ON THIS DAY IN 2005: DON ADAMS

Actually, I should have posted this yesterday because yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the death of Don Adams.

Don Adams was best known for his role as Maxwell Smart on the sitcom Get Smart (1965-1970). Not only was he the lead character but he was also a writer and director for the series. Adams won an Emmy for his Maxwell Smart character three years in a row (1967-1969)!

After Smart, Adams worked on a few more sitcoms that were nowhere near as successful as his first. But it wasn't until 1983 that fame would find him again when he lent his distinct voice to one of the best known cartoon detectives: Inspector Gadget. He provided the voice for its three year run (1983-1985) as well as a Christmas Special and a few other and spin-offs.

Inspector Gadget was produced by DiC Entertainment and the titular character was a cross between Adams' Maxwell Smart and Inspector Clouseau from the Pink Panther series.

In every episode Inspector Gadget would receive a mission (that always was to stop the evil Dr. Claw) that he would have to solve. He would bring his head-strong niece, Penny, and uber-smart dog, Brain. Gadget would always bungle the mission with his various gadgets and it was always up to Penny and Brain to save the day.

The show really wouldn't have been as clever or special if it weren't for Adams' unique voice talent.

Don Adams was 82 when he died from a sudden lung infection following a long battle with bone lymphoma.