Personal Info
Birth date
1921-06-04 (104 Years)
Day of death
2011-06-19
Gender
Male
Known for
Acting
Place of birth
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Also known as
Donald Alan Diamond
Don Diamond
Biography
Brooklyn-born Don Diamond's most famous role is probably that of the scheming and ambitious, but inept and somewhat cowardly, underling Crazy Cat to Frank DeKova's Chief Wild Eagle in the cult western comedy series F Troop (1965). By the time he got that role he had been an actor for quite some time, starting out in radio in the early 1940s, where he discovered that he had a knack for picking up dialects, especially Spanish. He became so proficient in it that many believed he was actually Spanish or Mexican, when in reality his family came from Russia. His facility in that dialect got him the role as the Mexican sidekick of Kit Carson in the early TV series The Adventures of Kit Carson (1951). He also landed a recurring part as a Spanish corporal in the Disney TV series Zorro (1957). In addition to his TV and film work, he did much voice-over work in both cartoons and commercials.
Filmography
Columbo
8.098
Overview:
Columbo is a friendly, verbose, disheveled-looking police detective who is consistently underestimated by his suspects. Despite his unprepossessing appearance and apparent absentmindedness, he shrewdly solves all of his cases and secures all evidence needed for indictment. His formidable eye for detail and meticulously dedicated approach often become clear to the killer only late in the storyline.MacGyver
7.73
Overview:
He's everyone's favorite action hero... but he's a hero with a difference. Angus MacGyver is a secret agent whose wits are his deadliest weapon. Armed with only a knapsack filled with everyday items he picks up along the way, he improvises his way out of every peril the bad guys throw at him. Making a bomb out of chewing gum? Fixing a speeding car's breaks... while he's riding in it? Using soda pop to cook up tear gas? That's all in a day's adventures for MacGyver. He's part Boy Scout, part genius. And all hero.The Rockford Files
7.6
Overview:
Cranky but likable L.A. PI Jim Rockford pulls no punches (but takes plenty of them). An ex-con sent to the slammer for a crime he didn't commit, Rockford takes on cases others don't want, aided by his tough old man, his lawyer girlfriend and some shady associates from his past.Adam-12
6.9
Overview:
Adam-12 is a television police drama that followed two police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in their patrol unit, 1-Adam-12.Quincy, M.E.
7.5
Overview:
Los Angeles County medical examiner Quincy routinely engages in police investigations.Lassie
6.1
Overview:
Lassie is the pet of Jeff Miller, an 11-year-old farm boy. The two become best friends and enjoy family adventures in the American countryside, teaching each other about love, nature and commitment.Dynasty
6.517
Overview:
The saga of a wealthy Denver family in the oil business: Blake Carrington, the patriarch; Krystle, his former secretary and wife; his children: Adam, lost in childhood after a kidnapping; Fallon, pampered and spoiled; Steven, openly gay; and Amanda, hidden from him by his ex-wife, the conniving Alexis. Most of the show features the conflict between 2 large corporations, Blake's Denver Carrington and Alexis' ColbyCo.Burke's Law
6
Overview:
Burke's Law is an American detective series that ran on ABC from 1963 to 1965 and was revived on CBS in the 1990s. The show starred Gene Barry as Amos Burke, millionaire captain of Los Angeles police homicide division, who was chauffeured around to solve crimes in his Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II.Love, American Style
6.105
Overview:
An anthology comedy series featuring a line up of different celebrity guest stars appearing in anywhere from one, two, three, and four short stories or vignettes within an hour about versions of love and romance.The Big Valley
6.1
Overview:
The Big Valley is an American western television series which ran on ABC from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. The show stars Barbara Stanwyck, as the widow of a wealthy nineteenth century California rancher. It was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman, and produced by Levy-Gardner-Laven for Four Star Television.Get Smart
7.9
Overview:
Get Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show stars Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, and Edward Platt. Henry said they created the show by request of Daniel Melnick, who was a partner, along with Leonard Stern and David Susskind, of the show's production company, Talent Associates, to capitalize on "the two biggest things in the entertainment world today"—James Bond and Inspector Clouseau. Brooks said: "It's an insane combination of James Bond and Mel Brooks comedy." This is the only Mel Brooks production to feature a laugh track. The success of the show eventually spawned the follow-up films The Nude Bomb and Get Smart, Again!, as well as a 1995 revival series and a 2008 film remake. In 2010, TV Guide ranked Get Smart's opening title sequence at No. 2 on its list of TV's Top 10 Credits Sequences, as selected by readers.Rawhide
7.1
Overview:
The tale of trail boss Gil Favor and his trusty foreman Rowdy Yates as they drives cattle across the old west. Along the way they meet up with adventure and drama.Route 66
6.3
Overview:
After discovering that his late father has gone through most of the family fortune, Tod Stiles hits the title trans-America highway in his Corvette in search of adventure with friend Buz Murdock, a survivor of New York's mean streets. The two work odd jobs as they meet and interact with colorful characters and find themselves plunged into one situation after another, some of them romantic, some of them very dangerous. Later, Linc Case, a Vietnam war hero trying to find himself, takes over as Tod's travel companion.Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
5.5
Overview:
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre, sometimes simply called Zane Grey Theatre, is an American Western anthology series which ran on CBS from 1956 to 1961.L.A. Law
7.11
Overview:
L.A. Law is an American television legal drama series that ran for eight seasons on NBC from September 15, 1986, to May 19, 1994. Created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, it contained many of Bochco's trademark features including a large number of parallel storylines, social drama and off-the-wall humor. It reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s, and many of the cases featured on the show dealt with hot-topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights, homophobia, sexual harassment, AIDS, and domestic violence. The series often also reflected social tensions between the wealthy senior lawyer protagonists and their less well-paid junior staff. The show was popular with audiences and critics, and won 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run, four of which were for Outstanding Drama Series.The Wild Wild West
7.5
Overview:
The Wild Wild West is an American television series. Developed at a time when the television western was losing ground to the spy genre, this show was conceived by its creator, Michael Garrison, as "James Bond on horseback." Set during the administration of President Ulysses Grant, the series followed Secret Service agents James West and Artemus Gordon as they solved crimes, protected the President, and foiled the plans of megalomaniacal villains to take over all or part of the United States. The show also featured a number of fantasy elements, such as the technologically advanced devices used by the agents and their adversaries. The combination of the Victorian era time-frame and the use of Verne-esque style technology have inspired some to give the show credit for the origins of the steam punk subculture.Zorro
7.5
Overview:
Diego de la Vega, the son of a wealthy landowner, returns from his studies in Spain and discovers that Los Angeles is under the command of Capitan Monastario, a cruel man who relishes in the misuse of his power for personal gain. Knowing that he cannot hope to single-handedly defeat Monastario and his troops, Diego resorts to subterfuge. He adopts the secret identity of Zorro, a sinister figure dressed in black, and rides to fight Monastario's injustice.The Untouchables
7.8
Overview:
Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptible agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.Cannon
6.5
Overview:
Cannon is a CBS detective television series produced by Quinn Martin which aired from March 26, 1971 to March 3, 1976. The primary protagonist is the title character, private detective Frank Cannon, played by William Conrad. He also appeared on two episodes of Barnaby Jones. Cannon is the first Quinn Martin-produced series to be aired on a network other than ABC. A "revival" television film, The Return of Frank Cannon, was aired on November 1, 1980. In total, there were 124 episodes.Hill Street Blues
