History of Robert Clary in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

Robert Clary was a French-American actor best known for his comedic role as Corporal Louis LeBeau on the popular television sitcom "Hogan's Heroes". He also appeared in recurring roles on the soap operas "Days of Our Lives" and "The Bold and the Beautiful".

March 1, 1926: Robert Clary is born

Robert Clary is born Robert Max Widerman on March 1, 1926.

1926: Robert Clary is born

Robert Clary is born in Paris, France, in 1926, the youngest of 14 children to Polish Jewish immigrants.

1942: Robert Clary is deported to Ottmuth

At age 16, Robert Clary is deported to the Nazi concentration camp at Ottmuth in 1942 because he was Jewish.

April 11, 1945: Robert Clary is liberated from Buchenwald

After being transferred to Buchenwald, Robert Clary is liberated on April 11, 1945, as the only survivor among 12 of his immediate family members who were sent to Auschwitz.

1948: Robert Clary starts recording music

Robert Clary starts recording music in 1948. These recordings become popular not only in France, but in the United States as well.

October 1949: Robert Clary moves to the United States

Robert Clary moves to the United States in October 1949 after his recordings gain popularity there.

1950: Robert Clary debuts on American Television

One of Robert Clary's first American appearances occurs in 1950 on "The Ed Wynn Show," where he performs a French-language comedy skit.

1952: Robert Clary appears in Thief of Damascus

Robert Clary appears in the film "Thief of Damascus" alongside Paul Henreid and Lon Chaney Jr. in 1952.

1952: Robert Clary performs in New Faces of 1952

Robert Clary's comedic talents are recognized on Broadway when he appears in Leonard Sillman's revue "New Faces of 1952."

1954: New Faces is adapted for film

The revue "New Faces of 1952," in which Robert Clary performed, is produced into a film in 1954.

1958: Robert Clary appears on The Gisele MacKenzie Show

Robert Clary makes a guest appearance on "The Gisele MacKenzie Show" in 1958.

1959: Robert Clary portrays Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Robert Clary takes on the title role of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in a British production of the Edward Chodorov play "Monsieur Lautrec" in 1959.

1965: Robert Clary marries Natalie Cantor

After being close friends for 15 years, Robert Clary marries Natalie Cantor, daughter of Eddie Cantor, in 1965.

1965: Robert Clary lands Corporal LeBeau role

Robert Clary is offered and accepts the role of Corporal Louis LeBeau in a new television sitcom called "Hogan's Heroes" in 1965.

1965: Hogan's Heroes Premieres

Robert Clary's most famous role, Corporal Louis LeBeau in the television sitcom "Hogan's Heroes," begins its run in 1965.

1971: Robert Clary appears in Remembrance of Love

After "Hogan's Heroes," Robert Clary appears in several World War II-themed films, including the made-for-television movie "Remembrance of Love" about the Holocaust in 1971.