I think the problem he has was that 86 had a lot of Don Adams. He did better the character adding things of his stand up character. But then people see him and only saw smart. He was a great comedian could do a lot of things more.
I've been binge watching Get Smart episodes lately. Don Adams was absolutely brilliant in that series. Did the comedy, impressions, a lot of his own stunts, directed some episodes, physical humor, tremendous delivery. Quite a talent.
Don Adams negotiated the very first actor/writer "syndication fee" contract in TV history. Adams had no salary demands, BUT demanded 33% of "present and future revenues" associated with Get Smart. The show only aired for 5 seasons in the mid 60's, however his share of syndication and licensing fees totaled $15 million by the time he died in 2005. That contract is still paying his estate today.
Adams himself told a different story about his "Get Smart" deal, which is on another "UA-cam" video. He said they told him that he could either have a high salary, or a low salary with residuals. He, then, asked what each of the salaries would be. They told him. Then, he took the low salary, with the residuals, which really wasn't that much lower than the high salary. He, then, said it was the best decision he ever made.
Steve McQueen was offered something similar for The Blob. he took the up front money. But who knew it would become a cult classic. He lost a lot of dough.
This makes it terribly obvious why Mel Brooks tapped this great talent of Agent 86. That and the Gorgeous Barbara Feldon as agent 99. Man those were the days!
@@jubalcalif9100 Agreed. Tom Poston would not have cut it as Max, although he made a guest appearance on the 1969 episode Shock It To Me as Dr. Erich Zarko, a KAOS mad scientist.
I have the Get Smart dvd boxed set. To get into the box, you have to pull down the front flap, which reveals a set of doors (more flaps). You pull up on the top flap and down on the bottom flap, revealing a phone booth (of course). You then have to pull the doors open to get to the dvds. All 5 seasons, with plenty of bonus material. I still watch regularly.
Greatest straight-man in Hollywood. He definitely had an ego, and much has been said of his personal failings, but on the air he had the good sense to put his ego in park and let the guests drive the show. He understood that once his monologue was over, the audience was watching to see what his guests had to say, to get to know something about them, rather than to hear him dominate the interview, as so many who have followed him have done. He would interject a humourous or serious comment, or ask questions to keep a more reluctant or nervous guest talking, but he always kept the focus on the guest rather than himself. None who have followed even come close.
I don't think Humble is the right word, he spent the whole interview talking about how degrading it was to sit in coach and about how money wasn't an issue when he upgraded to first class.
@@MsBettyRubble Yes he was. Producers only wanted him as Maxwell smart and after that didn't give him good roles or dramatic only bad series or bad remakes of 86 agent or doing stand up.
holy shit: "In May 1942, Adams unit was transported to Samoa for further training, and then participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal in August 1942 in the Pacific Theater of Operations. During an assault on the Japanese naval base at the nearby island of Tulagi, which was fiercely defended, Adams was seriously wounded by a Japanese sniper. He subsequently contracted blackwater fever, a serious complication of malaria, known for a 90% rate of fatality, and his recovery was hampered by horrendous conditions in the battlefield. He did not expect to recover. Adams was evacuated and then hospitalized for more than a year at a Navy hospital in Wellington, New Zealand. He was awarded the Purple Heart. After his recovery, Adams served as a Marine Drill Instructor in the United States, holding the rank of corporal. He was as an expert marksman and was noted for his competence."
When I worked front desk at Mark Hopkins Hotel in mid -70s, I went to Don Adams' room to deliver something. He opens room door & marijuana smoke wafted out into the hallway. He was very cool & mellow....
I was shocked to hear he was a combat Marine on Guadalcanal and wounded there. I never would've guessed that but he certainly was a man with a very serious side that I have found a new respect for. If anybody ever deserved to be thanked for their service in the military then Maxwell Smart ( or is it "86"?) is one of them! Thanks Max! Semper Fi.
@Karlheinz von Kroemann - Yep, and he recuperated from his wound in the hospital in Wellington, New Zealand (where I live)! Great that New Zealand has some small link with him!
Don Adams was a treasure of comedy and a brilliant businessman. I make sure to watch an episode of Get Smart every night. The plane story was the best!
Also in the Episode Too Many Chief’s . The Chief shows a picture of Johnny Carson to Max & 99 . He say ‘s it’s not Carson it’s A KAOS master of disguise Alexis Sebastian. He hosted the Tonight show for 2 weeks before any noticed.
