Hidden Illness & Cause of Death FINALLY Revealed About "Get Smart!" Actor Edward Platt!!

[@bejoyful]

Thank Mr. Platt for being such a good actor as the Chief.

[@johntuttle2825]

Get smart is a very good series. I had wondered why he sat down. But there is one episode where the Chief had to rescue Max from becoming a Mummy. Chief was more active in that episode. Used a gun in that episode too. Good video.

[@southernguy35]

He made it by that much. What a cast. Barbara Felden did one or two other features after this but will always be known as the long suffering 99. "oh, Max."

[@partyon5374]

Very similar to Dick York & his terrible back pain during the filming of Bewitched. Hats off to these actors giving their all so that we can enjoy the shows.

[@KevinMiller-xn5vu]

Because York injured his back while making the movie They Came To Cordura (1959).

[@bejoyful]

I always thought Mr. York was not treated with kindness during his ailment and had such a sad end; when he was replaced I didn't care for the show after.

[@SSN515]

@@bejoyful Yeah. York was key to the show. The replacement dude was too "petulant", although that was the guy they wanted to play Darrin originally.

[@roberttelarket4934]

@partyon5374: You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@Nick-ty9us]

I think that’s also why Dick York left that show because his back problems

[@trish8964]

A sad ending to a wonderful actor

[@kendallrivers1119]

Alot of truly wonderful actors suffered pain for our entertainment and i hope they knew how appreciated and loved their efforts were and are. I grew up on Get Smart.

[@traczebabe]

I didn’t know this. I do know having chronic pain will often lead to chronic depression. Loved him as the chief. ❤

[@sallyn2393]

He was the perfect chief. I didn’t know any of this about him-very sad indeed. We just never know what someone is going through or what they are struggling with. Thanks for sharing this, Rick.

[@WinningWinningWinning]

Sad to hear. He was perfect for that role though

[@jillmacchitelli6473]

Thank you for sharing this story about Edward Platt. Anyone who suffers from back pain will tell you it’s excruciating.

[@chiefbobdavis99]

Love Get Smart. Never knew that this about Mr Platt. Thanks, Mr Rick!

[@williamcohen2447]

Someone with serve back pain I can relate to these actors that just need to sit Thanks for sharing Rick

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

*severe back pain;...

[@Maddie-zv3gv77]

Edward Platt was a wonderful Actor.

[@tj921able]

I knew about Ed Platt. I wonder if his back bothered him when he did "Rebel Without a Cause" He seemed spry when he did that, sparring with James Dean. Thank you for sharing this information. It's important for people to know how much people put into their work. God Bless You & stay safe.

[@goodmaro]

But a few years later he mostly sat in _North By Northwest_ .

[@backcreekcabin4994]

Ed Platt was a great actor !!!! RIP!!!

[@cattlerancherfromhell7666]

I'm surprised you shared such important information without activating the Cone of Silence first.

[@catnewskawai9367]

What？I can't hear you.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

As a teenager in '74, I remember when Mr. Platt died.

[@johneburnett4911]

Rick, Dick York from "Bewitched" has back pain problems.

[@cozycribcafe]

Rick thank you for your channel, your videos and truly a gem! Because of your trivia video I re watch these golden era of television. I have a new respect and admiration for these show. Bless you Rick and as you always say be hopeful.

[@oantech4252]

Dick York had a similar career ending back issue with pain killers etc. He was forced to leave Bewitched and Darrin #2 had to take over.

[@KevinMiller-xn5vu]

I didn't like Dick Sargent as well as I did Dick York, because Sargent always seemed to be angry, unlike York. To me, Dick York was the quintessential Darrin. At least Ed Platt didn't leave Get Smart and get replaced with someone else.

[@maxb4074]

Its a fact that chronic severe pain can change your personality and of course cause depression. No matter who you are.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Wow. I never knew this. He was a very talented actor. It’s unfortunate he suffered from depression as well as having other issues. Thank you for the video Rick, you always make videos that are interesting and informative. Keep up the great work and take care!

[@lauratukey3584]

Thank you for sharing this a wonderful actor a wonderful show

[@jenlemon4294]

How tragic, Rick. I can’t imagine the terrible pain and discomfort he must have felt on a daily basis due to his bad back. I still haven’t seen the show, but I will someday and be even more appreciative of his performance. Thank you, Rick. ❤

[@ouroboris]

I didn't know that about Edward Platt, but certainly appreciate it as I'm older than he was when he passed and suffer from back issues myself. He was the perfect actor for the part, and I'm grateful for the entertainment he brought to us as the straight man for the eternally goofy Maxwell Smart.

[@gailwatson4927]

I love Get Smart. Edward Platt was a great actor. This is so sad. Thank you Rick for the information.

