"Get Smart's" Agent 86 (Don Adam's) Secret Talent that You Probably Didn't Know About!

[@billbeverly2864]

I remember Leonard Nimoy in an episode but I did not know that Don Adams was a pool shark.

[@Cha-y412]

What couldnt Don Adams do?? Born and raised in New York City. Combat battle hardened United States Marine. USMC drill instructor. Accomplished stand up comedian. Accomplished Actor. And I even heard a story that after WW2 he went up the the Pacific Northwest and successfully passed himself off as a Civil Engineer and did that work with success dispite zero training for over a year. Now add pool shark to that list. Amazing!

[@Luvoldmovies-Kat.St.Aug.]

I did know Don Adams was an expert pool player .👍📺🎥⭐️ Thanks enjoyed Rick 👋

[@ricknineg]

Glad you enjoyed it 🎱

[@timfurnier7061]

Shtarker, King Moody, was actually the first modern-day Ronald McDonald! He played him from '69 to '85!

[@ronduarte358]

How did they explain the band in l?A was from New York and Ricky's and l.A.They explain how the band got to california

[@mrfloxin]

Rick: Who would win in a pool game between Don Adams or Jim Backus? I like to your thoughts on the contest in your mind? You have a nice day anyway!

[@MicahThomason]

Down the street and across. Greely's Beer Garden and Billiard Parlor. Just ask for Alice; say you want a game of billiards... They burned the table in '78 for firewood.

[@riversarcadereview385]

billiards only uses three balls with no pockets whereas Pool AKA Pocket billiards uses 16 balls with pockets.

[@mrgreydayofravenwood2769]

Billiards is played on a table without pockets. The game only has three balls, which are red, white (with a spot), and another white one (without a spot). Pool involves a table with six pockets. You need 15 balls, but some people play with just nine. Be safe Rest well & GB4N.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Nowadays one of the cue balls is usually yellow.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I lost all respect for Don Adams after hearing Bob Newhart tell the story that Don hired him to write jokes but never paid him, though he used all the material in his stand-up act. Prior to that I never knew Adams did stand-up.

[@MsBackstager]

Would you believe -- unfortunately I do! :( In the late 60s, while still a teen, I saw DA in Vegas and asked for his autograph. For some reason, I wasn't impressed by his mannerisms.

[@davescrimshaw7781]

They got even - put him in the 1980 movie "The Nude Bomb" - which really was a bomb.

[@dhenderson1810]

Don Adams did do stand up and changed his name as a result. Adams real name is Donald Yarmy. He changed it because at the comedy clubs he worked at, they went out in alphabetical order. Since "Yarmy" is "Y", he found the audience cooled down and tired from laughing by the time he hit the stage.. So he changed his name to "Adams" (his mother's maiden name) so that he would be first to get on stage and get the crowd at the start.

[@MyLateralThawts]

Maxwell Smart was supposed to be an expert marksman and in real life, during Don Adams’ service in the Marines during World War 2, he was rated as an actual expert marksman too.

[@jons.6216]

Well, don't forget Rick that Don Adams went on to do commercials for Skittle Pool in the 70s! They're here on KZbin!

[@PaulTesta]

There was both Skittle Pool and Pendulum Pool, both by Aurora. Adams was featured in both commercials. In the Skittle Pool commercial, he faces Wisconsin Skinny (a spoof on Minnesota Fats). Also, Len Lesser (Uncle Leo from Seinfeld) is one of the henchmen. Rick, thanks for a fun video. Had no idea Don Adams was a pool expert. Be hopeful. 😊

[@GR-pv5jx]

One of my friends got a Pendulum Pool for Christmas and we used to play it at his house all the time. I got a Skittle Pool as a gift on my birthday which we also both played. I think his mom told my mom that we enjoyed playing the game a lot when I was there.

[@PaulTesta]

@@GR-pv5jx What year was this...roughly?

