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  3. 'Get Smart': All About Don Adams's Cause Of Death

'Get Smart': All About Don Adams's Cause Of Death

Laura Pérez / May 14, 2025 - 07:00 pm

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Pinterest Don Adams
(© imago images/Mary Evans)

Don Adams

Born on April 13, 1923, in New York City, Donald James Yarmy played "Maxwell Smart" in 'Get Smart', from 1965 to 1970, appearing in 138 episodes.

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(© Getty Images)

Don Adams

In the series, which was a parody of secret agent characters that became popular with the release of the 'James Bond' movies, Don Adams shared screen with Barbara Feldon, Edward Platt and Robert Karvelas, among others.

His role in the show earned him three consecutive Emmy wins for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.

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Don Adams

Before joining the cast of 'Get Smart', Adams voiced "Tennessee Tuxedo" in the animated TV series 'Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales', from 1963 to 1966.

Later on, he appeared as "Det. Lennie Crooke" in 20 episodes of 'The Partners' and reprised his role as "Maxwell" in the 1995 sequel of 'Get Smart'.

As for the big screen, the star portrayed "Harbor Master" in the 1987 movie 'Back to the Beach', and voiced "Brain the Dog" in the 1999 film 'Inspector Gadget'.

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(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Don Adams

When it comes to his personal life, the 'Get Smart' star married three times.

From 1947 to 1960 he was married to Adelaide Efantis. 

Then, in 1960 he tied the knot with Dorothy Bracken, but the pair divorced in 1976.

His third wife was Judy Luciano (picture), with whom he remained married from 1977 to 1990.

​

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Don Adams

The actor had seven children: Carolyn, Christine, Cathy, Cecily, Stacey, Sean and Beige. He was often spotted along with one or another at public places.

Sadly, Cecily and Sean died, in 2004 of lung cancer and in 2006 of a brain tumor, respectively.

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Pinterest Don Adams
(© 2003 Getty Images)

Don Adams

Quick facts about Don Adams:

  • Disliked the 'Get Smart' sequel, only reprised his role for the paycheck
  • Was good friends with his 'Get Smart' co-star Barbara Feldon
  • Used to work as a theater usher before pursuing an acting career
  • Was an avid gambler
  • His final screen credit took place in a 2000 episode of animated TV show 'Pepper Ann', where he voiced "Principal Hickey"

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Pinterest Don Adams
(© 2003 Getty Images)

Don Adams

On September 25, 2005, news on the death of Don Adams broke. The star was 82 when he died at Los Angeles, California's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The actor's health declined following the death of his daughter Cecily, with him battling lymphoma and a lung infection, which is what caused his death.

Don's funeral took place at Beverly Hills' Church of the Good Shepherd. He was interred in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Actor Don Adams was best known for his portrayal of "Maxwell Smart" in the '60s series 'Get Smart'.

'Get Smart': Don Adams's Cause Of Death

After a 40-decade career, the star sadly died in 2005.

This is what caused his death.

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