Dick Gautier, who starred in the original Broadway production of “Bye, Bye Birdie” and then played Hymie the Robot on the sitcom “Get Smart,” has died, according to media reports. He was 85.
After a long illness, Gautier died Friday night at an assisted living facility in Arcadia, California.
Gautier, who started his career as a stand-up comic, played Conrad Birdie, the character based on Elvis Presley, in the original 1960 Broadway production of “Bye, Bye Birdie,” starring Dick Van Dyke. Gautier went on to receive a Tony nomination for the role.
Gautier is most recognized playing Hymie the Robot on the ’60s series “Get Smart.” Although Gautier was only in six episodes over four seasons, it was one of the spy spoof sitcom’s most popular characters.
Hymie possessed strength, had a supercomputer for a brain and wires and components in a compartment in his chest. Originally built for the evil organization KAOS, Hymie made the move to CONTROL (the good guys) because Max (Don Adams) was the first one to treat Hymie like a real person.
Max picked Hymie to be his best man for his wedding with Agent 86 (Barbara Feldon), and Gautier also returned as Hymie for a 1989 “Get Smart” TV movie.
Gautier is survived by his wife Tess, daughters Denise and Tess, and son Rand.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news of Gautier’s passing.