After six years of being on the show, John Banner ended his role of "Schultz" along with the series. He was, in fact, Jewish and was therefore heavily criticized for his role as the German officer. He later regrouped with his earlier co-stars from "Hogan's Heroes" to star in the Cold War comedy "The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz". After starring in a few other productions, he eventually moved to Europe with his Paris-born wife. Not even a year later, the beloved actor passed away in Vienna from an abdominal hemorrhage.