Inside Hogan’s Heroes: Bob Crane, Rivalries, Regrets, and a Dark Fate

[TMC]

In this deep-dive conversation, with the official Bob Crane biographers, Carol Ford and Linda Groundwater, John Cato explores Bob Crane’s journey from his early audition and screen test with Werner Klemperer, to the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped one of television’s most iconic WWII sitcoms, Hogan's Heroes. From casting “what-ifs” like Richard Dawson nearly becoming Colonel Hogan, to unforgettable performances by John Banner, Robert Clary, Larry Hovis, Ivan Dixon, and more — this is Hogan’s Heroes like you’ve never heard before.

John Cato examines the real-world WWII connections of the cast, including holocaust survivors, and clarifies the historical distinction between Stalag 13 as a POW camp — not a concentration camp. Along the way, you’ll hear about personal conversations, rare insights from Bob Crane’s children, and stories that took years to uncover for the definitive biography.

Beyond the show, the episode reveals Bob Crane’s relationships with Richard Dawson, his dislike of Sonny Bono, and his quiet generosity — including donating time to Armed Forces Radio and even being offered The Tonight Show. We also explore his professional drumming career, Hollywood rivalries, lost profits, residual battles, and the emotional toll of fame.

The final chapter takes a sobering turn, examining Bob Crane’s final days and the bizarre, still-debated circumstances surrounding his death, alongside reflections from contemporaries — including Paul Petersen.

This is not just a story about a TV show — it’s about Hollywood, history, loyalty, ambition, and the cost of fame.

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 0:01:30 Bob Crane' audition process with Werner Klemperer to their screen test
• 0:05:24 Richard Dawson as Colonel Hogan?
• 0:06:45 John Banner steals every scene
• 0:07:21 Robert Clary, holocaust survivors and other cast members with connections to the WWII
• 0:10:07 My conversation with Robert Clary
• 0:13:12 The Hogans Heroes memorabilia at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Ohio
• 0:19:02 The 5 year period to get Robert Clary to comment in the biography
• 0:23:31 Bob's kids look at the definitive biography for insight
• 0:32:24 Stalag 13 was a prisoner of war camp not a concentration camp
• 0:34:24 Cynthia Lynn and Bob Crane' affair and how she regretted leaving Hogan's Heroes
• 0:38:32 "If you liked WWII, you'll love Hogan's Heroes"
• 0:41:05 The rivalry between Bob Crane and Richard Dawson
• 0:45:38 Bob Crane recommends Richard Dawson for Family Feud
• 0:47:16 Bob Crane donating his time for Armed Forces radio/Bob Crane was offered the hosting of The Tonight Show
• 0:48:39 Bob Crane and Sonny Bono's difficult relationship
• 0:50:40 Bob was always grateful and be there for people that helped him
• 0:53:35 Bob Crane and Hogan's Heroes cast in The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schulz with Elke Somers
• 0:56:44 Bob Crane and other cast members buy in to the profits of the show took years to get the money
• 1:03:00 Bob Crane's first kids didn't get any of the profits from the Hogan's Heroes residuals
• 1:10:07 John Banner in Hogan goes Hollywood
• 1:11:43 Werner Klemperer in his portrayal of Col. Klink
• 1:18:00 Steven Spielberg was an intern on Hogans Heroes
• 1:23:44 Larry Hovis "Voice of Sinatra" Richard Dawson, Robert Clary, Ivan Dixon do an album
• 1:27:27 Bob Crane was a professional drummer
• 1:29:42 John Banner due to illness was about to step away from Sgt. Schulz/then he dies of an aneurysm
• 1:30:44 Bob Crane's moments leading up to his very bizarre death
• 1:59:49 Paul Petersen from The Donna Reed Show did not like Bob Crane
• Ask