Bob Crane: Life & Legacy

Happy Birthday Bob Crane! Born Friday, July 13, 1928, the Hogan's Heroes star considered 13 to be his lucky number.

To learn about Bob Crane's true and complete life story, as well as insights into his unsolved murder and addiction, visit www.vote4bobcrane.org
#hogansheroes #unsolved #truecrime

Bob Crane and Werner Klemperer in their Hogan's Heroes costumes as Hogan and Klink. The following article is reproduced with the photo. Refocusing on Crane (LA Times, October 13, 2002) Paul Schrader, who brands Bob Crane an unsavory “creep” (“Into the Deep End,” Sept. 29), has, obviously, directed “Auto Focus” as a film even more inexcusable than the “Hogan’s Heroes” sitcom. “Auto Focus” producer Scott Alexander is also quoted. “You’re taking somebody’s life and turning it into an hour and 40 minutes, so there’s bound to be something you left out” -- like Crane’s dedication as an actor who spurned an offer to succeed Jack Paar on “The Tonight Show” so that he might hone his craft, or the thousands he invested in government bonds at 4% instead of bank CDs at 6% because “this country’s been good to me.” Arguably the most listenable DJ in L.A. history, Crane helped uncover and establish several entertainment icons. Crane was an attentive dad who spent his summertime weekends poolside or at the Encino Little League Park and trick-or-treating each Halloween with his kids. In 1963, for months, a dozen roses (with unsigned cards) mysteriously arrived daily at Crane’s KNX office. Finally, CBS staffers discovered they had been sent by a fan, Alfred Hitchcock. Schrader says, “Crane didn’t have any friends.” It’s a shame that some of his musician buddies -- Henry Mancini, Johnny Green and Bronislaw Kaper -- aren’t around to refute the inaccuracy. I am. Based on the Calendar article, “Auto Focus” is a one-dimensional cheap shot of Bob Crane that is, sadly, out of focus. Harvey Geller Former Vice President and Editor, Cash Box Magazine (West Coast) Columnist, Feature Writer, Reviewer, & Sales Exec., Variety & Billboard Magazines https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-oct-13-ca-letterslede13-story.html

Today, June 29, marks the anniversary of Bob Crane's (star of Hogan's Heroes) 1978 unsolved murder. Learn more about Bob Crane's life and career through our ongoing work here:
> www.vote4bobcrane.org
> vote4bobcrane.blogspot.com

YouTube video by True Crime: Myths, Legends, & More Podcast Bob Crane: Fame, Scandal & Murder | Authors of the Definitive Biography Speak Out

June 29th marks the anniversary of Bob Crane's unsolved murder. We are frequent guests on radio, TV, and podcasts to discuss his life, career, & murder. We were recently guests on the True Crime, Myths, Legends, & More Podcast. Have a listen.
#truecrime #podcast

YouTube video by Bob Crane: Life & Legacy The Bob Crane Show - KNX Radio / Hi-Fi Stereo Contest - With Richard Chamberlain (c. 1964)

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Richard Chamberlain on March 29, 2025. A favorite interview clip from Bob Crane's KNX radio show was with Richard Chamberlain back during his days as Dr. Kildare (c. 1964). Have a listen and a chuckle. Rest in peace.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW6f...

March 10, 1961: Twilight Zone's "Static" airs. A grumpy old man (Dean Jagger) discovers an antique radio that plays programs from his youth—but only for him.

Includes the voice of Bob Crane on the radio. One of six episodes CBS pushed TZ to videotape as a cost-cutting measure.

HOME Everyone has a life story worth discovering.Bob Crane is no exception. For decades and through the recollections of hundreds of individuals directly connected to Bob Crane, as well as archived articl...

2/2)…the murder on many different true crime podcasts and our own. Visit vote4bobcrane.org for those episodes and all of our work about Bob Crane.

Bob’s murder remains unsolved to this day. There are many theories, all of which are unproven. Authorities still say John Henry Carpenter - always their prime suspect - was the person who committed the crime. It’s a shame that it likely will never be solved. We talk extensively about… (1/2)

Hello true crime podcasters! Interested in talking with us about Bob Crane & his unsolved murder? We'd love to be on your show! Send us a DM with a link to your podcast.
For a collection of some of our interviews, visit: www.vote4bobcrane.org/in-the-news/...

#truecrime #podcast

For my RetroFan Magazine article on Hogan's Heroes for the show's 60th anniversary in September 2025, I've been re-reading parts of Robert Clary's book 'From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes.' Get a copy. Read it. Share it.
Do NOT allow anyone to erase history or allow the Holocaust to happen again.