Corporal Donald Yarmy (Don Adams), served 4 years in the Marines during WW2 and was gravely wounded in Guadalcanal. Also suffered from blackwater fever, a complication from malaria. Returned stateside and became a drill instructor, and received commendation for exceeding the performance of every physical requirement of his recruits!
Now THIS is exactly what I was looking for - mention of his USMC record and his time at Guadalcanal. Do you happen to know the circumstances of his wounding or where he was hit ?
I was curious about that as well, but I could not find the information unfortunately. I always thought he looked quite fit & trim in the series, and when I saw the commendation for physical fitness that made sense! My friend bumped into Don Adams in the 70s outside of a Los Angeles restaurant; the two of them were standing around shooting the breeze - my friend never let on that he knew who Don was and Don never let on that he was a famous star. My friend said Don did not have an air about him at all, just going on like a normal guy in public. Pretty cool. If you like Hollywood actors/military service stuff you should check out Scotty (James Doohan) from Star Trek - shot eight times (by friendly fire no less!) when he hit Juno Beach! Lost a finger, which is fleetingly visible in 2 Star Trek episodes.
Looks like he's wearing one of Carson's clothing line of jackets. You can tell by the tab on the right lapel. I owned a couple of his suits in the 70's and that was his trade mark.
I was background on the Get Smart reboot. I had a blast doing Don Adams routines in an effort to explain the show to younger extras. Would you believe there are twenty SAG reps outside this set right now? Would you believe it? Would you believe 5 SAG reps? How about an very pissed off Erik Estrada?
In some respects yes; others no. They carried themselves better but Johnny disowned his son for marrying a black woman and never accepted his own granddaughter. So to me its like beautifully painted tombs: window dressing.
Johnny swore of having Joan Rivers on his show because he didnt want her having a show, he completely turned his back on her - even after her husband killed himself!! Jay coward out and kept that ban up; but Jimmy had the >>>CLASS!!!!!
Thing is, its a tough act to follow. What if Leno was before Johnny? Chances are, everyone wud be saying the same thing about Leno. That nobody cud ever replace Jay
The airplane story is a classic, as is the rest. Carson was such a different personality off screen as is well known. But it's clear that Don Adams was someone he truly liked, and he even appeared briefly in a Get Smart episode.
Great discussion below about Don's "Get Smart" deal. It reminds me of how Jack Nicholson and, I think, producer Michael Douglas, took points on the film and took little or no salary for their work on the film. Made them both rich and richer in the decades to come. The film holds up to this day in my opinion. I didn't know about the Adams deal and am impressed. A very funny man and the voice of Tennessee Tuxedo, who I always hear in his "Get Smart" voice.
Loved seeing this again. Do you have the full interview where he talks about filming "The Nude Bomb" He came over from Universal to do this interview directly from filming and is actually wearing his wardrobe from the film.
While living in Los Angeles, California I visited his gravesite at Hollywood Forever cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard. His tombstone has an image of him making a call on his shoe phone 😅
Carson gets it right. When somebody is interesting and talking, let them go.
that's why he's the best
R.I.P🌈 John, Don, Ed 🌈 Thank You for Years of Laughter and Joy
I could listen to Don Adams tell stories all day long
I think the problem he has was that 86 had a lot of Don Adams. He did better the character adding things of his stand up character. But then people see him and only saw smart. He was a great comedian could do a lot of things more.
LET'S DIG HIM UP!!
@@lostintime8651 That's a grave matter to consider.....
Yes, in his Maxwell Smart voice
I've been binge watching Get Smart episodes lately. Don Adams was absolutely brilliant in that series. Did the comedy, impressions, a lot of his own stunts, directed some episodes, physical humor, tremendous delivery. Quite a talent.
Yes, he was great. Perfect for that role.
Randy,
I'm actually binge watching "Get Smart" myself right now. Still on Season 1.
Don Adams negotiated the very first actor/writer "syndication fee" contract in TV history. Adams had no salary demands, BUT demanded 33% of "present and future revenues" associated with Get Smart. The show only aired for 5 seasons in the mid 60's, however his share of syndication and licensing fees totaled $15 million by the time he died in 2005. That contract is still paying his estate today.
Adams himself told a different story about his "Get Smart" deal, which is on another "UA-cam" video. He said they told him that he could either have a high salary, or a low salary with residuals. He, then, asked what each of the salaries would be. They told him. Then, he took the low salary, with the residuals, which really wasn't that much lower than the high salary. He, then, said it was the best decision he ever made.
Don Adams was really Smart!
One of the best business deals ever, genius move
Steve McQueen was offered something similar for The Blob. he took the up front money. But who knew it would become a cult classic. He lost a lot of dough.
