John Banner
Born
January 28, 1910
Died
January 28, 1973 (63 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Stanislau, Galicia, Austria-Hungary [now Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine]
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
The Last Laugh
Self
2016
The Chicago Teddy Bears
(13 episodes)
1971
Alias Smith and Jones
(1 episode)
1971
Togetherness
Hipolitas
1970
Star Spangled Salesman
Self
1968
The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz
Weber
1968
Bing Crosby Color Christmas Show
Self/Sgt. Schultz
1965
Hogan's Heroes
Hans Schultz · (168 episodes)
1965
36 Hours
Ernst
1964
The Young Marrieds
Dimitri Kilarin #1 · (1 episode)
1964
The Cara Williams Show
(1 episode)
1964
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Dr. Foster · (1 episode)
1964
The Baileys of Balboa
(4 episodes)
1964
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
Russian Chairman · (1 episode)
1964
The Rogues
Steiner · (1 episode)
1964
Kisses for My President
Vasiliovich Alexminitch (uncredited)
1964
Bedtime Story
Burgermeister (uncredited)
1964
The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour
Guard
1964
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Martin Rutke · (1 episode)
1963
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
General Zimring · (1 episode)
1963
The Yellow Canary
Sam Skolman
1963
The Lucy Show
Sergeant Schultz · (1 episode)
1962
General Electric True
(1 episode)
1962
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Dutch Customs Man · (1 episode)
1962
The Virginian
Gus Schultz · (1 episode)
1962
The Virginian
August the Head Waiter · (1 episode)
1962
Hitler
Gregor Strasser
1962
One, Two, Three
Krause / Haberdrasher (voice) (uncredited)
1961
Alcoa Premiere
Kaspar Kraus · (1 episode)
1961
Hazel
Mr. Mueller · (1 episode)
1961
20,000 Eyes
Kurt Novak
1961
Operation Eichmann
Rudolf Hoff
1961
Mister Ed
(1 episode)
1961
The Roaring 20's
(1 episode)
1960
Outlaws
(1 episode)
1960
Thriller
Prof. Martin Vander Hoven · (1 episode)
1960
The Story of Ruth
King Of Moab
1960
The Wonderful Country
Ben Sterner
1959
The Third Man
(1 episode)
1959
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
(1 episode)
1959
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Chief · (1 episode)
1959
The DuPont Show with June Allyson
Mr. Popper · (1 episode)
1959
The Blue Angel
Principal Harter
1959
The Peter Tchaikovsky Story
Office Supervisor
1959
One Step Beyond
Dr. Molhaus · (1 episode)
1959
77 Sunset Strip
Carl Neuman · (1 episode)
1958
Behind Closed Doors
Prosecutor Hoxa · (1 episode)
1958
The Donna Reed Show
(1 episode)
1958
The Young Lions
German Town Mayor (uncredited)
1958
The Beast of Budapest
Dr. Kovach
1958
Perry Mason
A. Tobler · (1 episode)
1957
The Gale Storm Show
Hans Schlosser · (1 episode)
1956
Telephone Time
(1 episode)
1956
Never Say Goodbye
Oskar
1956
The Man Called X
(1 episode)
1956
Matinee Theater
(2 episodes)
1955
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Train Conductor · (1 episode)
1955
Navy Log
(1 episode)
1955
Sheena: Queen of the Jungle
Brunner · (1 episode)
1955
The Gypsy Moon
Bavarro
1954
Studio 57
(1 episode)
1954
The Whistler
(1 episode)
1954
Crash of Moons
Bavarro
1954
Public Defender
Mr. Lambert · (1 episode)
1954
With This Ring
1954
Letter to Loretta
Hans · (1 episode)
1953
The Juggler
Emile Halevy
1953
Private Secretary
(1 episode)
1953
Cavalcade of America
(1 episode)
1952
Four Star Playhouse
Koert · (1 episode)
1952
Adventures of Superman
Bronsky · (1 episode)
1952
Hallmark Hall of Fame
(1 episode)
1951
Callaway Went Thataway
Headwaiter (uncredited)
1951
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Morris Odvarka · (1 episode)
1951
The Red Skelton Show
Sgt. Schultz · (1 episode)
1951
Go for Broke!
German Officer
1951
King Solomon's Mines
Austin - Safari Client (uncredited)
1950
Guilty of Treason
Dr. Szandor Deste
1950
To the Victor
Jacques Lestrac
1948
The Argyle Secrets
Winter
1948
My Girl Tisa
Otto
1948
Nocturne
Charles Shawn (uncredited)
1946
The Fallen Sparrow
Anton
1943
They Came to Blow Up America
Gestapo Agent
1943
This Land Is Mine
German Sergeant
1943
The Moon Is Down
Lt. Prackle (uncredited)
1943
Once Upon a Honeymoon
Von Kleinoch (uncredited)
1942
Seven Miles from Alcatraz
Fritz Weinermann
1942
Pacific Blackout
1941
It Started with Eve
Party Guest (uncredited)
1941
Spring Parade
Cymbalist (uncredited)
1940