara Williams Show
Zinzer
1964
Film
One, Two, Three
Krause / Haberdasher (voice) (uncredited)
1961
Series
The Baileys of Balboa
1964
Film
36 Hours
Ernst
1964
Film
Executive Suite
Henri - Stork Club Maître D' (uncredited)
1954
The Chicago Teddy Bears
1971
Film
The Story of Ruth
King Of Moab
1960
Film
The Young Lions
German Town Mayor (uncredited)
1958
Film
The Last Laugh
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
2016
Film
This Land Is Mine
German Sergeant
1943
Film
Bedtime Story
Burgermeister (uncredited)
1964
Film
King Solomon's Mines
Austin - Safari Client (uncredited)
1950
The Dream
Prefect of Police
1956
Film
Never Say Goodbye
Oskar
1956
Film
Desperate Journey
1942
Film
The Fallen Sparrow
Anton
1943
Film
The Moon Is Down
Lt. Prackle (uncredited)
1943
Film
Spring Parade
Cymbalist (uncredited)
1940
Film
The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz
Weber
1968
Film
The Wonderful Country
Ben Sterner
1959
Film
Kisses for My President
Vasiliovich Alexminitch (uncredited)
1964
Film
Once Upon a Honeymoon
Von Kleinoch (uncredited)
1942
Film
Pacific Blackout
1941
Film
Callaway Went Thataway
Headwaiter at Mocambo's (uncredited)
1951
Film
The Argyle Secrets
Winter
1948
Film
Star Spangled Salesman
Self
1968
Film
The Juggler
Emile Halevy
1953
Film
Nocturne
Charles Shawn (uncredited)
1946
Film
Go for Broke!
German Officer
1951
Film
To the Victor
Jacques Lestrac
1948
Film
It Started with Eve
Party Guest (uncredited)
1941
Film
Crash of Moons
Bavarro
1954
Film
The Blue Angel
Principal Harter
1959
Film
The Yellow Canary
Sam Skolman
1963
Film
They Came to Blow Up America
Gestapo Agent
1943
Film
Hitler
Gregor Strasser
1962
Film
The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour
Guard
1964
Film
Seven Miles from Alcatraz
Fritz
1942
Film
Operation Eichmann
Rudolf Hoff
1961
Film
The Beast of Budapest
Dr. Kovach
1958
Film
The Peter Tchaikovsky Story
Office Supervisor
1959
Film
My Girl Tisa
Otto
1948
Film
Guilty of Treason
Dr. Szandor Deste
1950
Film
The Gypsy Moon
Bavarro
1954
Film
Bing Crosby Color Christmas Show
Self/Sgt. Schultz
1965
Film
20,000 Eyes
Kurt Novak
1961
Film
Togetherness
Hipolitas
1970
Film
With This Ring
1954
Film
One Coat of White
Vegaro
1957