Skip to content
Join free
John Banner
Actor

John Banner

28 Jan 1910Born
28 Jan 1973Died
63Age at death
92Credits

Biography

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.

Read the full biography

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

Filmography

The 80 most recent of 92 credits.

  1. 1971The Chicago Teddy BearsSeries (13 episodes)
  2. 1971Alias Smith and JonesSeries (1 episode)
  3. 1970The Partridge FamilySeries: Max Ledbetter (1 episode)
  4. 1970TogethernessFilm: Hipolitas
  5. 1968The Doris Day ShowSeries: Bruno (1 episode)
  6. 1968The Wicked Dreams of Paula SchultzFilm: Weber
  7. 1965Hogan's HeroesSeries: Hans Schultz (168 episodes)
  8. 196436 HoursFilm: Ernst
  9. 1964The Young MarriedsSeries: Dimitri Kilarin #1 (1 episode)
  10. 1964The Cara Williams ShowSeries: Zinzer (1 episode)
  11. 1964The Man from U.N.C.L.E.Series: Dr. Foster (1 episode)
  12. 1964The Baileys of BalboaSeries (4 episodes)
  13. 1964Voyage to the Bottom of the SeaSeries: Russian Chairman (1 episode)
  14. 1964The RoguesSeries: Steiner (1 episode)
  15. 1964Kisses for My PresidentFilm: Vasiliovich Alexminitch (uncredited)
  16. 1964Bedtime StoryFilm: Burgermeister (uncredited)
  17. 1964The Lucille Ball Comedy HourFilm: Guard
  18. 1963Kraft Suspense TheatreSeries: Martin Rutke (1 episode)
  19. 1963The Yellow CanaryFilm: Sam Skolman
  20. 1962The Lucy ShowSeries: Sergeant Schultz (1 episode)
  21. 1962General Electric TrueSeries (1 episode)
  22. 1962The Alfred Hitchcock HourSeries: Dutch Customs Man (1 episode)
  23. 1962The VirginianSeries: Gus Schultz, August the Head Waiter (1 episode)
  24. 1962HitlerFilm: Gregor Strasser
  25. 1961One, Two, ThreeFilm: Krause / Haberdasher (voice) (uncredited)
  26. 1961Alcoa PremiereSeries: Kaspar Kraus (1 episode)
  27. 1961HazelSeries: Mr. Mueller (1 episode)
  28. 196120,000 EyesFilm: Kurt Novak
  29. 1961Operation EichmannFilm: Rudolf Hoff
  30. 1961Mister EdSeries (1 episode)
  31. 1960The Roaring 20'sSeries (1 episode)
  32. 1960OutlawsSeries (1 episode)
  33. 1960ThrillerSeries: Prof. Martin Vander Hoven (1 episode)
  34. 1960The Story of RuthFilm: King Of Moab
  35. 1959The Wonderful CountryFilm: Ben Sterner
  36. 1959The UntouchablesSeries: Franz Koenig (1 episode)
  37. 1959The Third ManSeries (1 episode)
  38. 1959The Many Loves of Dobie GillisSeries: Chief (1 episode)
  39. 1959The DuPont Show with June AllysonSeries: Mr. Popper (1 episode)
  40. 1959The Blue AngelFilm: Principal Harter
  41. 1959The Peter Tchaikovsky StoryFilm: Office Supervisor
  42. 1959One Step BeyondSeries: Dr. Molhaus (1 episode)
  43. 195877 Sunset StripSeries: Carl Neuman (1 episode)
  44. 1958Behind Closed DoorsSeries: Prosecutor Hoxa (1 episode)
  45. 1958The Donna Reed ShowSeries (1 episode)
  46. 1958The Young LionsFilm: German Town Mayor (uncredited)
  47. 1958The Beast of BudapestFilm: Dr. Kovach
  48. 1957Perry MasonSeries: A. Tobler (1 episode)
  49. 1957One Coat of WhiteFilm: Vegaro
  50. 1956The Gale Storm ShowSeries: Hans Schlosser (1 episode)
  51. 1956The DreamFilm: Prefect of Police
  52. 1956Telephone TimeSeries (1 episode)
  53. 1956Never Say GoodbyeFilm: Oskar
  54. 1956The Man Called XSeries (1 episode)
  55. 1955Matinee TheaterSeries (2 episodes)
  56. 1955Alfred Hitchcock PresentsSeries: Train Conductor (1 episode)
  57. 1955Navy LogSeries (1 episode)
  58. 1955Sheena: Queen of the JungleSeries: Brunner (1 episode)
  59. 1954The Gypsy MoonFilm: Bavarro
  60. 1954Father Knows BestSeries: Artist (1 episode)
  61. 1954Studio 57Series (1 episode)
  62. 1954The WhistlerSeries (1 episode)
  63. 1954Crash of MoonsFilm: Bavarro
  64. 1954Executive SuiteFilm: Henri - Stork Club Maître D' (uncredited)
  65. 1954Public DefenderSeries: Mr. Lambert (1 episode)
  66. 1954With This RingFilm
  67. 1953Letter to LorettaSeries: Hans (1 episode)
  68. 1953The JugglerFilm: Emile Halevy
  69. 1953Private SecretarySeries (1 episode)
  70. 1952Cavalcade of AmericaSeries (1 episode)
  71. 1952Four Star PlayhouseSeries: Koert (1 episode)
  72. 1952Adventures of SupermanSeries: Bronsky (1 episode)
  73. 1951Hallmark Hall of FameSeries (1 episode)
  74. 1951Callaway Went ThatawayFilm: Headwaiter at Mocambo's (uncredited)
  75. 1951Schlitz Playhouse of StarsSeries: Morris Odvarka (1 episode)
  76. 1951Go for Broke!Film: German Officer (uncredited)
  77. 1950King Solomon's MinesFilm: Austin - Safari Client (uncredited)
  78. 1950Guilty of TreasonFilm: Dr. Szandor Deste
  79. 1948To the VictorFilm: Jacques Lestrac
  80. 1948The Argyle SecretsFilm: Winter

Biography and credits from TMDB. This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.