Vale: Ivan Dixon

Actor Ivan Dixon, best known as “Kinchloe” in the sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, has died. He was 76.

Dixon (pictured, top), an actor, director and producer, started out in Broadway plays and was also a stunt double for Sidney Poitier.

He appeared in the films Something of Value, A Raisin in the Sun, A Patch of Blue, Nothing But a Man and the cult favourite Car Wash.

But he was probably best known for the role of US Staff Sgt James Kinchloe on Hogan’s Heroes. Kinchloe, in charge of electronic communications, could mimic German officers on the radio or phone.

His daughter said there were not as many blacks in TV series at that time. “He did have some personal issues with that role, but it also launched him into directing.”

Dixon also earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the CBS Playhouse special The Final War of Olly Winter.

In addition to acting on television, he also directed hundreds of episodic shows, including The Waltons, The Rockford Files, Magnum, PI and In the Heat of the Night.

He died on Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte after a haemorrhage and of complications from kidney failure. At Dixon’s request, the family said, no memorial or funeral is planned.

Source: AAP