I'm putting the finishing touches on my next article about Hogan's Heroes for RetroFan Magazine, which will be published in the September 2025 issue to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary. My article about Bob Crane's radio career was published in the March 2021 issue.
Issue link: bit.ly/3PPnN51

Bob Crane: Behind the Scenes with His Official Biographers Podcast Episode · WILDCIDE · 01/17/2025 · 1h 26m

My co-Bob Crane biographer & I were interviewed recently on the Wild-Cide Podcast. We provided an "exclusive deep dive into murder, mystery, and scandals, and [delved] into the life and shocking death of beloved actor Bob Crane, star of Hogan’s Heroes."
#truecrime #unsolved #coldcase #hogansheroes

"Static" star Dean Jagger is probably best known for his role in 1954's "White Christmas."

And Bob Crane, long before "Hogan's Heroes," was a radio announcer on "Static": https://buff.ly/49Yo0MG

Crane and Serling were personal friends: https://buff.ly/49ZOKfA

#TwilightZoneMarathon

As Bob Crane's official biographers, Linda Groundwater & I are often guests on TV, radio, & podcasts to discuss the Hogan's Heroes star's life & career, death, & unsolved murder.

Browse our collection of interviews:
www.vote4bobcrane.org/in-the-news/...

#hogansheroes #truecrime #unsolved #podcast

YouTube video by Bob Crane: Life & Legacy The Danny Kaye Show | Bob Crane (Guest) | Jan. 19, 1966

On 1/19/1966, Bob Crane appeared on The Danny Kaye Show, where he demonstrated his on-air radio technique of applying prerecorded voices & inserting them into his live radio show. A licensed pilot, Danny Kaye was a friend & fan of Bob's, & often listened to Bob's radio show while flying over SoCal.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in Southern California. We are deeply saddened by the devastation and loss. Thank you to our brave firefighters and first responders. Please stay safe. 💔

On Dec. 31, 1972, Bob Crane hosted a 5-hour New Year’s Eve Big Band Special on KMPC. During his radio show, Bob featured more than 60 Big Bands. Happy New Year's Eve! 🎉🥂
Listen to many of Bob Crane's airchecks here: www.youtube.com/user/vote4bo...
Learn more: www.vote4bobcrane.org

Thank you as always for your ongoing support of our efforts! ❤️ It's not easy at times, but it's worth it.
Happy New Year to all of you! 🥂

APB Cold Case

Bob Crane's murder is shrouded in mystery. We are frequent guests on true crime podcasts. Earlier this year, we discussed Bob's unsolved murder case on the APB Cold Case Podcast with retired police chief Mark Spawn.

#truecrime #murder #unsolved #mystery #hogansheroes #podcast

YouTube video by Bob Crane: Life & Legacy The Bob Crane Show | Rod Serling Interview [Complete] — December 11, 1961

Take some time away from the holiday rush to sit back and enjoy Bob Crane's interview with Rod Serling (December 11, 1961), as aired over KNX-CBS Radio in Hollywood.
#twilightzone #scifi #radio
@thenightgallery.bsky.social

Bing Crosby, Bob Crane, and the cast of Hogan's Heroes on The Hollywood Palace Christmas Special, December 25, 1965.

Bob Crane & 'Hogan's Heroes' on 'The Hollywood Palace' Christmas Special, hosted by Bing Crosby — Dec. 25, 1965
Read the article & watch the show here: vote4bobcrane.blogspot.com/2018/12/bob-...
#hogansheroes #classictv #bingcrosby

Did you know that the most complete collection of Hogan's Heroes props, costumes, and memorabilia is on display at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, OH? We order you put a visit to the museum on your Bucket List!
www.vote4bobcrane.org/the-definiti...

#hogansheroes #classictv #musuem #ww2

Bob definitely had his demons, but he was also working on bettering his life & trying to overcome them at the time of his murder. We provide a complete & honest portrait of a very complex man. He was neither a devil nor a saint - just an imperfect human who wanted to be & do good.

For a selection of our interviews:
www.vote4bobcrane.org/in-the-news/...

YouTube video by AM Ink Publishing Bob Crane: The Definitive Biography

Bob Crane was brutally murdered on June 29, 1978, at 49 years of age. The crime remains unsolved. Many theories exist as to who committed the crime, but none are proven. We appear regularly on TV, radio, & podcasts to discuss Bob's life, career, addiction, & murder.
#unsolved #truecrime #mystery

Before he was Colonel Hogan on Hogan's Heroes, Bob Crane was a successful radio personality on both US coasts. In fact, he changed radio with his unique brand of programming & celebrity interviews.
Learn more: www.vote4bobcrane.org/radio/radio-...
#radio #history #broadcasting #hogansheroes

Are you a fan of Hogan's Heroes? If so, follow us!
We are Bob Crane's official biographers with over 2 decades of research told directly to us by his family, friends, & colleagues.
Learn more: www.vote4bobcrane.org
#hogansheroes #classictv #ww2