Robert Clary

In his two-hour interview, Robert Clary (1926-2022) talks about his early life, and his harrowing experience being placed in a concentration camp during World War II, where he lost most of his immediate family, including his parents. He describes being liberated from Buchenwald in 1945, after which he began a recording career in France, moved to America, and eventually settled in Los Angeles. He recounts his friendship with Eddie Cantor, who got him his start in the U.S., and his early television appearances, including The Garry Moore Show. He discusses at length co-starring as “LeBeau” on the German POW sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, detailing his feelings about appearing in a World War II comedy, the production schedule, and working with the cast, including star Bob Crane. Clary outlines his later career in daytime drama, including roles on Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. He speaks of his eventual decision to discuss his experiences during the Holocaust, and recounts his work with the Shoah Foundation. He sums up with advice to an aspiring actor, career achievements and regrets, and how he met his wife, Natalie. Amy Harrington conducted the interview on March 2, 2018 in Beverly Hills, CA.