Don Adams, a renowned comedian, was born in New York to a father of Hungarian Jewish descent and a mother of German and Irish ancestry. He had a sister named Gloria and a brother, Dick Yarmy, with whom he shared a sibling bond.
During World War II, Adams served in the United States Marines, where he contracted malaria while fighting on the Guadalcanal island. This experience had a profound impact on his life, shaping his perspective and influencing his future endeavors.
After the war, Adams began his career as a stand-up comic, eventually adopting the stage surname Adams from his first wife, Adelaide Adams, a singer. Throughout his life, he was blessed with seven children, four from his first marriage, two from his second, and one from his third: Caroline Adams, Christine, Catherine, Cecily Adams, Stacey Adams, Sean, and Beige.
Adams' television career took off when he won the prestigious Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour talent contest in 1948. His most iconic role, however, remains that of the lovable yet hapless secret agent Maxwell Smart in the classic sitcom/spy spoof Get Smart, which premiered in 1965.
In addition to his work in television, Adams also pursued a career as a television director and a dramatic actor, both on Broadway and in the theater. His versatility, talent, and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, cementing his place as a beloved figure in American comedy.
