David Ketchum, the versatile television writer and beloved comedic actor best known for his role as the hapless Agent 13 on the iconic 1965 sitcom Get Smart, passed away on August 10 at the age of 97.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death, though they did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
Ketchum made his television debut in 1961, appearing in shows like The Jim Backus Show and The Munsters, before joining the second season of Get Smart in 1966. His character, Agent 13, became famous for hiding in impossibly tight spaces — mailboxes, fire hydrants, and other small nooks — while undercover.
“The hardest part was when they put Agent 13 in a washing machine,” Ketchum recalled in a 2002 interview. “I’m 6′2″, so fitting into cramped spaces is tough, and a washing machine is about as tight as it gets. They also built an 8-foot tube where I was spun around — imagine trying to remember your lines while water and soap are spraying in your face!”
Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, Get Smart ran for five seasons, concluding in 1970. Ketchum reprised his role in the 1989 TV movie Get Smart, Again! and the short-lived 1995 revival. The franchise also saw a 2008 big-screen remake starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Bill Murray as Agent 13.
Ketchum’s television career was extensive, including roles as Mel Warshaw on I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster and Spiffy on Camp Runamuck, along with guest appearances on legendary sitcoms such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Green Acres, The Odd Couple, The Partridge Family, Maude, Mork & Mindy, and Happy Days.
Behind the scenes, he contributed as a writer to many hit shows, including Full House, MacGyver, The Love Boat, Lottery!, Laverne & Shirley, T.J. Hooker, MASH*, Here’s Lucy, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and even Get Smart. His film credits included Good Neighbor Sam, The Grasshopper, Goodnight Jackie, Love at First Bite, Young Doctors in Love, and The Other Sister.
Ketchum is survived by his wife, Louise, and their two daughters, Nicole and Wendy.
He leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable television moments — reminding audiences that sometimes the simplest surprises, like someone perched in a mailbox, can bring the biggest smiles.
