Who Is Werner Klemperer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Werner Klemperer was born on March 22, 1920. He was a distinguished American actor celebrated for his performances in various stage and film productions, with a notable role as Colonel Klink in the television series Hogan's Heroes. Klemperer's career spanned several decades until his passing in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances that continue to resonate with audiences today.
| Occupation | Opera Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1920 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Cologne, Germany |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Germany |
| Date of death | 6 December, 2000 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Werner Klemperer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific measurements may have varied throughout his life, Werner Klemperer was approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. He had a commanding presence on-screen, which contributed to the characters he portrayed. Weight details are less documented, but his overall physicality was integral to his roles in theatre and television.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Werner Klemperer's personal life included a marriage to actress and dancer, Kim Huber. The couple had two children together. His relationships were often kept private, but Klemperer was known to be a devoted family man. As of 2025, there are no updates on any romantic relationships; his focus remained largely on his career and family during his lifetime.
His father was renowned orchestra conductor Otto Klemperer and his mother was soprano Johanna Geisler. He had a younger sister named Lotte (1923–2003). His father was Jewish by birth; he converted to Catholicism but later returned to Judaism. His mother was Lutheran.
His grandfather was part of the Jewish community in Prague, and his grandmother was a Sephardic Jew from Hamburg, Germany. Otto Klemperer was a first cousin of Victor Klemperer.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2000, Werner Klemperer had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. This wealth was accrued through his extensive career in television, film, and stage acting. His iconic role in Hogan's Heroes significantly contributed to his earnings, along with his work in theater.
Career, Business and Investments
Klemperer's career began in the 1940s, and he quickly became a recognized name in entertainment. His impressive body of work includes roles in films such as The Great Race and The Pink Panther Strikes Again, and numerous television shows, aside from Hogan's Heroes. Beyond acting, Klemperer was also involved in directing and producing, showcasing his talent behind the camera. His investments in theater and other artistic ventures further highlighted his commitment to the arts.
After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he began performing on the Broadway stage in 1947.
Klemperer then appeared in several films during his early acting career such as The Wrong Man (1956), Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), and Houseboat (1958), and numerous roles on television shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1956), Perry Mason (1957), Maverick (1957), Gunsmoke (1958), The Untouchables (1960), and Have Gun – Will Travel (1961),
prior to his Hogan's Heroes role.
Social Network
During his lifetime, Werner Klemperer was not extremely active on social media, as platforms like Facebook and Twitter emerged long after he made his mark in Hollywood. However, he was well-respected in Hollywood and maintained meaningful connections with various artists and fellow actors.
Klemperer's first major film role was as a psychiatrist in Alfred Hitchcock's The Wrong Man (1956). Earlier that year in Death of a Scoundrel he had a smaller role as the lawyer of the hero/villain portrayed by George Sanders. He played a German government officer in the 1959 episode, "The Haunted U-Boat", of the series One Step Beyond.
Also in 1959, he appeared as a Frenchman in the episode "Fragile" of the Western TV series Have Gun – Will Travel. He received significant notice for his role in the award-winning 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg.
The film presents a fictionalized account of the post-World War II Nuremberg trials, with Klemperer portraying Emil Hahn, a Nazi prosecutor and one of the defendants at the trial. Prior to this, he had a small role in the 1957 Errol Flynn film Istanbul and a pivotal part in the "Comstock Conspiracy" episode of Maverick that same year.
He played the title role in the 1961 film Operation Eichmann, opposite his future co-star John Banner.
Education
Werner Klemperer was educated at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he honed his craft and prepared for his future career in acting. His classical training provided a strong foundation for his versatility as an actor, which was evident in the variety of roles he successfully undertook throughout his career.
The Klemperer family emigrated to the United States in 1933, settling in Los Angeles, where Otto Klemperer became conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1933–1939).
Werner Klemperer began acting as a student at University High School and enrolled in acting courses at the Pasadena Playhouse before joining the United States Army to serve in World War II. While stationed in Hawaii, he joined the Army's Special Services unit, spending the next years touring the Pacific entertaining the troops.
Conclusion
As we look back on the life of Werner Klemperer in 2025, his contributions to the entertainment industry remain a testament to his remarkable talent. From his beloved characters to his lasting legacy in theater and television, Klemperer's influence continues to inspire new generations of actors and audiences alike.
