It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of the beloved actor from the popular 1960s sitcom Hogan’s Heroes. Robert Clary, who played the role of Corporal Louis LeBeau, passed away at the age of ninety-six in his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
Beyond his on-screen success, Clary was also a remarkable survivor of one of the darkest periods in human history – the Holocaust. As a sixteen-year-old boy, he, along with his family, was sent to Auschwitz. Tragically, Clary was the only member of his family to escape the clutches of Hitler’s Nazis and survive the inhumane conditions of the concentration camp.
Clary’s granddaughter, Kim Wright, confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter. She spoke of her grandfather’s incredible journey, from surviving the Holocaust to becoming a beloved actor on the hit show Hogan’s Heroes. Even today, the show continues to captivate audiences through reruns on various channels.
During his time at Auschwitz, Clary’s talent as an entertainer played a pivotal role in his survival. Every other week, he would sing and perform for the soldiers, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. “Singing, entertaining, and maintaining good health at my age – that’s why I survived,” Clary revealed in a 2015 interview with THR.
Furthermore, Clary addressed the disturbing rise of Holocaust denial in recent years. He spoke out against those who attempted to deny the suffering of millions, including his own family. Despite facing Holocaust deniers, Clary remained steadfast in telling his truth, refusing to let conspiracy theorists and Nazi sympathizers distort his experience.
In addition to his iconic role on Hogan’s Heroes, Clary had an extensive career on Broadway. Born Robert Max Widerman in Paris on March 1, 1926, he began his entertainment journey at a young age, captivating audiences with his talent. Tragically, at the age of sixteen, his family was sent to Auschwitz, where his parents lost their lives in the gas chambers.
Reflecting on his time in the Nazi death camp, Clary shared his mother’s wise words: “Behave, do what they tell you to do.” It was through his resilience, determination, and the power of entertainment that he navigated through the unimaginable horrors.
Robert Clary’s passing is a great loss not only to his family but to the entertainment industry as a whole. As we mourn his departure, let us remember his incredible journey as a survivor, actor, and advocate against Holocaust denial. May his legacy live on in our hearts, ensuring that the stories of millions of victims are never forgotten.
