Dick Gautier (1931–2017) — actor, comedian, singer and caricaturist

Career highlights

Gautier achieved wide recognition for playing Hymie the Robot, a memorable recurring character on the 1960s television comedy Get Smart. He appeared in several sitcoms and short-run comedy series during the 1960s and 1970s, including the title role of a playful Robin Hood in Mel Brooks's farcical series When Things Were Rotten and the earnest, good-natured Stanley Beamish in the superhero spoof Mister Terrific. In later years he lent his voice to animated programs, taking part in voice casts for 1980s cartoons and animated features.

Artistic range and style

Beyond acting, Gautier sang and performed in clubs and on stage; his vocal skills complemented his comedic timing. He also developed a second public identity as a caricaturist, creating quick, lively sketches of fellow performers and public figures. Those drawings were occasionally sold or exhibited and were noted for their economical line work and emphasis on expressive features.

Early life and personal life

Gautier was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent much of his life working in the American entertainment industry. He had three children from his first marriage. In 1967 he married actress Barbara Stuart; they later divorced and he subsequently married Tess Hightower. His Los Angeles roots and connections to the television studios there shaped the course of his career, which often combined on-screen work with stage and recorded performances.

Legacy and notable facts

Dick Gautier is often remembered for playing characters who paired a politely earnest demeanor with comic absurdity. Hymie the Robot remains a touchstone for TV fans of the 1960s, representing a blend of satire and family-friendly humor. His versatility—moving between live-action comedy, singing engagements and voice acting—made him a dependable character player for casting directors. He also left a lesser-known legacy as a visual artist and caricaturist, an avocation that complemented his life in show business.

Gautier died after a long illness on January 13, 2017, in Arcadia, California, at the age of 85. His career is cited in histories of television comedy and among collectors of television memorabilia, and he is remembered fondly by colleagues and fans for his affable stage presence and craft.

Selected roles and references

• Hymie the Robot — Get Smart
• Robin Hood — When Things Were Rotten
• Stanley Beamish — Mister Terrific
• 1980s animation voice roles — assorted series and specials

Further links

1. Career overview and credits
2. Film and television listings
3. Comedic performances and interviews
4. Music and singing appearances
5. Samples of caricature artwork
6. Get Smart episodes and character details
7. When Things Were Rotten resources
8. Los Angeles background and early life
9. California entertainment history context
10. Information about Barbara Stuart
11. Obituaries and remembrances