Today’s audiences will remember him as the kind German ranch owner from Malcolm in the Middle. No matter how much the older brother Francis screwed up, Otto let it slide until he was written out for the last couple seasons.
Ken’s best and biggest legacy is with Mel Brooks. The first being the German soldier who penned Spring for Hitler in The Producers; the original is much funnier since it isn’t so forced as Mel’s re-imagined musical. His other was the constable from Young Frankenstein with his quote, “A riot is un ugly thing…it’s about time we had one!”
Sure he did many, many roles, some were even dramatic spots but it’s the funny, goofy stuff that will always stand out including the mediocre Yellowbeard. Ken was great as the cruel Mr. Crisp, an officer who handled any possible deserters on the ship when he laid down the Captain’s ground rules:
Mr. Crisp: Anyone here who doesn’t want to be in his majesty’s royal navy?
Volunteer: (steps forward) I don’t.
Mr Crisp: (shoots the volunteer) Anyone else who doesn’t want to be his majesty’s royal navy?
Farewell to a great supporting player/second banana.