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Don Adams Obituary
Adams died of a lung infection late Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, his friend and former agent Bruce Tufeld said Monday, adding the actor broke his hip a year ago and had been in ill health since.
As the inept Agent 86 of the super-secret federal agency Control, Adams captured TV viewers with his antics in combatting the evil agents of Kaos. When his explanations failed to convince the villains or his boss, he tried another tack: "Would you believe...?" It became a national catchphrase.
Smart was also prone to spilling things on the desk or person of the Chief (actor Edward Platt). Smart's apologetic "Sorry about that, chief" also entered the American lexicon. The spy gadgets, which aped those of the Bond movies, were a popular feature, especially the pre-cell-phone telephone in a shoe.
Smart's beautiful partner, Agent 99, played by Barbara Felden, was as brainy as he was dense, and a plot romance led to marriage and the birth of twins later in the series.
Adams, who had been under contract to NBC, was lukewarm about doing a spy spoof. When he learned that Mel Brooks and Buck Henry had written the pilot script, he accepted immediately. "Get Smart" debuted on NBC in September 1965 and scored No. 12 among the season's most-watched series and No. 22 in its second season.
"Get Smart" twice won the Emmy for best comedy series with three Emmys for Adams as comedy actor.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
268 Entries
vic/terry tillinghast
April 27, 2024
don: r I p you were very hilarious :) :)
Saul Torrence
August 27, 2023
I grew up watching and laughing and also being inspired by Don Adams. What an amazing comedian!
March 15, 2019
Thank you for your service to this great nation in it's time of need during WWII as a Marine on Guadalcanal. Thank you for the healing power of laughter you gave to the world in your comedy.
March 3, 2019
What a great actor,he was the greatest and definitely will be missed. I loved every minute watching him on television. RIP max
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Sam Rinaldi
January 19, 2019
I grew up in Valley Cottage, NY in the 60's. I am sorry I don't remember their name, but a friend from school had Don Adams as an Uncle. We all thought that was very cool! I'm sorry to read of his passing. He was an icon and a great entertainer!
January 12, 2019
I remember watching reruns of Don Adams on Get Smart. I was only 6 or 7 but enjoyed it. RIP Don, thanks for the memories...
GUS ALEXIOU
December 9, 2018
R.I.P. Don Adams, I have & watched ur first season episodes of 'Get Smart' keep us laughing in heaven.
michelle adams
May 1, 2018
my prayers and condolences to don adams family.he,ll be sadly missedby all who knew him including his family and friends. he was a great aCTOR. im related to don adams. he,ll be in my thoughts every day. rest in peace. I,liked his show when its on. I,ll miss his show.he should get award for being the great actor.i,wished I, could met him and did a lot of things together.
Carlo t Little
January 19, 2018
May you rest in God's hands Don Adams you always kept me laughing as a child and as an adult
Joseph McG
September 10, 2017
Great Guy made TV special he was fun to watch ,Don is in heaven!
Patricia O'Donovan
July 28, 2017
I watched every episode as a kid and dreamt of growing up and being a spy just like you. Thank you for so many laughs, too bad comedy isn't so funny today. You were one in a billion. Patricia, Ottawa, Ontario
Kim R.
July 21, 2017
When "Get Smart" first appeared on TV, my father and I laughed through each week's episode, sometimes twice, with summer reruns. Then, as time went by, and I had a family of my own, my kids laughed just as hard as I did, at Maxwell Smart and the rest of the characters.
Thank you for showing people that good, clean humor stays relevant and funny throughout the years. You were really a star, and had an amazing supporting cast.
Roni Littlejohn
April 6, 2017
You were fantastic. Miss you. I'll keep you in my memories.
Dianne Morgan
March 17, 2017
Just watching you on tele! Loved you since the very beginning of Get Smart!
