- Robert Karvelas
Robert Karvelas (April 3, 1921 – December 5, 1991) was an American actor who was notable for his role as the Chief's dense assistant, Larrabee, on the 1960s
sitcom "Get Smart ". He wasDon Adams ' cousin.Karvelas was born in
New York City with atwin brother and grew up inCharleroi, Pennsylvania . His mother was of Irish decent and his father was of Greek descent. His mother and Adams' mother were sisters. Karvelas was aGolden Gloves boxing champion while serving in the United States Marines duringWorld War II and later worked as astockbroker .Wanting his cousin to remain close to him, Adams gave Karvelas several uncredited
bit parts on "Get Smart". One such part was an assistant to the Chief which grew into the character of Larrabee. Larrabee had the distinction of being just as bumbling as Maxwell Smart, if not more so. In one episode, Smart tells the Chief, "People ask if Larrabee and I are related."After the cancellation of "Get Smart", Karvelas again joined his cousin Adams on the sitcom, "The Partners", which also starred
Dick Van Patten . The show was cancelled after one season.Karvelas continued to appear in small bit parts on television before dropping out of acting in 1976. He reprised the character of Larrabee in "
The Nude Bomb " and "Get Smart, Again! ".External links
*imdb name|0440289|name=Robert Karvelas
*tvtome person|id=10136|name=Robert Karvelas
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