X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Don Adams Biography

Birth Name:
Donald James Yarmy
Birth Place:
New York, New York, United States
Profession
Actor, comedian

Fast Facts

  • Served in the Marines during World War II
  • Started his career in show business as a stand-up comedian, and worked day jobs as a commercial artist and a cashier in order to provide for his family
  • Won an Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts competition in 1954
  • Took the last name of his first wife, Adelaide Adams, because acting auditions were done alphabetically and he liked to go first
  • Provided the voices for the cartoon characters Tennessee Tuxedo and Inspector Gadget

Awards

  • 1969Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1968Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1967Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1966Golden Globe-Actor in a Television Series: nominated
  • 1966Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: nominated

Relationships