The television world has bid farewell to one of its most cherished comedic gems. David Ketchum—actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his unforgettable role as Agent 13 in Get Smart—passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 97. His career spanned decades and cemented his reputation as both a beloved performer and a brilliant writer whose humor helped define an era of entertainment.
Born in Quincy, Illinois, in 1928, Ketchum showed early on a natural gift for timing, wordplay, and character-driven comedy. After moving to Hollywood in the early 1960s, he quickly carved out a place in the golden age of sitcoms, when television comedy was at the heart of American culture. His sharp wit and versatile talent earned him roles on I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Camp Runamuck, where he charmed audiences as the quirky Spiffy.
Yet it was his portrayal of Agent 13 in Mel Brooks and Buck Henry’s satirical spy classic Get Smart that immortalized him in TV history. Forever stuck hiding in mailboxes, lockers, and vending machines while on surveillance duty, Agent 13 became a fan favorite. With his impeccable deadpan delivery and gift for physical comedy, Ketchum transformed what could have been a minor gag into one of the series’ most beloved running jokes.
He would later reprise the role in the 1989 TV film Get Smart Again! and in Fox’s 1995 revival of the series, once more delighting audiences old and new with his timeless comedic touch.
Ketchum’s influence, however, extended far beyond acting. He was a prolific television writer whose pen shaped some of the most iconic shows in American pop culture. His credits included MASH*, I Dream of Jeannie, The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, MacGyver, and Full House. Blending sharp humor with an instinctive grasp of character dynamics, his scripts elevated the shows he worked on and contributed to their enduring success.
Colleagues often described him as a quiet but steady creative force—someone who shunned the spotlight yet constantly infused it with warmth and laughter. While audiences adored his comedy on screen, those who worked alongside him cherished his generosity, intelligence, and kindness behind the scenes.
In a statement, his family remembered him as a man who left behind “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 a great-grandchild. His enduring marriage and devotion to family reflected the values that grounded him throughout his Hollywood career.
What made Ketchum’s journey so extraordinary was not only its longevity but its breadth. Few could balance a career as both an unforgettable character actor and a prolific television writer—but Ketchum mastered both, bridging the worlds of performance and storytelling with equal brilliance.
Following news of his passing, tributes flooded social media, with fans and fellow performers sharing memories and resurfacing classic clips of Agent 13 wedged into improbable hiding places. For many, those clips were a nostalgic reminder of his brilliance; for younger viewers, they were a first introduction to a performer whose humor remains as sharp today as it was fifty years ago.
Though his passing marks the end of an era, his influence lives on. From the slapstick brilliance of Get Smart to the sharp satire of MASH* and the lighthearted charm of Full House, David Ketchum’s work is woven into the fabric of American television history.
As one television historian put it best: “David Ketchum wasn’t just part of TV history—he helped write it, shape it, and make it fun.”
At 97, after a life steeped in creativity, comedy, and love for both his craft and his family, Ketchum leaves behind a legacy that proves the enduring power of humor to connect, heal, and outlive its creator.