7.594
Overview:
A realistic glimpse into the daily lives of the officers and detectives at an urban police station.The Lone Ranger
6.7
Overview:
The Lone Ranger is an American western television series that ran from 1949 to 1957, starring Clayton Moore with Jay Silverheels as Tonto. The live-action series initially featured Gerald Mohr as the episode narrator. Fred Foy served as both narrator and announcer of the radio series from 1948 to its finish and became announcer of the television version when story narration was dropped there. This was by far the highest-rated television program on the ABC network in the early 1950s and its first true "hit".Run for Your Life
7.2
Overview:
Run for Your Life is an American television drama series starring Ben Gazzara as a man with only a short time to live. It ran on NBC from 1965 to 1968. The series was created by Roy Huggins, who had previously explored the "man on the move" concept with The Fugitive.77 Sunset Strip
6.7
Overview:
Stu Bailey and Jeff Spencer are the wisecracking, womanizing private-detective heroes of this Warner Brothers drama. They work out of an office located at 77 Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California, right next door to a snazzy restaurant where Kookie works as a valet. The finger-snapping, slang-talking Kookie occasionally helps Stu and Jeff with their cases, and eventually becomes a full-fledged member of the detective agency. Rex Randolph and J.R. Hale also join the firm, and Suzanne is their leggy secretary.That Girl
6.3
Overview:
That Girl is an American sitcom that ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971. It stars Marlo Thomas as the title character Ann Marie, an aspiring actress, who moves from her hometown of Brewster, New York to try to make it big in New York City. Ann has to take a number of offbeat "temp" jobs to support herself in between her various auditions and bit parts. Ted Bessell played her boyfriend Donald Hollinger, a writer for Newsview Magazine; Lew Parker and Rosemary DeCamp played Lew Marie and Helen Marie, her concerned parents. Bernie Kopell, Ruth Buzzi and Reva Rose played Ann and Donald's friends. That Girl was developed by writers Bill Persky and Sam Denoff, who had served as head writers on The Dick Van Dyke Show earlier in the 1960s.The High Chaparral
6.5
Overview:
The High Chaparral is an American Western-themed television series starring Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell which aired on NBC from 1967 to 1971. The series, made by Xanadu Productions in association with NBC Productions, was created by David Dortort, who had previously created the hit Bonanza for the network. The theme song was also written and conducted by Bonanza scorer David Rose, who also scored the two-hour pilot.The Dick Van Dyke Show
7.5
Overview:
The Dick Van Dyke Show centers around the work and home life of television comedy writer Rob Petrie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work, where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley.Viva Max!
5.5
Overview:
In order to prove his greatness to his unimpressed girlfriend, Mexican general Max takes a group of men across the border and recaptures the Alamo - international hijinks ensue!The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
6.8
Overview:
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp is a television western series loosely based on the life of frontier marshal Wyatt Earp. The half-hour black-and-white program aired for 229 episodes on ABC from 1955 to 1961 and featured Hugh O'Brian in the title role.Peter Gunn
6.5
Overview:
Peter Gunn is an American private eye television series. Filmed in a film noir atmosphere and featuring Henry Mancini music that could tell you the action with your eyes closed, Peter Gunn worked in style. Known as Pete to his friends and simply as Gunn to his enemies, he did his job in a calm cool way.Acting
1986Life with Lucy (1 Episode) as Man #2
1986L.A. Law (1 Episode) as Trustee Lloyd
1985MacGyver (1 Episode) as Archbishop Fierro
19841st & Ten (1 Episode) as Papa Voytak
1983Zorro and Son (1 Episode) as Unknown
1982Newhart (1 Episode) as Unknown
1982The Kid with the Broken Halo as Giuseppe
1981The New Adventures of Zorro (13 Episodes) as Unknown
1981Hill Street Blues (1 Episode) as Unknown
1981Dynasty (1 Episode) as Unknown
1980Herbie Goes Bananas as Local #2
1980This Year's Blonde as Lacey's Captain
1979Paris (1 Episode) as Sam
1979When the West Was Fun: A Western Reunion as Self
