The Dixons were friends of mine in Altadena. Ivan's son, the late N'Gai Dixon was my friend and fellow music student at Loma Alta School. I met Robert Clary and some of the other supporting cast members at a bbq at Dixons' home, where I learned the words to the theme song.

My favorite Kinch quote comes from when the boys were trying to convince the Russian fighter pilot that they weren't Germans. "Let me handle this Colonel. Do I look German to you?"

My dad would laugh and laugh while watching this show. My dad was a very serious and sober man. It was heaven to hear him laugh. Grateful for the show.

Frankly, I'm glad he had to play it straight. If you look at all of the other actors, with the exception of Robert Crane, their characters were all dumbed down for comedic effect. Not dumbing Kinchloe down was actually a move FORWARD for progress in black roles at that time.

I had the privilege of a pre-first season interview with Bob Crane, later in the run with Werner Klemperer and John Banner, and even later visited the series exterior Stalag set on the long-gone 40-Acre backlot. Crane and Banner were joys to chat with, not so much with Klemperer; too stuffy and self-important in the interview. However, it wasn't until the late 70s that I unexpectedly met Ivan Dixon. Covering a reunion of former students and surviving faculty of the school Dixon attended. The group met on a Sunday afternoon on the grounds of the long-abandoned school, then in ruins, located between Gastonia and Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Recognizing Dixon immediately, I introduced myself. Dixon excused himself from the group and graciously spent time talking with me about his time on the series, acting in other shows, and becoming an in-demand director. He counted himself fortunate to have reached his goals, and I counted myself lucky in the unexpected meeting with a fine human being.

I was very young when the show aired originally. I grew up in a small rural area of Kentucky. There were only white people in that small town, and I was too young to understand the racial problems of the time. Sgt. Kinchloe was the only black actor I remember watching during that time. My grandfather was a veteran of WW2 and never missed Hogan's Heroes. Sgt. Kinchloe became my favorite character on the show. I enlisted in the USAF, and when I worked communications I thought of the show and Sgt. Kinchloe. I still watch the show everyday as I own the entire series on DVD. Thank you Ivan Dixon. You made a big difference to so many of us.

I’m 63yo and white and I remember hearing that opening drum tattoo with glee knowing what was coming was going to be good clean fun, I never thought “it’s cool they put a black guy on the show” I remember liking The character of Kinchlow and I remember thinking he was one of the smarter characters right up there with Hogan himself.

If he wasn't feeling fulfilled, I think it was the right move for him. As much as we all loved him, he had to do what made him happy.

Kinchloe was my favorite character in the show, when I first saw season 6 I was so sad that he left the show. But I'm glad that he went on to become a director.

Kinch was always so smooth and cool...

“Kinch” was great as the straight man, I especially liked his interaction with Schultz. Hogan’s Heroes was one of my favorites of that day.

I think Mr. Dixon made the right decision as he directed many great television episodes and his talents received the recognition he so deserved. Never settle if you don’t have to. Great video Rick!

Really liked Ivan Dixon's role and didn't think the final season was as good without him.

Mr. Dixon was my Grandfather's roommate at NCUU. He was a great talent and his role as Kinch was monumental as one of the first black lead roles in a sitcom in the 1960s. I understand why he left and if he hadn't he never would've went on to direct so many classic tv shows including Magnum and Rockford Files. He was also great on the first episode of I Spy. R. I. P. Legend.

Although John Banner (Sergeant Schultz) was my favorite, the show was not the same when Mr. Dixon left. He actually played a very important role. You can't have comedy without the straight guy. Look at Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello, etc... I always considered him as one of the most important characters on the show. I wish that he had finished out the show, but I'm happy that he had a successful career afterwards.

A lot of people do not realize how versatile an actor Ivan Dixon was. He had a memorable role as the minister in a doomed town in an episode of "The Twilight Zone". Late in his career, he played a judge in at least a couple of the "Perry Mason" made-for-TV movies.

I always wondered back in the day what happened to Kinch. It's good that he left to further grow his acting career on his own terms. Not many can say that.

I think they should’ve done a final 1 hour episode when the war ended. Like they did with MASH.

He directed some episodes of the Rockford files and he had a role as Lonnie in the movie car wash from 1976

I loved Kinch as Ivan did a great job working with the material he was given. Years later when I saw him on the movie 'Car Wash' I couldn't believe it was him, his voice seemed raspy. Dixon was immensely talented and a huge success. RIP.

