Don Adams, American actor and director (d. 2005)
Donald James Yarmy, widely celebrated by his professional moniker Don Adams, was an American actor, comedian, and director whose career spanned five impactful decades in television. Born on April 13, 1923, in New York City, he left an indelible mark on entertainment before his passing on September 25, 2005. While his diverse talents shone through various projects, Adams is most affectionately remembered for his iconic portrayal of Maxwell Smart, the endearingly clumsy yet ultimately effective secret agent known as Agent 86, in the beloved television situation comedy Get Smart.

Don Adams and the Phenomenon of Get Smart

Running originally from 1965 to 1970, with a brief revival in 1995, Get Smart became a cultural touchstone, ingeniously parodying the spy genre that was popular during the 1960s. Adams's Maxwell Smart, with his signature catchphrases, trench coat, and array of often-malfunctioning gadgets, captivated audiences worldwide. His performance was not only the heart of the series but also garnered him significant critical acclaim. Adams secured three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series from 1967 to 1969, an extraordinary feat that underscored his exceptional comedic timing and the show's immense popularity. Beyond his starring role, Adams also demonstrated his versatility by sometimes directing and contributing to the writing of the series, further cementing his creative influence on the show's unique blend of slapstick, satire, and wit.

A Voice Talent Beyond Compare

Adams's distinctive vocal qualities, characterized by a rapid-fire delivery and often a tone of exasperated authority, proved to be perfectly suited for the world of animation. Before his mega-stardom in Get Smart, he lent his voice to the charmingly naive lead character in the animated series Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales, which aired from 1963 to 1966. Decades later, Adams found a new generation of fans as the voice of the titular character in the immensely popular children's animated series Inspector Gadget (1983–1986). His portrayal of the bionic, well-meaning but often clueless inspector, whose inventions rarely worked as intended, became another signature role. So iconic was his voice in this capacity that he continued to voice Inspector Gadget in various revivals and spinoffs throughout the 1990s, showcasing his enduring appeal and the timeless quality of his vocal performance.

FAQs About Don Adams

Who was Don Adams?

Don Adams, born Donald James Yarmy, was a prominent American actor, comedian, and director best known for his leading role as Maxwell Smart in the television series Get Smart, as well as for his distinctive voice work in animated series like Inspector Gadget.

What was Don Adams' most famous role?

His most famous role was undoubtedly Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, in the highly successful spy-parody sitcom Get Smart, which aired from 1965 to 1970 and had a revival in 1995.

How many Emmy Awards did Don Adams win for Get Smart?

Don Adams won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as Maxwell Smart, specifically in 1967, 1968, and 1969.

Did Don Adams have a career in voice acting?

Yes, Don Adams had a significant career in voice acting, most notably providing the voices for Tennessee Tuxedo in Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales (1963–1966) and the titular character in Inspector Gadget (1983–1986), as well as its later revivals and spinoffs.

Was Don Adams involved in Get Smart beyond acting?

Yes, in addition to starring as Maxwell Smart, Don Adams also sometimes directed episodes of Get Smart and contributed to the writing of the series, demonstrating his creative depth and commitment to the show.