Who remembers the TV series Hogan’s Heroes? Right here, in this very park, stands the Leon-Askin-Denkmal, a bronze bust honoring the man who brought the stern General Burkhalter to life. Leon Askin, born Leo Aschkenasy in Vienna in 1907, was more than just a comedic actor. He was a skilled director, a political satirist, and, most importantly, a survivor. Askin’s early career flourished in Vienna’s cabaret scene in the 1930s. However, his life took a dramatic turn with the rise of Nazism. Forced to flee his homeland, he made his way to the United States in 1940. The horrors of the war hit close to home as his parents became victims of the Holocaust, perishing in the Treblinka death camp. In America, Askin found success in Hollywood, becoming a familiar face in films and television. But it was his role as General Burkhalter on Hogan’s Heroes that cemented his place in entertainment history. Despite portraying a stern German general, Askin never lost sight of his past, using his platform to speak out against injustice. In 1994, Askin returned to his beloved Vienna, where he continued to perform until his death in 2005. The Leon-Askin-Denkmal, unveiled in 2007, is not just a tribute to a talented artist. It stands as a reminder of resilience, the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, a testament to the enduring power of hope.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to