I always thought of Ivan's role in HH's as being the 2nd in command after Hogan. Great vid again Rick!

It was a shame he wasn't given as much air time on the show. I liked his character a lot! He did have a successful career as director though.

He was also great in the movie- Patch of Blue-in 1965 with Sidney Poitier..

Seeing a Black man being an integral part of the cast/mission was inspiring back in the 1960s!

Kinch was replaced by Baker and Col. Klink didn't seem to notice. Yet no one escapes from Stalag 13

Hey Rick, once again you hit it out of the park!! I was sorry to see Ivan Dixon leave Hogan's Heroes, I enjoyed his character but he was unhappy & did go on to experience other successes behind the camera!!! Thanks for sharing another fun video!! 👍🥴

First, I loved his impersonation of Hitler (and a few German officers). Second, he probably had the second best part on the show. His character came across as intelligent, capable and competent, and he played it well.

He took a chance on himself and won! 👍

Being 1/2 Irish and the other 1/2 German, I was caught in the middle! My Irish father loved it, and my German Mother and her family absolutely hated it. Dad and I never missed an episode but my German Grandfather would yell at us about them making fun of the Germans. It also didn't help that in our area, it was slotted against Lawrence Welk. In a one TV house (remember those) this presented an interesting conflict every week! It was a battle royal every Saturday Night....!!!!

His character was fantastic, and he played him perfectly. You gotta do what’s right for you.

I had concluded that Kinch was always 2nd in charge of the hero's. His duties and the orders he was given through out the series were those of a back up , go to, guy.

I just found your channel a couple of days ago. My housework is piling up because I'm binge watching your videos.

I did not know about Ivan Dixon’s success as a director. Thanks for the info.

It's a pity the talent of Mr. Dixon was so... Under used. His later success proves how versatile the man was. Thank you Ivan Dixon for so many enjoyable moments you've given us both on and off HH

Ivan Dixon actually appeared in several episodes of other TV shows before Hogan’s Heroes”. . He did a very memorable part in the Twilight Zone episode called “The Big Tall Wish”. He was a very talented actor and he could’ve stayed one more year in Hogan’s Heroes because it only lasted until April 1971 and a paycheck is a paycheck but he decided he wanted to do other things.

My favorite line of the series was one of Kinchloes. Hogan: “a gestapo man came into camp and I wasn’t informed? Where was I?” Kinch: (rather embarrassed) “listening to the World Series with the rest of us.”

I bought the complete DVDF Series and watched it like 4 times. I loved Kinch's role and I agree that his character role was 2nd in command due to his leadership. Great series that is a classic even if you are not a fan of WW2 films.

I absolutely missed Kinch is season 6. I enjoyed all of the Heroes and felt that Kinch was so smart, cool, and added to the group

Such a nice man, Ivan Dixon. I had the very fortunate opportunity to meet him in 1986 on a movie set filmed in London, Ontario. I was an extra playing a security guard on the TV movie “Amerika’ and chatted with Ivan for a few minutes between takes on the steps of Victoria Hospital (Westminster campus) and I asked him what it was like being on the set of Hogan’s Heroes. He said he had a wonderful time on that show and that it was a great cast. He told me that Werner Klemperer’s father was in WWII on the German side and that Werner’s father loved the show and how the show mocked the Nazis. He also told me how much he enjoyed directing tv shows. I told him I recalled seeing his name as a director once on Starsky and Hutch. He had fond memories of that show too. It was such a pleasure talking to Ivan and he was very easy and pleasant to talk to. He always had a look in his eyes like he was thinking of the next important thing beyond where he was at currently. A remarkable and intelligent gentleman. Thanks for the chat Ivan!

Dixon even directed some of the Airwolf episodes in the first season of Airwolf that were among the best...

I think he was an intrical part of the show, much like Greg Morris on Mission Impossible! These two black men played it straight, but they DIDN'T play the fool! I think he left at just the right time Rick! He stayed long enough to make a name for himself, and it was time to broaden his horizons!!📺🎬🇺🇸

If he knew that there was only going to be one more season, he should have stayed. He may not of known.

The only problem I had was that there was no explanation as to where Kinchloe went. It was a prison camp. It's not like you can just walk out the door. Was he released, swapped or did he escape?

Losing him showed how integral he had been to the show.

In my opinion, When Ivan Dixon left the show, it killed it. Not just with Hogan's Heroes, with any hit show, when a leading character leaves a show unexpectedly, it is a death-blow.

