Bernard Jeremiah Fein (November 13, 1926 – September 10, 1980), also known as Bernie Fein, was an American actor, television producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for co-creating and associate producing the 1960s television sitcom Hogan's Heroes; a show which he also occasionally wrote for, including the pilot episode. He directed only one film, the 1974 movie View from the Loft.
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Early life and career
A native of New York City, born on November 13, 1926, Fein was the son of immigrant furniture maker Irving Fein, later of Albany.
Fein started his career via radio, landing a role in the Schenectady-produced radio drama, The FBI in Action.
Fein's first big break came in 1955 when he landed the recurring role of Pvt. Gomez on Sergeant Bilko which he portrayed through 1959. He appeared regularly as a guest actor on numerous programs from 1959 through 1967 on such shows as The Untouchables, Sea Hunt, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Law and Mr. Jones, and Sam Benedict, as well as Lawman, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 77 Sunset Strip, Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone and The F.B.I.. He also appeared in a handful of films during this time including The Facts of Life and Robin and the 7 Hoods, among others.
Fein is portrayed by Kyle S. More in the 2022 Paramount+ miniseries, The Offer, and by Greg Grunberg later that year in the motion picture, The Fabelmans.
Personal life and death
On May 16, 1957, Fein married actress Kay Kurtz in New York City. They had two sons, Geoffrey and Adam.
Fein died in Los Angeles, on September 10, 1980, at age 53. He was survived by his wife and sons.
Notable TV guest appearances
Naked City (January 13, 1959) (Season 1 Episode 16: "Even Crows Sing Good") playing "Dasher"
Johnny Staccato (December 24, 1959) (Season 1 Episode 15: "The Unwise Men") playing "Ramsey" (as Bernie Fein)
Johnny Midnight (1960) (Season 1 Episode 10: "The Inner Eye") playing "Sieger"
Johnny Midnight (1960) (Season 1 Episode 37: "Romeo and Julie") playing "Ravioli"
The Twilight Zone (January 1, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 13: "The Four of Us Are Dying") playing "Penell"
Mr. Lucky (January 2, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 11: "Aces Back to Back") playing "Spanish Charley"
The Untouchables (January 28, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 16: "The St. Louis Story") playing "Tim Harrington" (uncredited)
Sea Hunt (March 12, 1960) (Season 3 Episode 10: "Expatriate's Return") playing "Boss"
M Squad (April 5, 1960) (Season 3 Episode 29: "Let There Be Light") playing "John Keefer"
The Alaskans (May 1, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 30: "Heart of Gold") playing "Tom"
The Man From Blackhawk (September 9, 1960) (Season 1 Episode 26: "Remember Me Not") playing "Renard"
Lawman (November 6, 1960) (Season 3 Episode 8: "The Post") playing "Sheriff Sabin"
Writer
Hogan's Heroes (1965) (TV) (creator)
The Forgotten Man (1971) (TV)
Director
View from the Loft (1974)
Producer
Hogan's Heroes (1965) (TV) (associate producer)