Who was Cynthia Lynn?
Cynthia Lynn was an American actress who was born in Riga, Latvia, as Zinta Valda Ziemelis in 1937. She and her mother fled the country during World War II and arrived in the United States in 1950. She started her acting career in the early 1960s and appeared in several TV shows and movies. She was best known for her role as Fräulein Helga, Colonel Klink’s secretary in the first season of the popular sitcom Hogan’s Heroes. She also had romantic relationships with actors Marlon Brando and Bob Crane, the latter being the star of Hogan’s Heroes.
How did Cynthia Lynn die?
Cynthia Lynn died on March 10, 2014, at the age of 76, from multiple organ failure after being stricken with hepatitis. She passed away in Panorama City, California, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa, and son, Tony. Lisa Brando is the daughter of Marlon Brando, who had a brief affair with Lynn in the 1960s. Lynn wrote an autobiography, Escape to Freedom, in 2000, with the assistance of Edward Ansara, where she shared her life story and experiences in Hollywood.
What was the legacy of Cynthia Lynn?
Cynthia Lynn was one of the last surviving cast members of Hogan’s Heroes, a comedy show that ran from 1965 to 1971 and depicted the exploits of Allied prisoners of war in a German camp during World War II. The show was a hit and won several awards, but also faced controversy for its portrayal of Nazis and the Holocaust. Lynn played the role of Helga, a beautiful and loyal secretary who often helped the prisoners with their schemes. She left the show after the first season and was replaced by Sigrid Valdis as Hilda, but returned for two guest appearances in later seasons. Lynn also appeared in other TV shows such as Gidget Grows Up, Mission: Impossible, The Odd Couple, Love American Style, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Her last acting role was in 1975 in an episode of Harry O.
Cynthia Lynn was a talented and charming actress who had a remarkable journey from escaping war-torn Latvia to becoming a star in Hollywood. She was loved by her fans and co-stars, and will be remembered for her role in one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. Cynthia Lynn cause of death was a sad loss for the entertainment industry and her family. May she rest in peace.
