‘Get Smart’ Actor David Ketchum Dies at 97

David Ketchum, best known for his role as Agent 13 on the 1960s NBC sitcom Get Smart, passed away at the age of 97. Born in 1928 in Quincy, Illinois, Ketchum initially pursued physics and electrical engineering at UCLA before discovering his passion for acting and comedy. He gained recognition for his comedic talent, appearing in shows such as I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, Camp Runamuck, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Happy Days, and many others, and also contributed as a TV writer to series including M*A*S*H, Wonder Woman, and MacGyver. His character Agent 13 was famous for hiding in small, unusual places like mailboxes and lockers, a running gag that became a hallmark of the show. Ketchum reprised this role in the 1989 film Get Smart, Again! and the 1995 revival series. He is survived by his wife Louise Bryant, two daughters, three grandchildren, and a great-grandson, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable television moments.