[@paulmclaughlin4132]

I loved Ed Platt as the chief on Get Smart. It is sad to hear he was going through physical difficulties during the series run. Depression is very difficult to deal with and it is unfortunate it played a part in his death.I did not know this. God Bless and God Keep Edward Platt 🙏. Rick thank you once again for taking the time to do these segments.

[@davef.2329]

Good, respected actor. Condolences to family and friends belatedly, and hopefully he's in peace. Thanks, Rick.

[@vanceblosser2155]

I always enjoyed his performances on the many shows he was on. Sad to hear about his suffering, may he have the peace he sought.

[@johntuttle2825]

Get Smart was a very good and funny seies too. I knew the Chief sat down alot. Never thought about the reason why. There is one episode where the Chief is more active. When Max was being turned into a Mummy. He went there to rescue Max. The Chief had a gun and faught KOS agents too. And moved Max around like a Mummy. It was a good episode. Thanks, Rick. Good video.

[@jordanthomas145]

Thanks for sharing this information

[@ricknineg]

My pleasure

[@marlenepearson3936]

How sad 😔 Thanks for sharing this story, Rick. 😢

[@vbuffy5952]

He was a very good singer, too.

[@dhenderson1810]

He in fact sang in an episode of "Get Smart" and was very good. He could have gone into opera but opted for acting instead.

[@alfredodoardi2717]

i almost knew that, but i had "missed it by that much!".

[@roberttelarket4934]

He could have been cured of his back pains, especially depression if he had seen Rick Nineg videos

[@jimnething1264]

poor Ed! so sad!! 😢 thank you so much for this, Rick!

[@hungfao]

I am stunned.

[@johndurham2459]

I didn't, my favorite episode of his is when he played a singing waiter. He had a great voice and I often wondered if he started out in musical theater.

[@orbyfan]

He did. The story is that he was supposed to make his debut in Baltimore in a production of "The Mikado," scheduled to open on December 8, 1941--talk about bad timing.

[@camickelson]

That's very sad . Thanking Him for being a professional.

[@ddavenpAZ]

That animal striped car! Did you know it was featured in another Rick Nineg Get Smart video entitled “They Tricked You”? If not, check it out! Great stuff! This was a really well done video. I see by the comments you touched a lot of people. Your videos don’t just tell things but instead, they bring the topics to life. Excellent work.

[@michaelrube4304]

The car you speak of was a custom built Mustang often referred to as the Frank Sinatra Mustang because it was used in one of his films.

[@Beagle3561]

So sad! Ed Platt had wonderful comidic timing, and was a wonderful foil to Don Adams. So sorry to hear of this. Thanks for the video, Rick.

[@jons.6216]

Just looking at that stylish, but uncomfortable 1960s furniture makes me think of how painful some of it was! Same goes for the office in The Lucy Show!

[@atreb56]

I knew about the suicide but not the back pain. I enjoyed Mr. Platt in Westerns and in other movies. Thanks.

[@visionaryventures12]

I hadn’t noticed! When he sat in his office, it would give me an impression of being in authority. When he would sit on a car, it made him seem casual and comfortable.

[@SSN515]

Yeah, I always just kinda thought of it as the "boss" position. Like "M" on the Bond movies.

[@gpr8695]

God bless him !!!

[@flmlvr]

I watched the show when it originally aired, and continued watching through the years in syndication. And I NEVER knew Edward Platt was in such agony. And to think all these years I ALWAYS considered him to be the best Straight Man in history - well, okay, he is a tie with Bud Abbott, but through the entire history of "Get Smart" I think I only saw him smile once. But what made him so funny was that in some cases he had to say ridiculous lines so seriously. It makes me sad that the agony he was in played a part in him being so funny by being so serious. But it doesn't change the fact that he is fondly remembered and missed. In any incarnation they tried to do after the show's initial run, they never tried to replace Edward Platt - because they knew he was irreplaceable.

[@dhenderson1810]

They had a "Get Smart" revival where Max is now Chief of Control.

[@flmlvr]

@@dhenderson1810 Ohhhh, when was that? I wonder how that got past me.

[@dhenderson1810]

@@flmlvr It was in 1997. Andy Dick was the main star and played Zack Smart, the spy son of Max and 99. Max is Chief of Control and 99 is a US Senator. It only lasted 7 episodes, in 1997. It can be found under "Get Smart '97".

[@philipmorris4843]

Never knew about that, thanks for covering this. I also suffer from degenerative spinal issues that can be hereditary like mine. My uncle who suffered with it also took his own life. Thankfully I have health insurance and have been able to control with strong pain meds. I knew about Dick York also Raymond Burr did a lot of scenes sitting (Ironsides and Perry Mason tv movies)

[@mamas.8259]

❤

[@JeffFrmJoisey]

The 2nd half of a 1st season Get Smart episode was the 1st thing I watched on our brand new RCA 19” Color TV! Never knew that Mr Platt was ill until now.

