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