Larry Hovis, the actor who played Sgt. Carter in the 1960s television series “Hogan’s Heroes,” died of cancer on Sept. 9. He was 67.
Hovis became a popular entertainer in the late 1950s when he sang and did comedy skits in Houston nightclubs. After recording a solo album and appearing in several theatre productions in Texas and New York, Hovis moved to Hollywood.
He sold his screenplay for the beach party/spy spoof, “Out of Sight,” in 1964, and was cast in the TV show, “Gomer Pyle, USMC.” The following year, he was tapped to play Sgt. Andrew Carter, the demolitions expert in the World War II comedy, “Hogan’s Heroes.” He also made guest appearances on other TV shows, including “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Alice.”
Hovis moved back to Texas in the 1990s and spent 12 years teaching acting and characterization at Texas State University-San Marcos.
September 11, 2003 by
Larry was a kind & supportive friend & teacher who always had a kind word of encouragement no matter what!!!
The versitility and courage displayed by Larry in his depiction of Carter never failed to entertain. From the emergence of underground explosions to the bus boy in the Hofbrau to the courage it took to do the hilarous depiction of Hitler less than 25 years from the end of the war, he was the best on TV. Thankyou Larry!
If any one remembers the episode where Larry and John Banner are in the Hofbrau and John Banner turns to barmaid and says “Vee Geyts Baby” I would appreciate further info. Email dscholes@sympatico.ca