Bob Crane

Biography

Bob Crane (July 13, 1928 – June 29, 1978) as an American actor, drummer, radio personality, and disc jockey best known for starring as Colonel Robert Hogan in the CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes from 1965 to 1971. Born Robert Edward Crane in Waterbury, Connecticut, he began drumming at age 11 and started his career in radio in Hornell, New York, before hosting a top-rated morning show in Los Angeles. Crane transitioned to acting in the early 1960s with guest roles on shows like The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Donna Reed Show, where he played Dr. Dave Kelsey for 62 episodes. His big break came with Hogan's Heroes, earning two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1966 and 1967. Post-Hogan's Heroes, Crane appeared in films like Superdad (1973) and Gus (1976), guest-starred on shows such as Police Woman and The Love Boat, and briefly led The Bob Crane Show in 1975. He was found murdered on June 29, 1978, in Scottsdale, Arizona, in an unsolved case involving blunt force trauma.

Known For

The Twilight Zone

as Disc Jockey (uncredited)

The Love Boat

as Edward Anderson

Hogan's Heroes

as Robert Hogan

Quincy, M.E.

as Dr. Jamison

Night Gallery

as Ellis Travers

The Dick Van Dyke Show

as Harry Rogers

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

as Self

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour

as Charlie Lessing

The Lucy Show

as Bob Crane

Gus

as Pepper