Hovis started his career as a singer, but had more success as an actor, and his characters were often in uniform. His first break was a recurring role in Gomer Pyle, USMC (1964-1970), which led more notably to being cast as demolition expert Sgt. Carter, one of the regulars on the hit comedy series Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971).
Hovis was also a writer, and for two years a sketch actor, for Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In (1968-1973). Since 1990, he taught acting at Texas State University in San Marcos. He was diagnosed with cancer three months ago, and died September 9 in a hospice in Austin, Texas. He was 67.
HH Trivia: Sgt. Carter almost always wore gloves. Why? Hovis refused to remove his wedding ring for filming, even though his character was single. The gloves were an easy way to hide the ring.