The last Hogan’s Heroes star has passed—marking the end of a classic era
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For fans of classic television, one final curtain has quietly fallen.
Kenneth Washington—the last surviving main cast member of the iconic sitcom Hogan’s Heroes—has died at the age of 88.
His passing not only marks the end of a beloved ensemble but also closes a chapter in television history.
Best known for his role as Sergeant Richard Baker in the show's final season, Washington brought both warmth and trailblazing representation to the screen.
His life, however, extended far beyond Stalag 13—encompassing a long career in Hollywood, a dedication to education, and a legacy that touched many.
A trailblazing addition to Stalag 13
Kenneth Washington joined Hogan’s Heroes in 1970, stepping in for actor Ivan Dixon during the sixth and final season.
He played Sergeant Richard Baker, a communications expert who became an essential part of the Allied prisoners’ clever operations.
At a time when Black actors were still rarely featured in regular roles on network television, Washington’s casting was both significant and long overdue.
His performance brought intelligence, calm strength, and a new layer of depth to the show’s ensemble.
As Hogan’s Heroes blended comedy with subtle social commentary, Washington’s presence was a meaningful shift toward greater representation on screen.
Also read: Tom Troupe, beloved actor from "Star Trek", "Cheers", and more, has died
More than one memorable role
Washington’s career began well before Hogan’s Heroes and continued long after.
He appeared on a wide array of popular television shows during the 1960s and 1970s, including Star Trek, I Dream of Jeannie, My Three Sons, Marcus Welby, M.D., and The Rockford Files.
Notably, he became the only Black actor to secure a major guest role on Petticoat Junction in 1963.
His film work included a role in the 1973 sci-fi thriller Westworld, where he acted alongside Yul Brynner and Richard Benjamin.
In his final credited television appearance, he joined the cast of A Different World in 1989—a fitting bookend to a career that evolved alongside a changing entertainment industry.
Also read: Joe Marinelli, Soap Star on General Hospital and Santa Barbara, dead at 68
A second act in the classroom
After stepping away from acting in the 1990s, Kenneth Washington turned to education.
He earned a degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and went on to teach at both his alma mater and at Southwest College.
His courses included speech, oral interpretation, and the history of Black actors in film—subjects that reflected both his experience and his passion for mentorship.
Students remember him not only as a skilled instructor but as someone who brought real-world insight into the classroom.
By teaching future storytellers, Washington ensured his influence extended well beyond the screen.
Also read: Remembering Kenneth Colley: "Star Wars" actor's death shines light on health risks for older adults
A family man behind the spotlight
Washington’s personal life was just as full as his professional one.
He was married twice—first to Alyce Loretta Hawkins, and later to journalist and film critic Alice Marshall.
He is survived by his wife, his brother Johnnie, his sister Aaliyah Akbar, his children Kim Lee, Kenneth Jr., and Quianna Stokes-Washington, along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His death follows that of Robert Clary—who played Corporal LeBeau—in 2022, making Washington the last of Hogan’s Heroes’ main cast to pass.
With his death, the ensemble that once brought wartime hijinks and laughter to millions has now become a part of history.
Also read: Betsy Gay, cherished little Rascals star, dies at 96: “She will be deeply missed”
Why Hogan’s Heroes still resonates
Though it aired over 50 years ago, Hogan’s Heroes remains a touchstone for many.
The series offered humor, camaraderie, and surprising heart—all set in the unlikely backdrop of a World War II POW camp.
Kenneth Washington’s role, though only in the final season, was a crucial step toward inclusion and diversity in mainstream television.
For viewers who grew up with the show—or discovered it later through reruns—it holds a special place in the collective memory.
The loss of its final cast member is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the many ways these actors shaped generations of laughter and storytelling.
Read next: TV legend Jean Marsh, star and co-creator of "Upstairs, Downstairs," dies at 90
Did you grow up watching Hogan’s Heroes, or did you find it later in life? Do you remember Kenneth Washington’s turn as Sergeant Baker—or perhaps recall his guest spots on other iconic shows?
We'd love to hear your thoughts, stories, or favorite episodes. Let’s take a moment to honor not just Washington, but the full cast and legacy of a sitcom that dared to be both funny and bold in its time. The show may be over, but its impact lives on.
Kenneth Washington—the last surviving main cast member of the iconic sitcom Hogan’s Heroes—has died at the age of 88.
