Quick Facts
Biography
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 was Don Adams's cousin.
Karvelas was born in New York City with a twin brother and grew up in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. His mother was of Irish descent and his father was of Greek descent. His mother and Adams' mother were sisters. Karvelas was a Golden Gloves boxing champion while serving in the United States Marines during World War II and later worked as a stockbroker.
Wanting his cousin to remain close to him, Adams initially gave Karvelas several uncredited bit parts on Get Smart. One such part was an assistant to the Chief, which would evolve into the character of Larrabee. Mr. Karvelas actually ended up appearing in all five seasons of the show. The character "Larrabee" would go on to have the distinction of being just as bumbling as Maxwell Smart, if not more so. In Episode 21, Season 5, Smart tells the Chief, "People ask if Larrabee and I are related." Robert's character part, and his generally sweet, unassuming nature, enhanced the joviality of Get Smart.
After the cancellation of Get Smart, Karvelas again joined his cousin Adams on the sitcom, The Partners, which starred Dick Van Patten. The show was cancelled after one season. He 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!
Karvelas died in 1991 and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.
Partial filmography
- Freaky Friday (1976) - Diner Customer (uncredited)
- The Nude Bomb (1980) - Larabee
- Get Smart, Again! (1989) - Larrabee (final film role)