[@sireric1954]

I had no idea Don Adam's was good at pool. Since I was a teenage male at the time I spent most the time watching Barbara Feldon who I had a major crush on.

[@GR-pv5jx]

@@PaulTesta 1971 or 1972.

[@rager1969]

Pool or billiards is acceptable, though I guess technically different. Just don't call it snooker.

[@theallseeingmaster]

I would describe him as a highly accomplished, very well skilled amateur. I remember watching this episode, the first time it aired, and I wondered if he actually made his shots.

[@pl5624]

One of my favorite get smart episodes.the early episodes were very good.

[@gailwatson4927]

I loved Get Smart. I never noticed Leonard Nimoy in this episode. I did not know that about Don Adams.

[@KevinMiller-xn5vu]

Oh yes, just a year before he went on to play Spock on Star Trek.

[@pattymerrill2838]

I loved the show and never knew that. My family had a Skittle Pool game and Don Adams is on the box lining up a shot. Very interesting!

[@jeffcarney2375]

He starred in the commercials, too

[@pattymerrill2838]

@@jeffcarney2375 That's right. I'd forgotten.

[@Jared_Wignall]

It’s cool to know that he was really good at playing pool. As you say, many times they’ll use a double for scenes such as what you’re talking about in the video and I’m sure they were very happy to know Don Adams was good at playing pool as they wouldn’t have to use a double for the scenes. I hope you’re doing well Rick, thank you for the video. Keep up the great work and take care!

[@dougmartin7129]

Back in the 80s he lived in the same condo tower as a cousin of mine in LA and I played pool in the common game room when I visited. I played many games with him an he gave me quite a few pointers.

[@ricknineg]

What?? No way?!

[@JohnM3665570]

Would you believe he and Don Adams' cousin played in the pool?

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Nimoy played many heavies and villains (as a character actor) before Star Trek. So this was one of his last of those roles that he regularly got. To use the old term, Don Adams could do good "trick shots"

[@dhenderson1810]

Another interesting fact about Don Adams. Don Adams was paid less money than his co-stars, even though he was the star. The reason is that the cast were given a choice (a) be paid more per episode or (b) be paid less per episode but have an executive producer credit instead. Barbara Feldon and Ed Platt picked the first option, but Adams picked the latter option, as he wanted to direct some episodes and have creative input into the show. This is before syndication, so the first option was only available while the show run, and there weren't royalties afterwards. Whereas Adams got more initially but his estate got recent money from the DVD set as Adams got royalties as a co-executive producer, so he made more in the long run.

[@FergieNCC2475]

I asked you not to tell me that.

[@donnachurch386]

Missed me by that much

[@deniseboldea1624]

And....loving it!😊

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Sorry about that, Chief.

[@sallyn2393]

Very cool end credits art! I didn’t know that about Don Adams. And I was a big fan of the multi talented Leonard Nimoy, and didn’t remember him in this episode. Glad your videos are getting the views they deserve! 👏👏👏

[@ricknineg]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jennifergarrett6809]

Pool tables have pockets. Billiards has no pockets. It's all bank shots.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Correct

[@miklosernoehazy8678]

... technically, what you call a pool table is a pocket billiards table... ...a billiards table has no pockets, you play games such as straight rail, 1-cushion, redball, 3-cushion, Italiana (now known as international 5-pin billiards), and even boccetta (a variation of 5-pin, balls played from the hand instead of being struck by a cue stick, and is similar to the yard game bocce)... ...English billiards is played on a snooker table...

[@CarlDalach-px4cj]

I loved that show! So goofy and funny! Also, Bill Bixby was actually a magician who played the title role in TV's "The Magician " from the 80' s or early 90's

[@KevinMiller-xn5vu]

I guess Bix also performed magic tricks during the run of The Incredible Hulk.

[@southernguy35]

Ah, yes, "in search of" Don Adams secret talent. Fascinating.

