Don Adams (born "Donald James Yarmy" on April 13, 1923 in New York City) is an American actor, best known for his role as Maxwell Smart (Agent 86) in the TV sitcom Get Smart (1965-1970), for which he also directed and wrote.
He served with the USMC during World War II and came down with malaria during the battle of Guadalcanal. He worked as a comic and mimic, taking the stage-name of Adams after marrying singer Adelaide Adams. His work on television began in 1954. After the success of Get Smart his later efforts were less successful, including three attempts to revive the Get Smart series in the 1980s. He continued to make the majority of his income from live work on stage and in clubs.
Adams won three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Max, an Emmy record that was broken by Carroll O'Connor and tied by Kelsey Grammer. After Get Smart, Adams acted in the comedy series The Partners.
He also works as a voice actor. His first work was in Tennessee Tuxedo and his Tales (1963-1966), but he is more famous as the voice of Inspector Gadget in the initial run of that television series (1983-1985) and the Christmas Special as well as in later reprises. He also attempted a sitcom comeback in Canada with Check it Out! in 1985, but the show was not successful.
He has been married (and divorced) three times and has seven children.
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Last updated: 08-29-2005 23:03:07