He was smart in the reality too.
Not only did Don Adams have that signature character voice but he was authentic and it blared through everything he did....
I loved Get Smart. I never heard Don Adams interviewed before so I have to say wow!
This makes it terribly obvious why Mel Brooks tapped this great talent of Agent 86. That and the Gorgeous Barbara Feldon as agent 99. Man those were the days!
Mel worked for don
I have a notion to second that emotion ! "Get Smart" was perfectly cast: Don, Barbara & Ed !! :-)
@@jubalcalif9100 Agreed. Tom Poston would not have cut it as Max, although he made a guest appearance on the 1969 episode Shock It To Me as Dr. Erich Zarko, a KAOS mad scientist.
@@kevinmiller6324 Indubitably !! :-)
I have the Get Smart dvd boxed set. To get into the box, you have to pull down the front flap, which reveals a set of doors (more flaps). You pull up on the top flap and down on the bottom flap, revealing a phone booth (of course). You then have to pull the doors open to get to the dvds. All 5 seasons, with plenty of bonus material. I still watch regularly.
Don Adams-very funny man and great storyteller.
One of a kind this guy, I still laugh at all those old re runs
not many comedians can do that for me.
he sure was. Barbara Feldons take on him is spot on too.
was lucky enough to play golf with him on palm springs, along with another comedian Jan Murray... what a great day!
How do you get "on" Palm Springs?
@@rexrambo7686 - Lol! "Ahhh, the ol' "ball in the bunker" play....... " :)
The story about the show with Mae West was hysterically funny.
Don Adams, what a great talent.
I remember this episode. Now I think not only how great don Adams was, but how great Johnny was to just let don talk.
Greatest straight-man in Hollywood. He definitely had an ego, and much has been said of his personal failings, but on the air he had the good sense to put his ego in park and let the guests drive the show. He understood that once his monologue was over, the audience was watching to see what his guests had to say, to get to know something about them, rather than to hear him dominate the interview, as so many who have followed him have done. He would interject a humourous or serious comment, or ask questions to keep a more reluctant or nervous guest talking, but he always kept the focus on the guest rather than himself. None who have followed even come close.
gpan62 true
One of the underrated Greatest funny men. And humble as few.
When he was alive, he wasn't underrated.
Yes he was, he played Maxwell smart in get smart tv show, cartoons, etc etc,
I don't think Humble is the right word, he spent the whole interview talking about how degrading it was to sit in coach and about how money wasn't an issue when he upgraded to first class.
@@MsBettyRubble Yes he was. Producers only wanted him as Maxwell smart and after that didn't give him good roles or dramatic only bad series or bad remakes of 86 agent or doing stand up.
Don Adams very very funny man! I love Get Smart, absolutely Hilarious tv show!
Rest In Peace Don Adams, you put so many smiles on so many faces, you made so many people laugh. Haven has gained a funny comedic Angel
Seeing him evokes such warm memories!
someone who just stayed out of the headlines. and truely a unique talent.
holy shit: "In May 1942, Adams unit was transported to Samoa for further training, and then participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal in August 1942 in the Pacific Theater of Operations. During an assault on the Japanese naval base at the nearby island of Tulagi, which was fiercely defended, Adams was seriously wounded by a Japanese sniper. He subsequently contracted blackwater fever, a serious complication of malaria, known for a 90% rate of fatality, and his recovery was hampered by horrendous conditions in the battlefield. He did not expect to recover. Adams was evacuated and then hospitalized for more than a year at a Navy hospital in Wellington, New Zealand. He was awarded the Purple Heart. After his recovery, Adams served as a Marine Drill Instructor in the United States, holding the rank of corporal. He was as an expert marksman and was noted for his competence."
I love that his voice for Maxwell Smart and Inspector Gadget was just an exaggeration of his natural speaking voice.
And also Tennessee Tuxedo!
That was soooooo awesome. They're both legends.
When I worked front desk at Mark Hopkins Hotel in mid -70s, I went to Don Adams' room to deliver something. He opens room door & marijuana smoke wafted out into the hallway. He was very cool & mellow....
Don still funny in 2019 👍
Johnny Carson was personal friends with alot of his guest
Don still great 2020! Middle of a Pandemic!
Don Adams was a Marine DI, in WW2.
I think of Maxwell Smart's voice, "All right, you maggots! I want you to drop, and give me 20!"
I still remember watching this and I still remembered "That's why I always buy 2 tickets!". Great interview!!
I miss the old tonight show with Johnny .
You miss it because he was the best ever.These clowns the have now are political hacks and are as talented as roadkill!
