Don Adams of 'Get Smart' Dies at 82 - New York Times

NY Times notes the passing of Don Adams, forever remembered as Maxwell Smart. Don Adams, Mel Brooks, and Buck Henry made "Get Smart" one of the funniest and oddest shows on American television. And where did Don Adams gain his first training in comedic presentation and timing? Don Adams of 'Get Smart' Dies at 82 - New York Times: "In 1941, he dropped out of school to join the Marines. In Guadalcanal he survived the deadly blackwater fever and was returned to the States to become a drill instructor, acquiring the clipped delivery that served him well as a comedian."

Incidentally, in my experience, the most imaginatively sadistic drill sergeants were the ones with a keen sense of humor. Making someone laugh often involves making someone else miserable.