Publisher Description

Robert Clary (born Robert Max Widerman in Paris in 1926) is best known for his portrayal of the spirited Corporal Louis Lebeau on the popular television series Hogan's Heroes (on the air from 1965 to 1971 and widely syndicated around the globe). But it is Clary's experiences as a Jew during the Holocaust that infuse his compelling memoir with an honest recognition of life's often horrific reality, a recognition that counters his glittering five-decade career as an actor, singer, and artist and distinguishes this book from those by other entertainers. Clary describes his childhood in Paris, the German occupation in 1940, and his deportation in 1942 at the age of sixteen to the infamous transit camp Drancy. He recounts his nightmarish, two-and-a-half-year incarceration in Nazi concentration camps like Ottmuth, Blechhammer, Gross-Rosen, and Buchenwald. In April 1945, the Allies liberated Clary and other inmates. But the news that his parents, two sisters, two half-sisters, and two nephews had not survived the Nazis' genocidal campaign against the Jews reduced his joy to grief. After the war, Clary made his way to the United States and, against great odds, achieved fame on Broadway and in Hollywood. From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes is Robert Clary's extraordinary account of his remarkable life both as a survivor and as an entertainer. Once read, it will not be forgotten.

Author Biography

Robert Clary has worked in all areas of the entertainment business and has won acclaim for his photo realist paintings. He lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Review

In Robert Clary we have an artist with the gift of song and dance, the gift for survival, and the gift of telling his extraordinary story. -- Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Songwriters
I would like to implore anyone of a younger generation who doubts the reality of the Holocaust to read this book. It touched me deeply. -- Dick Van Dyke
Robert Clary has lived two lives, and written two books—one horrific, one jaunty. They're both fascinating. . . . This is brave writing. -- Tony Randall
A truly exciting journey filled with heartache, bravery, and comic joy. I couldn't put it down. -- Mel Brooks
The 'Amazing' Clary has constantly been full of fun; energetic and always zestful. I read his book and for me it was the Holocaust right into my Heart! . . . BRAVO! -- Dom DeLuise
From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes is a powerful, highly recommended biographical journey that enfolds the reader in a strong life. * Midwest Book Review *
Nobody in show business has the resume of Robert Clary. From German concentration camps to Broadway and to television... it has been an amazing journey for him. He's still one of our most entertaining and energetic performers. I've only known him for fifty years, and I still couldn't put this book down. -- Merv Griffin
There are many stories of survivors, but not many as riveting as the one that Robert Clary tells in his autobiography. The Nazis captured him and tried to kill him, but he survived them and went on to capture and kill audiences all over the world. -- CARL REINER, Director, Actor, and Writer

Long Description

Robert Clary (born Robert Max Widerman in Paris in 1926) is best known for his portrayal of the spirited Corporal Louis Lebeau on the popular television series Hogan's Heroes (on the air from 1965 to 1971 and widely syndicated around the globe). But it is Clary's experiences as a Jew during the Holocaust that infuse his compelling memoir with an honest recognition of life's often horrific reality, a recognition that counters his glittering five-decade career as an actor, singer, and artist and distinguishes this book from those by other entertainers. Clary describes his childhood in Paris, the German occupation in 1940, and his deportation in 1942 at the age of sixteen to the infamous transit camp Drancy. He recounts his nightmarish, two-and-a-half-year incarceration in Nazi concentration camps like Ottmuth, Blechhammer, Gross-Rosen, and Buchenwald. In April 1945, the Allies liberated Clary and other inmates. But the news that his parents, two sisters, two half-sisters, and two nephews had not survived the Nazis' genocidal campaign against the Jews reduced his joy to grief. After the war, Clary made his way to the United States and, against great odds, achieved fame on Broadway and in Hollywood. From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes is Robert Clary's extraordinary account of his remarkable life both as a survivor and as an entertainer. Once read, it will not be forgotten.

Review Quote

There are many stories of survivors, but not many as riveting as the one that Robert Clary tells in his autobiography. The Nazis captured him and tried to kill him, but he survived them and went on to capture and kill audiences all over the world.

Details