Bob Crane

Date of Birth: July 13, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 29, 1978

Biography

Bob Crane was an American actor, drummer, and radio host best known for his role as Colonel Robert E. Hogan in the television sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” which aired from 1965 to 1971. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Crane’s career in entertainment began as a radio personality in the early 1950s. His charisma and talent quickly made him a popular figure on the airwaves, leading to his transition into television. Crane’s portrayal of the witty and resourceful Hogan won him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. However, his life off-screen was marred by controversy and personal struggles. After “Hogan’s Heroes” ended, Crane attempted to revive his career with various projects, including guest appearances on TV shows and starring roles in stage productions. Tragically, Bob Crane’s life was cut short when he was found murdered in his Scottsdale, Arizona apartment in 1978. The case remains unsolved, shrouded in mystery and speculation about his private life and the circumstances leading to his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Bob Crane

1. Bob Crane began his career as a radio DJ and was known as “The King of the Los Angeles Airwaves” during the 1950s.

2. He was an accomplished drummer and often incorporated his drumming skills into his radio shows and television appearances.

3. Crane’s murder case remained one of Hollywood’s most notorious unsolved mysteries and has been the subject of various books and documentaries.

4. Before his breakthrough role in “Hogan’s Heroes,” Crane had guest-starring roles on popular TV shows like “The Donna Reed Show” and “The Twilight Zone.”

5. Bob Crane’s second wife, Patricia Olson, who went by the stage name Sigrid Valdis, co-starred with him on “Hogan’s Heroes” as Hilda.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bob Crane

1. “I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs. I play drums, I play golf. That’s it.”

2. “I’d love to be a movie star, but I don’t think they ever made me one.”

3. “If I could do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

4. “Everybody’s got a little bit of show business in them. It’s why people like to be on television and have their pictures in the paper.”

5. “I’m no good at anything else. I’m an entertainer and, if that fails, I’m out of work.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bob Crane’s net worth was estimated to be around $250,000, which was substantial for the 1960s and 1970s.

Children

Bob Crane had five children. He had three children with his first wife, Anne Terzian: Robert David Crane, Deborah Ann Crane, and Karen Leslie Crane. He also had two children with his second wife, Patricia Olson (Sigrid Valdis): Scott Crane and Ana Marie Crane.