[@marlenepearson3936]

I had no idea Don Adams was accomplished at pool. Thanks Rick 😊

[@jimlassiter749]

A suggestion, i wonder if there are any prop masters, set designers, etc still around from these shows. I wonder what stories they could tell - providing memory still serves... You should do interviews....

[@KevinMiller-xn5vu]

Jim Backus played a pool shark in a 1970 episode of I Dream Of Jeannie, Help Help, A Shark! There was an episode of Gilligan's Island in which Mr. Howell (also played by Backus) where he played pool to win Gilligan's services as a servant. (Funny that's the only time a pool table was ever used, and was never seen again).

[@sallyn2393]

He also played one on The Brady Bunch.

[@MsBackstager]

Rick, the guy with the band aid on his forehead looks like an actor from the original 1950s show THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN.

[@mamas.8259]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

No I did not know but yes I recognized Nimoy.

[@JLRJ]

Wow! I was 10 when this aired but I don't remember Mr Spock playing a part!😂 I also didn't know Don could play Pool so well!💯

[@abrahammorrison6374]

Mr. Spock's Vulcan salute is the Hebrew letter shin. Nimoy learned it from rabbis.

[@FishHeadSalad]

@4:16 I would like to know why there are two 11 or 15 balls on the table. The red solid 3 ball is clearly seen and if the red striped balls were 11's then they should have the same red color as the 3 ball. But if they are 15 balls instead, same question, why are there two on the table.

[@bernie2231]

I only realized that Don Adams was a pool shark, when he beat "Wisconsin Skinny" in that Skittle Pool commercial. Unfortunately, it didn't end well for poor ol' Don. LOL.

[@nickimontie]

I loved Mission Impossible, speaking of Leonard Nimoy. Have you watched it and thought about including it here? I'd love to see them!

[@josephosheavideos3992]

A few years after "Get Smart," Don Adams hawked a tabletop pool game called, "Skittle Pool." In the commercial, he was supposed to be a salesman, who took on a sinister pool shark named, "Wisconsin Skinny," in a game of Skittle Pool. When Adams won, Skinny angrily asked him, "Salesman, huh! What do you sell?" Adams replied, "Skittle Pool!" The ad ends with a bandaged Adams saying to the camera, "Skittle Pool. It's a lot of fun." Then, he flashes a gap-toothed smile at the camera.

[@cadeevans4623]

Awesome video thanks for sharing this piece of information buddy

[@canuck_gamer3359]

Very cool thing to learn, thanks Rick!!! It calls to mind the film "Major League", where the actors attended a baseball training camp to learn how to handle a baseball bat and how to catch and throw like a pro. But 2 of the actors were very good ball players! Charlie Sheen and Corbin Bernsen both pulled off many of their own stunts/plays in that film. Sheen could throw 80mph and Bernsen was quite a good infielder! It's always fun to find out what other talents these folks have, isn't it? Keep up the great work Rick!!

[@rf159a]

The only thing I didn't like about Don is when he grew that stupid mustache in later life!! Billiards is played on a table without pockets and the game only has 3 balls. That's according to Google. I didn't know the difference either. I loved pool but really, really sucked at it!!

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Billiards, or "3-cushion billiards" uses a 5X10 table with no pockets. There are 3 balls--Your cue ball, your opponent's cue ball, and the red ball. The object is to have your cue ball make contact with the other two balls, but before it hits the second ball it must contact the rail, or cushion, at least three times. It's a very elegant game, and the ultimate in 'pure' billiards.

[@99somerville]

Occasionally actors have other skills which they can show off on film. Sammy Davis Jr. Got several chances in film and TV to show off his quick draw pistol skills.

[@peterc.810]

Yes! Don Adams was an exceptional billiards player and could be considered a professional (Pool Shark) almost as good as the Great One Jackie Gleason. Producer Leonard Stern knew this for a fact since he had worked with Jackie and Don so, he did not need a stand in for Adams.

