Edward Platt

Edward Platt first studied at Princeton University and then at the Juilliard School in New York. Later he sang with Paul Whiteman's Orchestra and in New York's Mozart Opera Company. When he'd returned from a stint as a radio operator in World War II, Platt brought his deep baritone to Broadway, making his debut in the doomed Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Allegro." After years on the New York stage, he moved to Texas, where his brother lived, and where he anchored the local news. He later pursued Hollywood, appearing in a string of "Four Star Playhouse" episodes and the James Dean classic "Rebel Without a Cause" in 1955. Film and television roles flooded in after this, and Platt popped up on numerous shows, including the science fiction anthology "The Outer Limits" and the western drama "Bonanza." In a long list of TV appearances, his career was defined by his role as Chief to Don Adams's Maxwell Smart in the classic comedy series "Get Smart." Sporadic work followed in the early 1970s, including guest spots on "Bewitched" and "The Odd Couple." Platt died unexpectedly in 1974. While early reports blamed a heart attack for the actor's death, his son later admitted Platt had committed suicide after a long struggle with untreated depression. Platt was 58 years old.