Dick Gautier (1931 - 2017), Get Smart's Hymie the Robot

Dick Gautier, the comedic actor who played Hymie the Robot on “Get Smart,” died Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, in Arcadia, California, after a long illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 85.

Dick Gautier, the comedic actor who played Hymie the Robot on “Get Smart,” died Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, in Arcadia, California, after a long illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 85.

The actor with good looks may be remembered best by audiences as Hymie the Robot from the 1960s TV spy spoof “Get Smart.” Although he only appeared in six episodes over the course of four seasons, the literal-minded automaton was a hit with fans and served as best man at Max’s wedding to Agent 99.

Gautier enjoyed a lengthy career with other notable comedic roles including the Elvis Presley-inspired Conrad Birdie in the original Broadway production of “Bye, Bye Birdie.” He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1960.

He later went on to star as Robin Hood on “Get Smart” co-creator Mel Brooks’ 1975 TV series, “When Things Were Rotten.” Although the series was critically acclaimed, it was not popular and was canceled after 13 episodes.

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Born Oct. 30, 1931, in Culver City, California, he served in the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, he pursued a career in stand-up comedy. He played nightclubs around the country before “Bye, Bye, Birdie” launched his acting career.

In addition to guest-star appearances on sitcoms, he was a frequent game show panelist. Beginning in the 1980s, he became involved with voice-over work, playing the part of Rodimus Prime on “Transformers” and Serpentor on the “G.I. Joe” animated series.

Before and throughout his acting career, he was also a successful cartoonist, known for celebrity caricatures, and an author of several instructional drawing books.

Despite being handsome and charming, he never became an outright star. However, he relished his role as a character actor.

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Gautier is survived by his three children.

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