Star Of ‘Get Smart’ Passed Away At Age 97

David Ketchum, comedian, actor, and writer best remembered as Agent 13 on Get Smart and Spiffy

on Camp Runamuck, has died at 97 on August 10, according to Variety.

A familiar face in 1960s sitcoms, Ketchum appeared on I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster, The Mary Tyler Moore Show,

and Camp Runamuck. One of his most beloved roles was Agent 13, the secret agent who often popped out of mailboxes,

lockers, and vending machines in Get Smart. He later reprised the character in the TV movie Get Smart Again! and in the 1995 Fox revival.

Born in Quincy, Illinois, Ketchum began acting in the early 1960s and became known for his sharp comic timing and quirky characters.

Beyond performing, he was also a prolific television writer, contributing to some of the most iconic shows of the era. His credits include Get Smart,

MASH, I Dream of Jeannie, The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, MacGyver, and Full House.

His family remembered him as leaving “a legacy of laughter, warmth, and timeless television moments.”

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Louise, their two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Related Posts

How a Tiny Hole in a Safety Pin Solves a Big Everyday Problem

A safety pin looks like one of the simplest tools around—small, inexpensive, and easy to ignore. Most people see it as a quick fix for loose fabric…

How a Simple Thimble Became One of Sewing’s Most Timeless Tools

At first glance, a thimble looks like a modest accessory, but its role in hand sewing is surprisingly important. Designed to protect fingers from repeated needle pressure,…

How I Turned a Gender Reveal Into a Moment of Truth

I never imagined my first pregnancy would lead to the most unforgettable gathering our quiet Maryland neighborhood had ever seen. At 32 and expecting my first child,…

How to Recognize Subtle Shifts in a Relationship Before They Grow

Sometimes a relationship doesn’t change with a bang, but with a quiet sense that something feels off. There’s no single argument or dramatic moment—just a growing awareness…

How a Troubled Childhood Became Part of One of America’s Darkest Crime Stories

At first glance, there was nothing remarkable about the boy who would later shock the nation. With dark eyes, a reserved expression, and a tendency to keep…

How a Singular Voice Turned Teenage Feeling Into Timeless Music

The news settled in quietly, but its weight was unmistakable. A voice that once captured the urgency and vulnerability of youth has gone still, leaving behind a…