1978The White Shadow (1 Episode) as Salvation Army Man
1978Vega$ (1 Episode) as Unknown
1978WKRP in Cincinnati (2 Episodes) as Delivery Man # 1
1978The Toolbox Murders as Sgt. Cameron
1977Lou Grant (1 Episode) as Harry
1977The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (1 Episode) as Unknown
1976Quincy, M.E. (1 Episode) as Printer
1976The Rear Guard (1 Episode) as Foster
1975One Day at a Time (1 Episode) as Unknown
1975Ellery Queen (1 Episode) as Police Officer (uncredited)
1975Shell Game as Chauffeur
1974The Rockford Files (1, 1 Episode) as Lt. Alvarez, Coelho
1973Breezy as Maitre 'D
1973Police Story (1 Episode) as Unknown
1973Hawkins (1 Episode) as Reporter #1
1972Hit Man as Nano Zito
1972The Judge and Jake Wyler as 1st Workman
1972The Streets of San Francisco (1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Cook
1972Frog Jog as Toro (voice)
1972Flight to the Finish as Toro (voice)
1971Croakus Pocus as Toro (voice)
1971Serape Happy as Toro (voice)
1971What's a Nice Girl Like You...? as Duty Sergeant
1971How to Steal an Airplane as Sam
1971Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1 Episode) as Clerk
1971Columbo (1, 1 Episode) as Larry, Portland Desk Clerk (uncredited)
1971Cannon (1 Episode) as Unknown
1971Fastest Tongue in the West as Toro (voice)
1971A Leap in the Deep as Toro (voice)
1971The Egg and Ay-Yi-Yi! as Toro (voice)
1971Two Jumps and a Chump as Toro (voice)
1971Mud Squad as Toro (voice)
1971Mrs. Pollifax — Spy as DeGamez
1971Snake in the Gracias as Toro (voice)
1970A Dopey Hacienda as Toro (voice)
1970The Odd Couple (1 Episode) as Man at OTB
1970The Immortal (1 Episode) as Unknown
1970Never on Thirsty as El Toro (voice)
1970Hop and Chop as Toro (voice)
1970The Froggy Froggy Duo as Toro (voice)
1969Go for Croak as Toro (voice)
1969A Pair of Greenbacks as Toro (voice)
1969Viva Max! as Hernandez
1969Love, American Style (1 Episode) as Gus
1969Tijuana Toads as Toro (voice)
1969Tijuana Toads (17 Episodes) as Toro
1968Here's Lucy (1 Episode) as Pedro
1968Adam-12 (1, 1 Episode) as Clerk, Sailor
1968It Takes a Thief (1 Episode) as Messenger
1967The High Chaparral (1 Episode) as Miguel
1967The Guns of Will Sonnett (1 Episode) as Unknown
1967The Flying Nun (1, 1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Dr. Tapia, Dr. Escovito
1967Good Morning World (1 Episode) as Moving Man
1966That Girl (1 Episode) as Unknown
1965Get Smart (1 Episode) as Unknown
1965The Wild Wild West (1 Episode) as The Bartender
1965The Big Valley (1, 1, 1 Episode) as Border, Diego, Federale
1965F Troop (65 Episodes) as Crazy Cat
1965Run for Your Life (1, 1 Episode) as Esteban, Taxi Driver
1964Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1 Episode) as Unknown
1963Kraft Suspense Theatre (1 Episode) as Paco
1963My Favorite Martian (0, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Judge Gonzales
1963Redigo (4 Episodes) as Arturo
1963Burke's Law (1 Episode) as Romeo
1963The Patty Duke Show (1 Episode) as Unknown
1961The Dick Van Dyke Show (1 Episode) as Unknown
1961Swingin' Along as Tony
1960Route 66 (1 Episode) as Unknown
1960Pete and Gladys (2 Episodes) as Unknown
1960The Story of Ruth as Yomar
1959The Untouchables (1, 1 Episode) as George Keeley, Mob Pit Boss (uncredited)
1959Zorro, the Avenger as Corporal Reyes
1959Holiday for Lovers as Airplane steward
1959Rawhide (1, 1, 1 Episode) as Mexican Cowhand, Paco (uncredited), Tony
195877 Sunset Strip (1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Taxi driver (uncredited)
1958The Old Man and the Sea as Cafe Proprietor (uncredited)
1958Peter Gunn (1 Episode) as Unknown
1958Le Secret de Zorro as Caporal Reyes
1957Raiders of Old California as Pepe
195726 Men (2 Episodes) as Unknown
1957Zorro (21, 2, 1, 3, 12 Episode) as Corporal Reyes, Corp. Reyes (uncredited), Lancer Hivarro (uncredited), Cpl. Reyes, Corp. Reyes
1957Trackdown (1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Sheriff
1956Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre (1, 1 Episode) as Jones - Outlaw, Cota
1956The Gale Storm Show (1, 1, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Capt. Alicante, Chief of Police
1955Frontier (1 Episode) as Unknown
1955The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (2, 1 Episode) as Unknown, Stevens - Suspect (uncredited)
1954Studio 57 (1 Episode) as Unknown
1954Lassie (1 Episode) as Unknown
1952Adventures of Superman (1 Episode) as Harry Fix
1951The Adventures of Kit Carson (103 Episodes) as Unknown
1950Borderline as Deusik
1949The Lone Ranger (1 Episode) as Pedro Matinez