It was true he didn't get nearly as much comedy as the rest of the cast, but when he did do funny things he was FUNNY!! Also nice to see the glamorous Barbara Mcnair brought on as a guest star to interact with Kinch! Sadly it seems that Kenneth Washington is the "overlooked" cast member! He and Robert Clary are still alive as of now they are the only surviving main cast members!

He starred in a terrific episode of The Twilight Zone, the only episode of it's 5 year run with an all black cast. Another trailblazing moment for Ivan.

Poor Kinch rarely got to leave the barracks. Hogan and everyone else got to go into town, and even to Paris once in awhile. A funny scene was as the heroes were on a night mission and darkening their faces, Kinch was offered some of the dark camouflage. Kinch was like, really? It was done in good fun and tastefully. I think it wasn't an easy choice for Dixon to leave the show. The writers should have done more with his character. The few times when plots were centered around Kinch, Dixon did an excellent job. Considering the time period when the show was set, Kinch was treated very well by those around him, even the Germans. Kinch was definitely an asset to the Heroes. Hogan knew that no matter what he asked of Kinch, the job would be done.

I think that when Bing Crosby Productions ended their support for the show and a new company called Hogan's Horde took over, some management changes were made. I sense Ivan Dixon did not like where it was going and chose to exit.

Ivan Dixon was a great actor and was in the film “Car Wash”.

If HH wasn't giving Ivan Dixon the exposure, experience he needed and deserved, then moving on was the best thing for him.

I always enjoyed watching "Kinch" on "HH". Before HH, Ivan Dixon appeared in a 1963 "Perry Mason" episode, "The Case of the Nebulous Nephew". Whatever his character, it was always a completely believable and natural portrayal. A very good actor!

I really hated it when he left it wasn't the same

Sad the writers didn't just write more comedy into the show to keep him. He definitely played a great character in the show and I liked the parts where his comedy acting was featured.

He had a very solid role in a twilight zone episode “The big tall wish”

My favorite bit Kinch was ever involved with ... the Heroes were getting ready to do one of those night missions, and they're passing around the shoe polish or whatever the black stuff they'd smear on their faces was, and after Carter's done with it, he passes it to Kinch, who just gives him this LOOK.

That's why Larry Linvell left MASH Frank Burns was the only character that wasn't growing and changing

Greatest line said to Klinch YOU SURE YOU'RE NOT GERMAN?

Love the series ever since I was a kid watching it when it came out. Watch a couple of episodes every night before bed. All the characters were great I didn’t think he was under used. There’s definitely no way a show like this could be made in today’s social Justice toxic Hollywood environment.

Bob Crane pretty much played a straight man role, too.

Interestingly, I first found out about the famed Tuskegee Airmen while watching "Hogan's Heroes" as a boy around eight years old. A family friend who served in the Army Air Corps noted that the military was segregated in WW2, and that meant that Sgts. Kinchloe and Baker had to have been assigned to the 332nd - an all Black Fighter Group, who famously flew planes with red painted tails. But most fighter pilots were commissioned officers, so he wasn't entirely sure. Watching this reminded me of that day, and so I did a bit more digging: According to the "Hogan's Heroes Wiki," "On June 8, 1942, (Sgt. Kinchloe was) shot down during an American air raid over Germany and was captured; eventually placed at Stalag 13, where he joined Colonel Hogan's Anti-Nazi organization. In due course, Sgt. Kinchloe was put in charge of operations, as well as being made the group's radio operator and electronic expert, and at some point became Hogan's aide-de-camp and Chief of Staff." To the best of my knowledge - it was never brought up in the series - as part of a bomber crew, Sgt. Kinchloe would have been assigned (by default in the then-segregated service) to the 477th Medium Bombardment Group, which trained to fly B-25's. Though the 477th Medium Bombardment Group did not see actual deployment in the real world; in the "Hoganverse," it must have been active. Though less is known about Sgt. Kinchloe's replacement - Staff Sergeant Richard Baker - he was also most likely part of the 477th Medium Bombardment Group in the "Hoganverse" as well. Thanks for posting this for us! My Like is in the 5.1Ks

I'm so glad to learn of his success as a Director.

I wish he remained. But he has to do what he thinks is best for himself and his family. He has a place in television history.

He was also a guest on Have Gun Will Travel with Richard Boone

The one line that I loved was when they were trying to get the Russian pilot to calm down and trust them all, Ivan says, “Do I look German to you?”! That line caught me off guard because he rarely was given funny lines. As much as I missed him on the show, I understood why he left.

