Who Is Don Adams? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don Adams was born on April 13, 1923, and passed away on September 25, 2005. He remains a cherished figure in television history, best known for his role as [Maxwell](/Maxwell-footballer-born-1981) Smart in the iconic series Get Smart. By 2025, his legacy continues to influence new generations of actors and comedians. His dedication to his craft and his unique comedic style left a lasting imprint on American pop culture.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1923 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 25 September, 2005 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Don Adams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Don Adams stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). While exact weight measurements varied over the years, he was known for his slender build. Though specific body measurements are not widely documented, his physical presence contributed to his comedic persona, making him a memorable character on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Don Adams had a rich personal history. He was married three times, with his first marriage to actress Adelaide brimming with both partnership and professional collaboration. He later married actress and producer, Karen O'Connor, but they eventually divorced. His personal relationships often remained private, focusing on the legacy of his work rather than his romantic endeavors. As of 2025, the memory of his family life lives on through his contributions to the arts and the impact he had on his loved ones.
His father was of Hungarian Jewish descent and worked as a restaurant manager; his mother was Irish American. Donald and his brother Dick Yarmy were each raised in the religion of one parent: Don in the Catholic faith of their mother, and Dick in the Jewish faith of their father.
The brothers had an elder sister, Gloria Ella Yarmy (later Gloria Burton), a writer who wrote an episode of Get Smart. Dropping out of New York City's DeWitt Clinton High School, he worked as a theater usher. He later remarked that he had "little use for school".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Don Adams had amassed an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His wealth was a result of his prolific career in television and film, where he not only starred but also lent his voice to numerous animated series, notably as the voice of Inspector Gadget. His financial success was topped with lucrative endorsement deals and other ventures, reflecting his widespread appeal.
He earned most of his income from his work on stage and in nightclubs. As Adams had chosen a lower salary in exchange for a one-third ownership stake in Get Smart during the show's production, he received a regular income for many years due to the show's popularity in reruns.
Career, Business and Investments
Don Adams's career began in the 1950s, but he shot to fame with Get Smart in the 1960s, which earned him multiple Emmy Awards. Following the show's success, he starred in various films and television series while also becoming a sought-after voice actor. His unique vocal talents led him to create one of the most recognizable characters in animation history, Inspector Gadget. Beyond acting, Don was involved in various business initiatives related to entertainment, including voice acting in commercials and animated shows, helping to bolster his income further.
Late in 1941, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Yarmy reported to the First Training Battalion in New River, North Carolina, and then was assigned to I Company of the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines in San Diego.
Social Network
Even though social media was not part of Don Adams’s life, his work continues to resonate on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where fans celebrate his humor and contributions. Various fan pages and groups honor his influence, sharing clips and memories that showcase why his characters remain beloved to this day.
Education
Don Adams attended the New York Institute of Technology, where he laid the groundwork for his illustrious acting career. His educational background combined with his innate comedic talent allowed him to evolve into a versatile performer, captivating audiences with his signature style.
Following this, Adams then wanted to move on to other projects. His efforts after Get Smart were less successful, including the comedy series The Partners (1971–72), a game show called Don Adams' Screen Test (1975–76, see below), and three attempts to revive the Get Smart series in the 1980s.
His movie The Nude Bomb (1980) was unsuccessful at the box office. Adams had been typecast as Maxwell Smart and was unable to escape the image, although he had success as the voice of the title character of Inspector Gadget.