The Trump Derangement Syndrome is very strong within the late night brotherhood! Take away the laugh track & they show their true colors
Who doesn't.
...AAAND....LOVING IT!
We loved talking like Smart when I was a kid.........maybe the most imitated, not counting Rodney Dangerfield.
I was shocked to hear he was a combat Marine on Guadalcanal and wounded there. I never would've guessed that but he certainly was a man with a very serious side that I have found a new respect for. If anybody ever deserved to be thanked for their service in the military then Maxwell Smart ( or is it "86"?) is one of them! Thanks Max! Semper Fi.
@Karlheinz von Kroemann - Yep, and he recuperated from his wound in the hospital in Wellington, New Zealand (where I live)! Great that New Zealand has some small link with him!
What a time to have been alive, and in Hollywood amazing
Don Adams was a treasure of comedy and a brilliant businessman. I make sure to watch an episode of Get Smart every night. The plane story was the best!
absolutely hysterical!!!!! The best!!
Great behind the scene stories
By two icons.
Johnny Carson made cameo appearances on two episodes of Get Smart (Aboard The Orient Express, The King Lives?).
Also in the Episode Too Many Chief’s . The Chief shows a picture of Johnny Carson to Max & 99 . He say ‘s it’s not Carson it’s A KAOS master of disguise Alexis Sebastian. He hosted the Tonight show for 2 weeks before any noticed.
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I cried after he died! Felt like I knew Don in person through Gadget. 😭😭😭😭😭😭🤧😭😭😭😭
Good Comedians leave a big space empty when they leave because the give us moments of happiness
Marine veteran of WWII
RIP Don Adams, we laughed like never before.🤣😂🤣😂😅🤣😂😥😥😥😥😥😥
The voice of Inspector Gadget. 😂 .What a legend.
"wowzers!"
And Tennessee Tuxedo!
hyun ahn He voiced Gadget for season 1 & 2! He voiced himself for Scooby Doo meets the movie stars.. Yes. He will be greatly missed 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Love that cartoon too
Thank you, Penny.
Such a great story teller!
Love Don Adams!
Corporal Donald Yarmy (Don Adams), served 4 years in the Marines during WW2 and was gravely wounded in Guadalcanal. Also suffered from blackwater fever, a complication from malaria. Returned stateside and became a drill instructor, and received commendation for exceeding the performance of every physical requirement of his recruits!
Now THIS is exactly what I was looking for - mention of his USMC record and his time at Guadalcanal. Do you happen to know the circumstances of his wounding or where he was hit ?
I was curious about that as well, but I could not find the information unfortunately. I always thought he looked quite fit & trim in the series, and when I saw the commendation for physical fitness that made sense! My friend bumped into Don Adams in the 70s outside of a Los Angeles restaurant; the two of them were standing around shooting the breeze - my friend never let on that he knew who Don was and Don never let on that he was a famous star. My friend said Don did not have an air about him at all, just going on like a normal guy in public. Pretty cool. If you like Hollywood actors/military service stuff you should check out Scotty (James Doohan) from Star Trek - shot eight times (by friendly fire no less!) when he hit Juno Beach! Lost a finger, which is fleetingly visible in 2 Star Trek episodes.
Love it, wish there was more.
I LOVE the Maxwell Smart voice! “Missed it by that much!” 😂
Don Adams is so funny
Great chemistry between these two.
That was freaking hilarious!
Looks like he's wearing one of Carson's clothing line of jackets. You can tell by the tab on the right lapel. I owned a couple of his suits in the 70's and that was his trade mark.
tommy d. Wow never knew had his own line of jackets - fun fact👍
I was background on the Get Smart reboot. I had a blast doing Don Adams routines in an effort to explain the show to younger extras.
Would you believe there are twenty SAG reps outside this set right now? Would you believe it?
Would you believe 5 SAG reps?
How about an very pissed off Erik Estrada?
You should have spaced out the dialogue for the secondary reply "I find that hard to believe."
@@bored1ca I should have written out the responses. I typed it in haste, but I performed it correctly.
RIP Don Adams
when the tonight show had class
In some respects yes; others no.
They carried themselves better but Johnny disowned his son for marrying a black woman and never accepted his own granddaughter. So to me its like beautifully painted tombs: window dressing.
Johnny swore of having Joan Rivers on his show because he didnt want her having a show, he completely turned his back on her - even after her husband killed himself!! Jay coward out and kept that ban up; but Jimmy had the
>>>CLASS!!!!!
@@southsideman4891, who are you, really?