Ivan Dixon was great on Hogan’s Heroes and many other projects. He was also in the great film “Car Wash”.

Kinch-“There’s a place for everything, and the thing is in it’s place”.

I think Ivan did the right thing by leaving, for the reasons you cite. He only "missed" one season before the show was cancelled but he opened the door to so many other roles. He has a solid acting background and I think this kept him from being type cast. Also, I didnt realize how many shows he directed - he may have missed this opportunity to branch out if he stayed.

2:00 It's something to think that Kenneth Washington and Robert Clary are the only surviving cast members of the entire show.

My basic training platoon was called " Hogards Heroes" in honor of our drill sergeant Hogard and Hogan's heroes

I agree that Ivan should have had more exposure. He played a terrific lead role as a boxer on The Twilight Zone a number of years earlier.

Ivan was in t.v. years before Hogan's Heroes. He was in the only two part episode of The Outer Limits. It was called, "The Inheritors" and there were at least 3 other Hogan's cast members in just that episode although, at least 4 others (Rich Dawson, Howard Caine, Arlene Martel and Marianna Hill) were in other episodes of The Outer Limits. Walter Burke, who was in at least one Hogan's episode, was in at least 2 Outer Limits episodes. In The Inheritors, along with Ivan, there was also Leon Askin, Jim Frawley (who appeared in one early episode of Hogan's) and Steve Ihnat (who was also in just one episode). Ivan was also in at least one "Mission: Impossible" episode, I THINK he was also in an "I Spy" show.

Shame he had to leave because I liked the fact that not only was he the radio guy but he was also the go to tech guy…. He was also funny. On one episode he had to impersonate a German officer, even wore a monocle even though he was on the phone! The only other role I remember him playing was in the movie ‘Car wash’…..

I always liked Kinch. Looking back now the part was respected and a proved to be a good role model.

I loaned his character on the show period as a child I had a stutter and a thick southern drawl. I was trying to find my voice with the help of a teacher she said watch as much television as you can and you will hear different voices, pick one that you like. I was more or less a myna bird. Sammy Davis Jr Godfrey Cambridge, Rich Little, Frank Gorshen. But, Ivan Dixon I got to see every week. He would vocal impressions of Maj. Hochstetter, Gen. Burkholter, other Germans or British Intel. I did impressions all of the time. My parents and other adults knew who I was doing and that's all that mattered. I finally lost the stutter and the drawl, but found my voice at 12. Went on to do local theatre, radio, voiceovers, instructional audio work and eventually got into education. Thank you, Sgt James Kinchloe.

The only episode where he was recognized as black was the boxing episode. General Burkhalter identified him as black and compared him to Jesse Owens. The writers gave Ivan Dixon several episodes. Highlighting him as the African King was another Kinch episode. He should’ve stuck it out through the run.

I remember an old Hollywood story where an actor was having difficulty playing a scene and asked his director "What is my motivation?" to which the director responded; " It comes in the form of a paycheck at the end of the week." Being selected to act in any Hollywood project is a rare boost to anyone's career. As such, you need not bite the hand that feeds you, especially when you have a family to support!" Just sayin'.

I look at Ivan's leaving Hogan's Heroes much like when Pernell Roberts left Bonanza. I think Ivan should have stayed on to the end of the series. In my opinion his staying with the show would have looked better for his future career.

Ivan Dixon also co-starred in a film with one of my favorite actresses of the golden age of film - Dorothy Dandridge. I believe it was called ‘The Murder Men’ (aka Blues of a Junkman). This was the early 60’s. Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. She was up against Judy Garland, Grace Kelly, Jane Wyman, and Audrey Hepburn. With a list like that she had an uphill battle.

Kinch was my favorite character and even as a child I felt he wasn't used enough all the memories I have of him were tappiing out morse code eavesdropping on Klink and a few commando missions in the woods a good actor who turned out to be a better director.

Watched every week as a kid and over and over in reruns..and never knew Kinch's first name was James.. Robert Hogan,Andrew Carter, Peter Newkirk, Louis Lebeau..Hans Shultz.. Wilhelm Klink

Loved his work, here, and on Twilight Zone. Credit to him, as a director, but loved seeing him in front of the camera more. Very convincing characters, strong screen presence.

Yes!!! Be HOPEFUL friends!

