Edward Cuthbert Platt ( February 14 , 1916 -- March 19 , 1974 ) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of `` The Chief '' in the 1965-70 NBC/CBS television series `` Get Smart '' .
Edward Cuthbert Platt ( February 14 , 1916 -- March 19 , 1974 ) was an American actor best known for his role as `` The Chief '' in the 1965-70 NBC/CBS television series `` Get Smart '' .