His passing not only marks the end of a beloved ensemble but also closes a chapter in television history.
Best known for his role as Sergeant Richard Baker in the show's final season, Washington brought both warmth and trailblazing representation to the screen.
His life, however, extended far beyond Stalag 13—encompassing a long career in Hollywood, a dedication to education, and a legacy that touched many.
Remembering Kenneth Washington and the lasting impact of Hogan’s Heroes. Image Source: YouTube / Beneath Fame.
A trailblazing addition to Stalag 13
Kenneth Washington joined Hogan’s Heroes in 1970, stepping in for actor Ivan Dixon during the sixth and final season.
He played Sergeant Richard Baker, a communications expert who became an essential part of the Allied prisoners’ clever operations.
At a time when Black actors were still rarely featured in regular roles on network television, Washington’s casting was both significant and long overdue.
His performance brought intelligence, calm strength, and a new layer of depth to the show’s ensemble.
As Hogan’s Heroes blended comedy with subtle social commentary, Washington’s presence was a meaningful shift toward greater representation on screen.
Also read: Tom Troupe, beloved actor from "Star Trek", "Cheers", and more, has died
More than one memorable role
Washington’s career began well before Hogan’s Heroes and continued long after.
He appeared on a wide array of popular television shows during the 1960s and 1970s, including Star Trek, I Dream of Jeannie, My Three Sons, Marcus Welby, M.D., and The Rockford Files.
Notably, he became the only Black actor to secure a major guest role on Petticoat Junction in 1963.
His film work included a role in the 1973 sci-fi thriller Westworld, where he acted alongside Yul Brynner and Richard Benjamin.
In his final credited television appearance, he joined the cast of A Different World in 1989—a fitting bookend to a career that evolved alongside a changing entertainment industry.
Also read: Joe Marinelli, Soap Star on General Hospital and Santa Barbara, dead at 68
A second act in the classroom
After stepping away from acting in the 1990s, Kenneth Washington turned to education.
He earned a degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and went on to teach at both his alma mater and at Southwest College.
His courses included speech, oral interpretation, and the history of Black actors in film—subjects that reflected both his experience and his passion for mentorship.
Students remember him not only as a skilled instructor but as someone who brought real-world insight into the classroom.
By teaching future storytellers, Washington ensured his influence extended well beyond the screen.
Also read: Remembering Kenneth Colley: "Star Wars" actor's death shines light on health risks for older adults
A family man behind the spotlight
Washington’s personal life was just as full as his professional one.
He was married twice—first to Alyce Loretta Hawkins, and later to journalist and film critic Alice Marshall.
He is survived by his wife, his brother Johnnie, his sister Aaliyah Akbar, his children Kim Lee, Kenneth Jr., and Quianna Stokes-Washington, along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His death follows that of Robert Clary—who played Corporal LeBeau—in 2022, making Washington the last of Hogan’s Heroes’ main cast to pass.
With his death, the ensemble that once brought wartime hijinks and laughter to millions has now become a part of history.
Kenneth Washington’s contributions to television, both in front of the camera and in the classroom, left a lasting impression on generations of viewers and students alike. Image Source: YouTube / ANCN.
Also read: Betsy Gay, cherished little Rascals star, dies at 96: “She will be deeply missed”
Why Hogan’s Heroes still resonates
Though it aired over 50 years ago, Hogan’s Heroes remains a touchstone for many.
The series offered humor, camaraderie, and surprising heart—all set in the unlikely backdrop of a World War II POW camp.
Kenneth Washington’s role, though only in the final season, was a crucial step toward inclusion and diversity in mainstream television.
For viewers who grew up with the show—or discovered it later through reruns—it holds a special place in the collective memory.
The loss of its final cast member is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the many ways these actors shaped generations of laughter and storytelling.
Read next: TV legend Jean Marsh, star and co-creator of "Upstairs, Downstairs," dies at 90
Did you grow up watching Hogan’s Heroes, or did you find it later in life? Do you remember Kenneth Washington’s turn as Sergeant Baker—or perhaps recall his guest spots on other iconic shows?
We'd love to hear your thoughts, stories, or favorite episodes. Let’s take a moment to honor not just Washington, but the full cast and legacy of a sitcom that dared to be both funny and bold in its time. The show may be over, but its impact lives on.