Susan
February 21, 2017
I grew up watching Get Smart. I now have the entire series on DVD! Mr. Adams thank you so much for your impeccable acting skills and comedic timing! I laugh myself silly every time I watch Get Smart. You are truly missed but not forgotten.
Jorge González
December 17, 2016
Thank you for the laughs.
You have the best seat in the house.
November 27, 2016
I've thought about Get Smart M-F for at minimum 10 years as I enter work through a 3 door entrance....dat da-dah,,,tune starts when I buzz thru the first door with your half-smile. Don- your work character always puts a smile on my face. Agent 99....
K B
October 16, 2016
Thanks for sharing your talents with us in an ingeniously composed series combining both suspense and humor. I never tire of watching these again and again. Your presence will always be with us as the staring actor in "Get Smart" for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Valenda Newell
July 10, 2016
I will always remember you from the TV series GET SMART, lots of laughs and good times............... THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES............PRAYERS and BLESSINGS
Michael Owens
March 24, 2016
Miss you by that much!
dee Andrino
November 26, 2015
Hope you are Having a Heavenly Thanksgiving .. I wish you to save me a Laugh or two . when I get there ...
Rachel O'Brien
November 3, 2015
Always with us great memories.
R.i.p.
dan paige
July 5, 2015
Don adams/maxwell smart always made us laugh/the cone of silence...one of many!
Terrie Bruyere
March 20, 2015
We always loved you, Max...
Terrie Bruyere
DEBBIE VIGIL
February 20, 2015
RIP. Thanks for the laughs
R
October 1, 2014
Don Adams was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared. Hebrews 6:10. I miss him "by this much".
Harry Simpson
September 25, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
September 1, 2014
He heals the brokenhearted;
He binds up their wounds
sandra grey
May 28, 2014
sandra grey
May 10, 2014
This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared viewing his work. Hebrews 6:10.
May 9, 2014
What a funny man! A credit to the many facets of our God who created man in his image Gen 1:27
Mark Langlois
April 24, 2014
Be missed
Bill D,,,,
April 19, 2014
We all could have had shoe phones I guess he missed it by that much (1 in )
Erma Swanson
April 15, 2014
Not only he play in "Get Smart". He was also a voice of the cartoon person too. That's how I also remember him too.
Erma Swanson From Columbus, Ohio.
Bill Strother
October 19, 2013
Bill strother
Enjoyed get smart
You wer a great actor
mat fav
September 1, 2013
Always remembered always admired. True genius
Gibson Szafran
August 14, 2013
A Heck of A Spy
Jon Carmelo
August 13, 2013
Funny guy
August 10, 2013
Many funny moments to remember. Let the Almighty God grant the family comfort and peace. Romans 15:33
Alma McElroy
May 25, 2013
Thank you the good memories.
Lisa Weiner
May 5, 2013
To Don Adams,
You were a very talented actor. You did a great job playing the character Maxwell Smart in the sitcom Get Smart. You also did a great job playing the voice-over Inspector Gadget in the cartoon series Inspector Gadget. My prayers go to you and your family. Thank you Mr. Don Adams for making me laugh. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
May 5, 2013
To Don Adams,
You were a very talented actor. You did a great job playing the character of Maxwell Smart in the sitcom Get Smart, You also did a great job playing the voice of inspector Gadget in the cartoon series Inspector Gadget. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you for being a great actor. GreatJob ! Well done. Lisa Weiner
May 1, 2013
I loved you in Get Smart, and still do.
Patricia Falcon, Sydney Australia
April 30, 2013
Revealation 21:4- And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more...
William Roy Brownson
March 5, 2013
he was one of the greatest talents ever known by man on earth he will be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"sorry about that chiefe"&"mist it by that much" were houseold word's in my home where i grew up hope they were in your's [email protected] thank you don adems for your humor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GLENN SIBLEY
March 4, 2013
MAY YOU RIP YOU WERE NATURALLY FUNNY
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
Lisa Weiner
February 24, 2013
To Don Adams.
