Don Adams

Birth Name:

Donald James Yarmy

Birth Place:

Manhatten, New York City, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Soundtrack

Lying about his age at the time, he joined the U․S․ Army at 16, but was soon forced to spend more than a year hospitalized after being shot and contracting blackwater fever during the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII
Quote: "I am facing a tremendous success--or a failure․ It would be hypocritical if I said I don't want recognition, but I've never wanted it terribly․ I think I'm being honest when I say I'd rather turn my talents, whatever they are, to writing and directing․"
Quote: "I don't want to change the thinking of the world․ My purpose is to make people laugh․"
After winning a stand-up comedy show on "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1954, he would land his first job on "The Bill Dana Show" in 1963
Landed the lead role on NBC's "Get Smart" after creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were commissioned to come up with a satirical comedy in response to other popular spy comedies including "The Man From U․N․C․L․E․", "I Spy" and "The Avengers"
Admitted to lying about his college credentials and engineering background to gain a job designing underground sewer systems, a position he would hold for more than six months before being found out
Changed his name to Adams, the stage name of his first wife, after growing tired of waiting to audition last for roles with the surname Yarmy

1966Golden Globe - Best TV Star - Male:Nominated
1966Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series:Nominated
1967Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series:Winner
1968Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series:Winner
1969Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series:Winner
1986Gemini - Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Role in a Comedy Series:Nominated
2006TV Land Award - Greatest Gear or Admirable Apparatus:Winner

Fast Facts