David Ketchum, the character actor and television writer best known for his role as the perpetually uncomfortable Agent 13 on the classic sitcom “Get Smart,” died August 10 in a care facility in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 97.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Ketchum’s death. His daughter Nicole Madden told The Hollywood Reporter that he passed away peacefully at the facility.
Born February 4, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois, Ketchum became a television fixture during the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in dozens of popular shows while simultaneously building a prolific writing career. He joined NBC’s “Get Smart” during its second season in 1966, creating one of the spy spoof’s most memorable recurring characters.
As Agent 13, Ketchum specialized in a running gag that had him hiding in increasingly ridiculous places during undercover assignments. The character would emerge from mailboxes, vending machines, airport lockers, fire hydrants, grandfather clocks, and even washing machines to deliver information to Agent 86, played by Don Adams. His sweaty, exasperated agent became a fan favorite through his obvious discomfort with these cramped surveillance positions.
Ketchum later recalled the physical challenges of the role, particularly when producers placed Agent 13 in a washing machine. Ketchum noted, “I’ve grown to hate the spy business, that’s what I’ve learned.” At six feet two inches tall, fitting into the various hiding spots proved especially difficult for the actor.
The Illinois native’s television career began in the early 1960s with guest appearances on shows including “The Jim Backus Show,” “Angel,” and “The Real McCoys.” He landed his first series regular role on ABC’s “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster,” playing carpenter Mel Warshaw alongside John Astin and Marty Ingalls during the 1962-63 season.
Ketchum then starred as Counselor Spiffy on NBC’s “Camp Runamuck” during the 1965-66 season before joining “Get Smart.” He appeared in 13 episodes of the spy comedy and wrote one episode titled “Classification: Dead” in 1967. He reprised his Agent 13 role in the 1989 television movie “Get Smart, Again!” and appeared in an episode of the short-lived 1995 Fox revival series.
Beyond “Get Smart,” Ketchum maintained an extensive television presence with guest appearances on numerous iconic series. His credits included “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Happy Days,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres,” “The Odd Couple,” “Alice,” and “Mork & Mindy.” He appeared in five episodes of “Happy Days,” portraying three different characters.
Ketchum’s writing career proved equally prolific, with credits spanning nearly four decades. He wrote for approximately four dozen television series, including “Hey, Landlord,” “M*A*S*H,” “Wonder Woman,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The Bionic Woman,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “MacGyver,” “The Love Boat,” “Highway to Heaven,” and “Full House.” His final writing credit came with “Full House” in 1990.
His relationship with producer Garry Marshall began with “Hey, Landlord” in 1967 and continued through multiple projects. Ketchum wrote for several Marshall productions, including “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley,” while also appearing in small acting roles in these series.
Ketchum’s film career included appearances in “Good Neighbor Sam” (1964), “Bless the Beasts & Children” (1971), “Love at First Bite” (1979), “The Main Event” (1979), “Young Doctors in Love” (1982), and “The Other Sister” (1999). He also portrayed Murph in a series of Union 76 gas station commercials during the 1970s and 1980s.
Before entering show business, Ketchum majored in electrical engineering at UCLA and served in the National Guard, where he hosted a nightly radio show in San Francisco. He later hosted another radio program in San Diego for seven years and released a comedy album titled “The Long-Playing Tongue of Dave Ketchum” in 1962.
Ketchum is survived by his wife Louise, whom he married in August 1957, their daughters Nicole and Wendy, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His family indicated he leaves behind a legacy of laughter and timeless television moments, encouraging fans to enjoy his classic performances in remembrance of his quick wit and gentle heart.