Larry Hovis

by Bob Nippert, January 2002

Hogan's Heroes Fan Club (HHFC) - Do you still teach at Southwestern Texas State University?

Larry Hovis (LH) - Yes, I continue to teach at SWT and plan to for many years.

HHFC - What have you been working on lately?

LH - A couple of independent films shot in this area ..."Heathens" and "Yorick"

HHFC - Any upcoming appearances on film or in the theatre?

LH - I'll be performing here at the university in Feb. 2002 in "Death of a Salesman"

HHFC - Of all the types of work that you've done - acting, writing, producing, stage, film etc. What is your favorite?

LH - I prefer stage as regards acting and teaching is my passion.

HHFC - I read somewhere that you had released some albums on "Capitol Records, Sunset Records and MGM Records" I've only found two of your albums - My Heart Belongs to Only You (Capitol) and Sweet Singing Swing with the Bill Gannon 3(Carlton) - Are there others?

LH - There's an Album on Sunset Records, "Hogan's Heroes Sing the Best of WWII"...that's an album mad e with Richard Dawson, Ivan Dixon, Robert Clary and myself...we each sing two solos and there are two group numbers , with some variations here and there on a couple of the solos...

HHFC - Any plans to re-release any of your albums? (Robert Clary recently released two of his older albums)?

LH - I have no plans to record these days...I have considered a jazz collection just to have the collection for my kids of some of my very favorite songs over the years...not for public consumption.

HHFC - Have you ever done standup comedy? I thought you were awfully funny as Carter in the shows where you had a good amount of dialogue?

LH - I've done many, many stand-up gigs over the years.

HHFC - During a 1970 interview with TV Guide - you seemed to provide many tongue in cheek answers - Is it true that you got left out of your high school year book?

LH - I think you're referring to a picture of me and my high school sweetheart's planned picture as "favorites" of one of the years (freshman or Sophmore...can't really remember..) I think we were mad at the time the shoot was scheduled so I didn't show up. We're still friends, incidentally.

HHFC - Having seen nearly all of the Hogan's Heroes episodes - there is some inconsistency about your character (Carter) - in some of the episodes like the one where you impersonated Hitler - you were fairly sophisticated and competent. In others you couldn't even talk with a good German accent. Was this due to some writers seeing your character one way while others saw it a different way or was it something else? What are your thoughts?

LH - Carter was a simple and uncomplicated young man ...sort of innocent. Sometimes he got it right, sometimes he didn't. As for the inconsistencies...no one really seemed to care...the character just evolved.

HHFC - Would you care to share any thoughts about your friend the late Werner Klemperer?

LH - My thoughts about Werner? He was a truly gifted and talented actor. A gentleman to work with and a good and caring friend. He was an artist in the best sense of the word.

HHFC - What direction(s) would you like to see the Hogan's Heroes Fan Club take? What would you like to see on the Hogan's Heroes Fan Club website?

LH - I find the concept of a fan club odd. Don't misunderstand, I appreciate the fact that some people care enough about the program and the characters to assemble their mutual interests..I just don't feel particularly deserving of this sort of thing. I'm a relatively unimportant part of an old TV show that was immensely enjoyable to do.

HHFC - What would you like to be remembered for?

LH - I wouldn't presume to be remembered for anything other than the normal memories one accounts for by their few friends and family.

One final question -

HHFC - Were you really the King of Scotland? I read on the Internet that "Mr. Hovis was temporary King of Scotland from 1978 to 1981." - I didn't realize you were Scottish?

LH - Of course I was King of Scotland. Who would lie about a thing like that? Don't forget I also produced the "Liars Club" for several seasons in syndicated TV.

HHFC - Larry - Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for your fans!

LH - "Again, Thank you for the update...best to you and yours and all the faithful in this new year."