Rick, don't know how it was done in WW2, but in the 80's, radio transmission encryption was done with a code book that was supposed to be replaced monthly. A friend who was a 25 year old Captain, like me, was being fast tracked. He was placed in charge of radio security in Berlin (Cold War going on). He found that the code books had not been replaced in five years. He then went directly to a general and threw a full bird colonel under the bus for this lapse in security. A week later he was called into the general's office. The colonel and general were there. My friend was then told that he had reached "terminal rank" (would never be promoted again) and that the colonel he threw under the bus was the general's best friend. Oops.

Many people forget that Kinchloe was the 2nd in command.

As John Cleese said “A mans got to do what a mans got to do”!

Great video.

Hogan's Heroes was based on a movie called Stalag 17. Also a great movie.

Outer limits the fugitive

Thanks for the info, didn't know why he had left.👍👍👍👍👍❤🇺🇸

Ivan Dixon was a beloved character, because he loved his country, and it showed, and he was a fine actor as well. He never played the "victim" (because I'm black) crap. When his team screwed up, causing our side a set-back, he laid into them, as any good Sargent would do. Robert Clary and Kenneth Washington are the last surviving members of the main cast. If they are available, and their health allows, it would be great to hear them in a interview. Also, there were several extras in the show, that were regulars. Yet they never (with one or two exceptions) had a speaking role. Also, those extras never appeared in the credits. Who were those extras? What were their names? They should not go down in TV history as "anonymous". Also, is there a master tape of the theme song? The sound quality of what gets broadcast sounds like a 1972, kitchen counter-top AM radio. A real band was playing real instruments. I would hope that there is a recording that sounds like real people in a real band were playing. Who would have that master tape? Will the public ever be treated to hearing the theme song sound like real music? (and I believe that Bob Crane was on the drums for the theme song)

In the early 60s Nothing But A Man was filmed partially in a little town called Estell Manor NJ.....they needed an old school building to shoot some scenes.....my father was president of the school board at the time and he gave them the keys to the old school building that at this time was only used for Boy Scout meetings.

In several ways Kinch was Hogan's unofficial Second-in-command. He did have funny moments- in one episode as KInch KO's a Nazi driver he says, in a bad cockney accent "A little present from the British Commandos!" Newkirk responds, in a REAL cockney accent, "I'll handle the English accents, if you don't mind!"

It's unsurprising Dixon left. He was a fantastic actor. If you get a chance, check out his acting in the film "Nothing But a Man." It's a heart-wrenching portrayal of life in black America before and during the Civil Rights movement...and he made it in 1964, BEFORE "Hogan's Heroes." After making such a great dramatic movie, it's no wonder he felt he was wasted on "Hogan." As for Kenneth Washington/Sgt. Baker...given Dixon left, this is one case where I would've preferred if they'd just called Washington "Kinchloe" -- recasting the role, rather than creating a new "character" who did the same stuff as the old one. Having this new guy around, with no mention of where Kinch went or why that didn't ruin Stalag 13's perfect record, was really jarring.

This was great. I do really like Kinchloe and I was disappointed that he left and also wish that he would have been given more story lines or more dialogue. I love the episode where he was boxing Battling Bruno and knocked him out while sparring...lol

Always wondered why he left, and it caught me off guard later in years when the Franklin mint put out a plate that stated 'Origanal' cast of Hogan's heros and it had Kenneth Washington on it. That upset me cause I knew he was not one of the originals. I still have it to this day.

I think if he advanced in his craft and started directing then it was definitely a great move for him. Rob Ryan and Ron Howard did the same thing when they both could have stayed cozy in their hit series. I think you ultimately have to know what you want from the craft. The limelight is often a fickle lover, so its best to have a grounded perspective on the craft rather than the seek constant approval from the public that is always fleeting.

If he felt like leaving, it’s ok, but as a black kid watching it in syndication, he was very important to me. I felt bad that he couldn’t go on the missions with them, but understood why. His character was definitely under the other guys, but they never really made fun of him or made him the but of jokes or anything. He had dignity, and it meant the world to me. On another note, this isn’t the channel I usually hear this voice in, is it?

Ivan Dixon's character was my favorite on this show. No one could replace Kinchloe!

wish they explained in the show why he left. I figured they could have planned his transfer due to family need in the States (maybe his father being ill), then during the transfer to another Stalag, he is whisked back to the States, Klink's "no escapes" is untarnished, and we see why Kinch left. He could have been mentioned in later eps.