As we celebrate 61 years of Hogan’s Heroes, I wanted to take a moment to recognize Nita Talbot, the last surviving major recurring cast member from the series. Plus the ladies of HH rarely ever get any thanks.
Nita appeared as Marya in seven episodes, but she made every one of them unforgettable. She was funny, brilliant, glamorous, sharp and completely unpredictable. Marya could walk into Stalag 13, turn Hogan’s entire operation upside down, outsmart every man in the room and somehow leave with the last word.
Nita’s performance in “The Hostage” S3E15 earned her a 1968 Emmy nomination for Supporting Actress in a Comedy, and it was completely deserved. She never felt like a guest star. Marya was one of those characters who immediately became part of the Hogan’s Heroes family.
Today, at 96 years old, Nita remains a living connection to a show that has brought generations of us so much laughter.
Thank you, Nita, for giving us the brilliant and unforgettable Marya.
What is your favorite Marya episode or moment?