You were a great actor. You did a great job playing Agent Maxwell Smart on the sitcom Get Smart. You also did a great job playing the voice-over Gadget on the cartoon series Inspector Gadget. My prayers are with you MR. Adams. Lisa Weiner
Patricia Wheeler
November 4, 2012
Love him always;will miss him always. You have to love a person who makes you laugh.
Mark Fronckus
September 27, 2012
Don will be missed he made every one laugh God rest his soul.
DANIEL LINDERMAN
August 18, 2012
YOU WILLSADLY MISS YOUR FAN DANIEL
Anita Simmons
June 14, 2012
Please accept my condolence,keep close to your heart loving memories and cherished moments. May the hearer of prayers comfort you.-Psalms 65:2
May 23, 2012
I remember when I was just a little girl I used to watch Get Smart with my family what a joy to be able to laugh. Mr. Don Adams brought lots of laughs to our home. It is never easy lossing a loved one in death, but know that God is always ready to comfort those in distress.
Wayne Mortensen
April 24, 2012
Thanks for the smiles Don! You made me laugh. Your work made life much more palatable. "Would you believe..."
Marcy Martin
April 17, 2012
I knew your daughter in Florida. We all loved your work. "Would you believe" became so much part of our conversations, that we all laughed and laughed. You may be gone, but are certainly not forgotten. Thank you for so much fun.
Stephens
March 9, 2012
The Adams family,may the God of all comfort continue to comfort the family. and draw comfort from God's word. one thing you want to remember the Almighty is grasping your right hand telling us not to be afraid because he will help us. I enjoyed Mr. Adams shows.
chris dashno
February 27, 2012
don Adams u were the greatest as far as a acting spy agent in a comedy
jim knotts
January 10, 2012
Any number of things can and have been said, but in the end, there's now way Don Adams, "missed it by that much." He nailed it; solid.
Adam Bernstein
November 26, 2011
Tennessee Tuxedo will not fail!
Daniel
November 6, 2011
Love watching the reruns. Would you believe.........
October 12, 2011
Thanks for Maxwell Smart and for making us laugh. Dorothy Anne Masoncup
September 30, 2011
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort you and your family.
Know that very shortly death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things will have passed away.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
D. Clark
September 27, 2011
My prayers are with the family of this remarkable actor. I loved his television show. May his legacy continue to help the family cope during the difficult times ahead.
God bless
-B.Hill
charles cobb
September 26, 2011
i love watching get smart on tv. keep catching the bad guys in heaven
Africa Taylor
September 13, 2011
I enjoyrd watchng u on get smart.
Lisa Weiner
April 23, 2011
To Don Adams,
Watching you on Get Smart and listening you do the voice of Inspector Gadget was really great. You really made me laugh. I wish you alive to make me laugh all over again. Two thumbs to you Don Adams for being a good actor.Lisa Weiner
B.S.
January 14, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lisa Weiner
November 5, 2010
To Don Adams,
I wstched you on the sitcom Get Smart and you did the voice of Inspector Gadget. I thought you were a great actor. You made me laugh. Lisa Weiner
Doug
October 28, 2010
Thanks for the daily laughs watching Get Smart on reruns as an early teen . You shaped my sense of humor and who I am today .
R.D. Woodard
July 30, 2010
Dear Don,
In the words of another great comedian who gave the world so many laughs and smiles (Bob Hope) ..."thanks for the memories".
Rest in peace.
AARON O'DWYER
May 28, 2010
I WANTED TO SAY THAT YOU ARE VERY MISSED BY ALL YOUR FANS.
