Actor Don Adams Dies at 82

Don Adams was a WWII vet who served at Guadalcanal and, after surviving a tropical fever, served back in the states as a drill instructor. That actually explains the delivery he used.

Years ago, I had a copy of an LP record from the library of Don Adams doing “Man on the Street” interviews. (I don’t mind telling you I had a taped copy of that album; it was impossible to find.) I wish I still had that album. Don Adams was a hilarious comedian with terrific timing, and he was also well-known as the voice of Inspector Gadget and Tennessee Tuxedo…but let’s face it, it’s as the star of Mel Brooks’ TV show “Get Smart” that Don will always be remembered. While some people like Gene “I don’t want Star Trek on my gravestone” Roddenberry think that it’s typecasting to only be remembered for one role, I think it speaks well that a star can do such an indelible character that they stay remembered long after the average person is forgotten. R.I.P.

(UPDATE: I like Cathy Seipp’s memory of Don.)