Larry Hovis was born February 20, 1936 in Wapito, Washington and grew up in Houston, TX. He started out as a singer, frequently working with his sister Joan. Together they appeared on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. Then, while still working on a degree in philosophy at the University of Houston, he signed a contract with Capitol Records and recorded the album, "My Heart Belongs to Only You."

In the late 1950's Larry moved to New York and appeared in several Broadway shows including "The Billy Barnes Revue" (1959), and "From A to Z" (1960). In 1963 Larry relocated his family to California where he began to perform stand up routines in local clubs.

His first major appearance on a TV show was in 1964 on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. He also appeared in two episodes of the fan favorite The Andy Griffith Show. Eventually, Larry landed the role of demolitions expert, Sgt. Andrew Carter in Hogan's Heroes.

While still a regular on the popular TV series, Hovis continued to write scripts for television specials and also wrote and performed on the breakthrough comedy show, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.

After the cancellation of Hogan's Heroes, Larry continued to make appearances on such TV series as The Doris Day Show, Adam-12, Chico and the Man, Holmes and Yoyo, Alice, and many others.

Larry also produced several game shows, including Liar's Club, on which he was a panelist from 1976 to 1978.