@@robertsprouse9282 I'm Batman
@@southsideman4891, Battyman?
Thank God we have You tube vids like this , cause TV is crap now !
As far as I'm concerned, The Tonight Show died once Johnny Carson retired and Jay Leno took over.
Leno is a capitalist pig!!!!
Thing is, its a tough act to follow. What if Leno was before Johnny? Chances are, everyone wud be saying the same thing about Leno. That nobody cud ever replace Jay
A real nice guy and a great way with a story.
One of the funniest men in co edy history. Get Smart was non stop hilarity. A rare talent.
The airplane story is a classic, as is the rest. Carson was such a different personality off screen as is well known. But it's clear that Don Adams was someone he truly liked, and he even appeared briefly in a Get Smart episode.
Carson loved a comic it was his favourite guest
Good evening ladies and gentlemen!
The voice of Tennessee Tuxedo !
CHUMLEE!!!!?
@@RavnerRavner “Duh, gee Tennessee!”
Great discussion below about Don's "Get Smart" deal. It reminds me of how Jack Nicholson and, I think, producer Michael Douglas, took points on the film and took little or no salary for their work on the film. Made them both rich and richer in the decades to come. The film holds up to this day in my opinion. I didn't know about the Adams deal and am impressed. A very funny man and the voice of Tennessee Tuxedo, who I always hear in his "Get Smart" voice.
He was hilarious
Great stories!
Back in the day when we had REAL actors and talk show hosts like Carson.
Am I the only one who can't stand that Conan bloke?
Too funny! Thanks for putting this up on UA-cam.
Grew up with Get Smart. It changed my life!
I miss these times.😂
My uncle played high stakes backgammon with Don at a Beverly Hills club called Pips. Said he was the funniest guy ever.
NOW THAT is a great talk show guest. Ladies & Gentlemen,.. Don Adams.
Absolutely fantastic . Thank you
He was offered $12.000.00 an episode, or less upfront and a piece of the syndication. He took the later and made millions.
Smiling and laughing entirely through Don's story about Mae West. Hilarious. Awesome comedian and storyteller.
That was really good.
Went to school with Don's nephew in 70's, from what i heard he was as funny off screen as he was on.
Loved Don Adams. He was great in a sitcom called Checkout as well. I believe it only ran for 3 years.
I'm guessing that this is from the spring of 1980 around the time Don appeared as Maxwell Smart in "The Nude Bomb".
Wonderful storyteller.
7:50 Don Adams talks about smoking a bomber!❤️
Is that equivalent to a fatty today?
@@RandysFiftySevenChevy yes lol.
Lol, proof if want to be on top of your game, don't! But if want to screw up, do. How funny.
Lucky Nancy Reagan wasn't there...
Don was one of the best in the business
It's amazing that Don Adam's could he funny at all after being a Marine during WW2
I used to love Get Smart when I was a kid me and my father R.I.P. used to watch it on Nick at Night.
Johnny Carson was a guest on one of the "Get Smart" episodes!
the train conductor!
They were friends obviously lol and yes Johnny was on Get Smart.
@@fionam3554 I love that episode hilarious.
@@deesplaylists6941 Most of the episodes were!
Actually, Johnny Carson did 2 guest appearances on Get Smart. One as a train conductor and one as a the royal announcer to the King of Coronia.
"The old missing wrung in the ladder trick, second time I fell for it this month".
Whenever Johnny would say, "oKaaaay", he got that from Don's Maxwell Smart
Loved seeing this again. Do you have the full interview where he talks about filming "The Nude Bomb" He came over from Universal to do this interview directly from filming and is actually wearing his wardrobe from the film.
Hysterical crazy funny man. great great storyteller. 😄😊
A masterclass in comedic interviewing
Missed it by that much!
3:38 - Don Adams IS Maxwell Smart!
Hahaha.. two plane tickets..one for take off in the cattle class and first class for rest of the flight.
Not the craw, the claw! 😆
I bet he was key in keeping morale with his marine brothers.
Looks like this May 14, 1980. _The Nude Bomb_ was released May 9.
This is like the converse of the Patton Oswalt story about doing his act before an audience of blind drunk people.
No such thing as Hollywood after that generation
I'm going to go out on a limb here Don, and say it sounds like there was "pandemonium"
Perfectly what I needed today, thanks
you can laugh just by looking at don Adams he's great
Nice piece!
While living in Los Angeles, California I visited his gravesite at Hollywood Forever cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard. His tombstone has an image of him making a call on his shoe phone 😅
This is why Johnny was and always be the king of late night, he knew when to shut-up and let the guest roll.