Beloved actor KennethWashington died on July 18, bringing an end to an era as the last surviving main cast member of the CBS series Hogan’s Heroes.
Washington’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a screen test, which led him to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.
He worked on various television films, including J. Edgar Hoover, Money on the Side, and Our Family Business, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In addition to his work on Hogan’s Heroes, Washington appeared in numerous popular TV shows, such as Star Trek, I Dream of Jeannie, My Three Sons, The Name of the Game, Petticoat Junction, Marcus Welby, M.D., Adam-12, and Dragnet 1967.
Washington’s Role in Hogan’s Heroes
Washington joined the cast of Hogan’s Heroes in its final season, playing Sergeant Richard Baker, a communications expert who replaced the character Sergeant Kinchloe (previously played by Ivan Dixon).
At that time, he was the only Black actor in the main cast, marking a significant milestone in the history of the show.
Washington is survived by his wife, Alice Marshall, who is a former editor-in-chief at Wave Newspapers in South Los Angeles and previously served as film reviews editor at Variety.
He also leaves behind his brother, Johnnie; his sister, Aaliyah Akbar; his three children: Kim Lee, Kenneth Jr., and Quianna Stokes-Washington; along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.