[@ronald-vt8ew]

So he was in cone of the silence for his own health. He was so funny as the straight man.

[@richroj]

I am a big fan of Get Smart and Edward Platt 👍

[@lauriemclean1131]

I can definitely relate to chronic back trouble contributing to or causing depression.

[@ravenpoe7093]

Wow thats sad. I didn’t watch the show that much but its sad about him

[@mrfloxin]

Rick: Do you know when Edward Platt staying to have back pains? I do remember he guest star on Dick Van Dyke show when Dick Van Dyke was using magic cards in a poker game. Edward was sitting down in down in the that espoide as well. I thought I let you know about it. You have a nice day anyway for sure!

[@FishHeadSalad]

Has anyone noticed how in every episode in which the chiefs office is shown that the bookshelf always changes? The books, bookends and shelf decorations are always in a different position or switched out with new ones. Even the number of shelves changes. Sometimes there are 3 shelves, sometimes there are 4.

[@dbmclean3660]

He was a likeable character.

[@williamwindomtributesite1640]

He was the first actor that I created a website for. I belive it was during the film The Last of The Fast Guns. His family enjoyed my site which is still up. I've spoken his oldest child from marriage 1 and two of his three kids from marriage two. He had just gotten divorced when he took his life and his kids were in their teens. They were kind enough to share quite e a few memories with me. Ironically he was in the film, They Came to Codura. That's the film where Dick York suffered his career ending back injury. I also learned quite a bit about Don Adams and his life, too.

[@joeyrivful]

I never heard this before, very interesting. Sad to hear

[@silvereagle2061]

When living in California, my mom had opportunities to meet celebrities such as Edward Platt pryor to his passing.

[@cadeevans4623]

Interesting info has no idea thanks for sharing this video I'm learning Rick

[@cathychampagne7617]

I never knew this, and I’m sad to hear that he ended up taking his own life. I really liked him a lot. I loved that she was a kid rest in peace Edward.

[@krismckee]

Sorry about that chief.... RIP

[@frankdenardo8684]

Very interesting story about Ed Platt. I remember going to the library to look at newspapers on microfilm. The Chicago Tribune said, "Edward Platt dead at 58. Played the chief on Get Smart." Toronto Globe & Mail. "Ed Platt. Get Smart Chief dies at 58." San Diego Tribune. "Edward Platt. The chief on Get Smart dead at age 58."

[@macwyll]

Don Adams was the best dressed man in television then and now. May the Saints preserve Edward Platt, who I've watched in movies he made prior to Get Smart. He was funny and dramatic, and is missed by me. May he Rest In Heaven.

[@TheUtube666]

I knew of his suicide as his cause of death, but I didn't know all the details that you brought out that probably contributed to that sad outcome. RIP Mr. Platt.

[@jennifergarrett6809]

Pain is such a demon to overcome. This past July my nephew took his own life after a lifetime of pain. For 30 years he suffered. I know the pain that the Platt family delt with back then. My heart hurts with them.

[@denisestover2416]

Have you looked into The Carol Burnett Show? Carol is in her 90's now, but the show and the actors/actresses were great! I hope you look into it! 😃

[@treydavis8548]

You may recall that Edward Platt played Laura Petrie’s father in The Dick Van Dyke show.

[@tigger06]

Did not know ....interesting. thanks for the info. I suffer from back pain as well, so it's interesting to me.

[@j.lietka9406]

What was the make and model of the sports car displayed in the introduction? Mr Platt was a great Chief!

[@joeanderson9852]

❤❤

[@danieloutloud9151]

This does answer a bit why but , just to let you know , his suicide had been on public record for a long long time and wasn't hard to find . I hadn't heard about his pain issues anywhere else though .

[@Skaramine]

This was very educational. It's very sad about Mr. Platt, but I can understand saying that it was a heart attack to spare his loved ones the association with such a social stigma.

[@collegeman1988]

I knew Edward Platt had committed suicide in 1974, but I did not know he had chronic back pain. Outside of Get Smart as his role of the Chief of Control, the only other thing I remember seeing him in was a small role in Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest as Cary Grant’s defense attorney near the beginning of the movie after Cary Grant’s character is arrested for drunk driving and taken to the Glen Cove police station.

[@randyc9818]

He did Pollyanna, was great.

[@macwyll]

Barbara Feldon is 91 years old. I hope in my heart she makes it to 99 and beyond.

[@Victor-gi3dy]

This is why Dick York was Replaced on Bewitched by Dick Sargent because of back problems & apparently some of the furniture on the set was made especially for him. 😔😔

[@mamas.8259]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@James_St._James]

I was afraid it was going to be a camera tripod like Bob Crane.

