1955
Rebel Without a Cause
Platt appeared in the James Dean drama.
FLM.REDEDWARD
PLATT
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A voice of authority on screen and a master of comic exasperation
Edward Platt moved between serious supporting roles and comedy, playing attorney Victor Larrabee in North by Northwest and the Chief in television’s Get Smart.
Staten Island, New York, USA
From the stage to the Chief
Edward Platt (1916–1974) was an American actor whose career encompassed stage, film and television. His deep voice and composed presence suited the many authority figures he played.
In Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959), Platt plays Victor Larrabee, attorney to Roger Thornhill. It is a small part in a story that sends Thornhill from a case of mistaken identity into an increasingly dangerous pursuit.
Television gave Platt one of his most recognizable roles: the Chief, exasperated superior to Don Adams as Maxwell Smart in Get Smart. His controlled delivery helped make the absurd spy comedy work as a counterpoint to its chaotic agent.
His other film credits include Rebel Without a Cause and Cape Fear, alongside appearances on series such as Bonanza and The Outer Limits.
Selected career moments
1959
North by Northwest
He played Thornhill’s attorney, Victor Larrabee.
1962
Cape Fear
A supporting credit in the thriller.
1965–1970
Get Smart
He played the Chief opposite Don Adams.
Performance readings are FLM.RED editorial interpretation.
Films in FLM.RED
Titles in this collection; not a complete filmography.
Sources & image notes
Portrait illustration: FLM.RED.