[@MrPGC137]

Speaking of hidden talents, Ed Platt, who played *The Chief* was once an opera singer before he became an actor, and it was therefore a particular treat on those few brief episodes where he got to display his singing talents. (One of my favourites involved the Chief going undercover as a singing waiter in a restaurant & he's trying to send Max a coded message in song.)

[@auntiem873]

From what I understand, Don Adams was well known before this show. So it may have been a writer who knew of his talent that decided to use it. Or Since it’s in episode 13, he may have asked a writer if they could do something in a pool hall, tells how he is good at it and so a script was written around it.

[@johnwilliams4541]

I have never seen it but sure would like to

[@kakylong2]

I noticed the guy with the bandaid on his head was the jewel thief from the train episode on I Love Lucy. 😊

[@timothyweers8054]

I haven't seen Get Smart in a while. If I remember correctly, was this the episode that needed the billiard balls to be inserted into the pockets in a specific order in order to open up the pool table to a computer like thing that chaos was going to use to control the world?

[@InimicalWit]

It happens in Doctor Who, as well. Now and again, one of them has some odd talent that the show brings up a few times while they’re in the role 💙

[@markmaki4460]

Pool is a variety of billiards. It is also called pocket billiards.

[@gregmcmahon957]

Great episode. I did know Don Adam's was a great at pool.

[@dhenderson1810]

I heard the pool plot point was written in because Adams is good at pool.

[@Robert-lg2bl]

Awesome! Never knew that Don Adams was pool pro.

[@SIXPACFISH]

This is yet another show that never got the respect or recognition it deserved. Best comedy writing ever to hit TV.

[@mikesilva3868]

Great 😊

[@jeffsadon552]

I like comment and subscribe

[@dhenderson1810]

I heard that Adams is so good at pool, he had to pretend to be bad at it, and found it hard to hide his talent.

[@theastewart6721]

Very interesting! I never knew he was so good at playing pool! I don’t remember the episode as I haven’t seen them since they were first run. I loved it back then. Thanks for sharing Rick!😊

[@InimicalWit]

I’m not too familiar with Billiards rules - I just know it’s the one *without* the pockets. Thanks to “The Music Man” (1962) 💙

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Right. Best number in the show.

[@catherinedomitrowsky3692]

I never knew that Don Adams was an expert pool player; and that they didn’t need to use trick photographic shots to make it look as if he were actually playing the game! And Leonard Nimroy was in this episode, before he got famous, before he was Dr. Spock! Wow! Thank you. I always enjoy your commentaries on the shows I grew up and loved! Keep it coming! 👍🏻

[@darylmabrey2559]

You mean Mr. Spock.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I just read th Rick Nineg passed away ... RIP buddy! :(

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Where did you hear this? There's nothing online about it.

[@smckay6438]

Missed it by that much !😊

[@SMac-bq8sk]

Aaarrrgh! You stole my comment...LOL.👍

[@smckay6438]

@@SMac-bq8sk loved max as a kid ! Have used that my whole life! And its not mine to give so I'd love to share it with you and everyone! 😊

[@smckay6438]

@@SMac-bq8sk and it makes sense now that i know he played pool, think about it ? YOU MISS SMALL IN POOL .😊

[@ddavenpAZ]

I thought pool was played with pockets and billiards was played with out, but not 100% sure. Anyway, great video! Don Adams was great in everything he did, even in voice work, as evidenced in the Scooby Doo episode where his character was himself as a bug exterminator! I can see him being an expert pool player. I wonder if him being left handed made it more or less difficult to learn the game? Regardless, great video, especially the dramatic pause, (loving it!) and the new caricature of you leaning up against the Earth. Is that why we had the eclipse recently? It was you blocking the sun while posing for the artist? 😉

[@byronbrewer33]

Awesome vid, buddy! Stay hopeful. Are you not doing live chats anymore or are they just for diamond tier? Been a loooooong while.