[@pl5624]

I think Platt didn't hang with seemy people like crane did...

[@montyrose78]

Saw him in an episode of the twilight zone

[@chuckvsthemovie1614]

I knew he had Back problems and missed several episodes but didn't know that is why they showed him sitting so much. Jeff Platt Joined a Get Smart group Several years ago and told us his Dad committed Suicide.

[@southernguy35]

One of the popular pain meds at the time was darvon. Many people know it more as darvaset which is a variation of the drug. it was easy to RX, got the patient in and out of the doctor's office very quickly. I understand that darvon was a drug that could be accidentally overdosed with other meds or alcohol. Yes, Dick York had back issues. too. It was a time that if you didn't look sick, you weren't. Basically, that's still the case today with jobs and workmen's comp on back problems.

[@jamesziegler2763]

Interesting

[@fizixx]

I liked the 'Chief' as much as any of the other main characters. Always liked him. Am really sad for his pain, depression and other dark things he had to go through. Your description sounds a LOT like that of Daniel Von Bargen (Seinfeld). If you read about him you will understand, and that is equally sad as what must have happened to Mr. Platt.

[@figmo397]

I'm sure his depression was caused mostly by the extreme pain he was in. It DOES explain how he managed to not break up laughing during many of the scenes. Edward Platt was PERFECT as Chief. It's so sad that he suffered so much while bringing so much joy to so many people. It's an awful shame that there was no good fix for his back. As someone who is dealing with perpetual pain from a back problem, I can relate to what he must've gone through.

[@michaelbrowy8264]

There is nothing more painful than back pain. It is mostly untreatable, unrelenting and ruthless without surgical intervention. The surgery is always major and high risk for paralysis and often makes the pain worse. I finally could not stand it anymore and was facing the possibility of an implanted morphine pump which would result in the loss of my driver’s license, job etc. I opted for the surgery which took a long time to heal but today I need very little pain medication and the expectation that I would be in a wheel chair by 45 never happened. I’m 64 and still walking unaided. Surgery was so worth it but I resisted for years and years.

[@davescrimshaw7781]

yes - I mentioned his cause of death, here, a few months ago.

[@superharry484]

Rick, You should do a video on Don Adams' other series, The Partners, which in my opinion was every bit as good as Get Smart, maybe better, & which was cancelled due to the unfortunate last minute scheduling of All In The Family in the 8:00 PM Saturday time slot. My Three Sons, which was on it's last legs in 1971, was originally slated for that time, & The Partners would have easily beaten it in the ratings.

[@lilajagears8317]

What was the cause of his back pain? And of course there are many pain meds available from cortisone to opioids. If you need narcotics for chronic pain the benifits would outweigh any risks if prescribed and taken properly.

[@goodmaro]

Art Bell was also rumored to have taken his own life due to back pain and pulmonary emphysema.

[@renezescribe1229]

"Sorry about that, Chief!" The Chief was Max's straight-man but he was allowed some leeway. It showed as his lines were delivered very naturally. Yes, it is sad that he passed away so young and under such circumstances. We shall all remember Agent Q, who later became the one and only Chief of C.O.N.T.R.O.L. Btw, Rick, I have a question for you : Yes, Mel Brooks and Buck Henry wrote Get Smart as a parody of the Spy Trend of the early 60's but if you take away the laugh track, you find that Maxwell Smart is a very intelligent spy, using a baffoon persona to wear down his enemies rather than use his gun on them!! In case you hadn't noticed, Agent 86 has a muck lower body count than Agent 007...

[@rsler63]

I heard he killed himself, but I didn't know he had back trouble.

[@rogerturner1881]

how and when did he get the back problem.

[@irenedow5665]

Lately I found out Brian Keith had ended his life about the same age. So sad and now there is many ways to seek professional help. Learning from others sorrows please.

[@thefinisher2010]

Who wouldn't stressed working with those 2 idiots, Max & Larabee, day in day out

[@qdllc]

But what was the cause of his back pain?

[@johntuttle2825]

Series.

[@davewhite4206]

I heard he took his life inside a car in Los Angeles.

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

Rick; Please Note: *to make things, a little bit more easy, for him;...>NOT: "to make things a little bit more easier"; which is an, incorrect, grammatical construction.

[@eloiseockert9233]

Dick York did NOT commit suicide. The show gave him more than reasonable accomodations. Even wrote 5:10 5:10 2 scripts tor him: One was in case he was in too much ain yo come in to perform. One on case he could. Furniture was replaced to accomodate York. Etc etc The performer who didn't or couldn't handle him was Elizabeth Montgomery. Yoek had a thing for her & it was all one sided Ed Platt well ots sad he committed suicide...

[@eloiseockert9233]

Why hire him?