Werner Klemperer, best known for playing the German prison camp commander Col. Klink on the classic TV series "Hogan's Heroes," has passed away, according to AP.. Klemperer, 80, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany died of cancer Wednesday at his home in New York, announced his publicist Bernie Ilson.

Klemperer, who fled Nazi Germany in the '30s with his father Otto, a distinguished conductor and composer, ironically went on to win two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the monocled Klink in the 1965 comedy about a group of Allied POWs in German during World War II. Klemperer also served in the U.S. Army during the war from 1942-1945.

In addition, Klemperer earned praise for his stage performance, receiving a Tony nomination in 1988 for his lead role in Hal Prince's revival of "Cabaret." His film credits included "Death of a Scoundrel," "Istanbul," "Kiss Them For Me," "Operation Eichmann" and "Dark Intruder."

He is survived by his wife, actress Kim Hamilton Klemperer, a son and a daughter. Funeral services will be private.