IVan Dixon

Biography

Born - April 6, 1931

Died - March 16, 2008

Ivan Dixon, the only original cast member not to finish the series run, was born in New York City on April 6, 1931. Ivan had a prestigious list of acting credits before delving into the comedic escapades of Stalag 13. One of his first acting credits was for the celebrated television anthology show "The Dupont Show of the Month" in the 1960 production of "Arrowsmith." He went on to act in the film version of the theatrical drama "A Raisin in the Sun" with Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier in 1961, in which he played Asagai, the African boyfriend of Beneatha. He also portrayed Jim in the 1959 film version of "Porgy and Bess." His other pre-"Hogan's Heroes" film work includes: "Something of Value" (1957), "The Murder Men" (1961), and "The Battle at Bloody Beach" (1961).

Perhaps Ivan's most important film role is in the acclaimed drama "Nothing But a Man" (1964). In this subtle, complicated character study, Ivan plays Duff, a Southern railroad worker who must decide if his life, his marriage and his relationship with his son will repeat the mistakes his own father committed. Unlike many films of the era, it presents a cast of black characters who are fully-developed individuals, with problems, joys and identities of their own. Dixon acted with Poitier again in the 1965 film "A Patch of Blue" about a blind white girl falling in love with a black man (Poitier).

Also in 1965, Dixon began his enlistment as Sergeant James Kinchloe on "Hogan's Heroes" He left the series in 1970, one year before the show ended. His post-"Hogan" films included: "Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?" (1970), the Vietnam veteran melodrama "Clay Pigeon" (1971), and "Car Wash" (1976, as the boss, Lonnie). Other television acting credits include the 1987 mini-series "Amerika," the 1986 mystery film "Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star," in which he played the judge, and the 1974 action drama "Fer-de-Lance" (aka "Death Dive").

Ivan began directing films in the early 1970s, such as the 1972 gang warfare flick "Trouble Man" and the 1973 action movie "The Spy Who Sat by the Door" (which he also produced). For television, he directed "Love Is Not Enough" (1978), the series "Palmerstown, U.S.A." (1980), the detective series "Hawaiian Heat" (1984), and the telemovie "Percy & Thunder" (1993).



Ivan Dixon, Actor in ‘Hogan’s Heroes,’ Dies at 76

By DENNIS HEVESI
Published: March