March 20, 2010
For Don...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
S Stallard
March 18, 2010
Your style of comedy will live on forever.Thanks for giving me so much laughter as a child.
a fan
January 26, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 9, 2010
To Don Adams,
You were a great actor. I liked you as Maxwell Smart in sitcom Get Smart and you did a great job as a voiceover for the cartoon Inspector Gadget. I'll miss you making me laugh. I will always have great memories of you. Lisa Weiner
November 29, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
October 27, 2009
he always knew how to "get smart"
Suzanne MacTaggart
October 23, 2009
My best friend and I Doreen were the "hosts" of our junior high talent contest at Horner Jr. High in Fremont California. We adopted the Get Smartisms. She and I went through High school as the secret agents. Even today, as a lawyer, I use all the various routines, from strafing India(ns) to needing the Cone of Silence, to my purchase 10 years ago of a Get Smart Shoe Phone, THAT WORKS! I will always be able to rember the scene where he broke his nose for real while fist fighting on a high riseset. We were so worried because his MD said it was the worse break he had ever seen. I must say I did lust after his god-like body. Would you believe it was crush on funny funny guy who drove and never had traffic? I still have an LP record I shall have to now convert to a CD. I have many memories of jr and sr hi but most of my jokes were fresh Get Smart. (Buck's & Mel's) You're in no pain now Don and you know you were loved. My best to your family - he sure influenced my life
carmen quercio
July 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Beverley Dickson
June 12, 2009
Thank-you for all the great laughs as a kid and now as I am an adult, My children and grandchildren are watching you. They are know that you were a good actor and we will miss you very much. Hope to see you again as you are making God laugh now...
Teresa Mock
May 29, 2009
To the family of Don Adams. I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I would like to offer some words of comfort. In the Bible ai Isaiah 33 verse 24 there it says no resident will say "I am sick."
Lisa Weiner
March 1, 2009
To Don Adams,
I watched you as Maxwell Smart on the 70's sitcom Get Smart and I thought you were so funny that you made me laugh. Lisa Weiner.
Paul Plamondon
January 16, 2009
To Mr. Adams and to his family:
Thank you for everything: the laughter, the memories, etc. You know you are part of the reason why America was and remains so great! Along with other shows like yours (Oh! I think of "I love Jinny!", Guilligan's Heroes, et all) you made life funnier and more enjoyable.
I remember when your show would start, mom would bring/give me some chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk and I would watch the show and laugh my hat off. Oh! and pardon me for these remarks: His beautiful assistant would make me feel great enthusiasm for the opposite sex! And Mr. Adams was SO funny!
Thank you very much Mr. Adams and may God bless your soul.
Sincerely,
Paul Plamondon
P.S.: At 3PM, I say my daily prayer, my divine-mercy prayer. I will include Mr. Don Adams in my prayer.
Paul Stutzbach
December 26, 2008
Thanks for putting laughter in my childhood.
Juan Julio
December 25, 2008
.....And Lovin' it
I got the Get Smart Season #1 Dvd Collection for Christmas from my son. Don Adams is an American Icon and Get Smart was a Show Ahead of it's Time.
Thank You Mr. Adams for one of the Greatest TV Shows of All Time
R. A. Dea
December 20, 2008
"Missed it by THAT much Chief!"
No you didn't as you were always right on the mark. You were an incredible actor with a wide range of talents who will be missed by many.
Respectfully submitted,
R. A. Dea
Joean Rasnick
November 2, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
S R
October 16, 2008
We still talk about the cone of silence!
Shindo Ryu
September 8, 2008
Read Revelatons 21:3,4
Cheryl Landin
September 2, 2008
I loved "Get Smart" then and now. The old "Get Smart" that is.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Robert Freitas
August 24, 2008
Watched your show all the time and enjoyed it so many times.
rebecca guymer
June 29, 2008
Thank you for making me laugh so much. Get Smart will forever be my favourite show- you were fantastic.
robyn leonard
November 13, 2007
All of the good old actors are going. I was saddened to hear of his passing. "Get Smart" was classic humor. Prayers in your time of sorrow.
Mike Casey
July 12, 2007
Mr. Adams,
Sir, as a fellow Marine, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USMC during World War II.
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