David Ketchum, sitcom star and prolific TV writer who brought Agent 13 to life, dies at 97

David Ketchum, sitcom star and prolific television writer, has passed on at the age of 97.

He was known for playing the unforgettable Agent 13 on Get Smart. Ketchum appeared in several hundred shows during a career that spanned more than 50 years. His comedic timing, expressive character work, and backstage innovations are part of classic American television. His distinct talent made him a household name among sitcom fans of the 1960s and 1970s. His writing also helped to influence the tone of some of the most well-loved shows of the era.

David Ketchum was born on February 4, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois, and began his entertainment career in radio, later venturing into Hollywood and television. His ascent from a funny side character to a highly sought-after sitcom writer was marked by memorable roles and hilarious scripts. He also created frequently recurring characters that have stood the test of time.

David Ketchum died at the age of 97

David Ketchum passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 97. The Medical Examiner's office in Ventura County confirmed his death to PEOPLE. His daughter Nicole Madden confirmed the same to The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren, a great-grandson, and a lasting mark on Hollywood's golden era.

In a statement to THR, Ketchum's family said:

“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth and timeless television moment — reminding us all that sometimes, the simplest surprise (like someone perched in a mailbox) can yield the biggest smile.”

David Ketchum was one of the familiar faces on TV throughout his career. He notably starred in shows like I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Camp Runamuck. Yet it was his role as Agent 13 on Get Smart that established his comic genius. He was known for his recurring gag of hiding in absurd things like mailboxes, trash cans, and vending machines. He won over audiences with the technique of giving Maxwell Smart politically sensitive information in the most intimate ways.

David Ketchum jumped into Agent 13's shoes in 1966, blending slapstick with dead-serious silliness that just worked. He appeared in 13 episodes as Agent 13. Fans certainly caught on to that little joke. He wasn't done with the role; Ketchum dusted off the trench coat for Get Smart, Again! in 1989 and then appeared one more time in the short-lived 1995 Fox reboot.

Ketchum was also a prolific television writer. He wrote an episode of Get Smart and contributed to shows such as MASH, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, The Andy Griffith Show, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Love Boat, and Petticoat Junction. His contributions to the legendary MASH episode titled "Tuttle" earned him a Writers Guild of America Award nomination.

He also did some work in films, voice work in the animated series Roger Ramjet, and even a comedy album entitled The Long-Playing Tongue of Dave Ketchum, which was met with critical success in 1962.

Get Smart and the legacy of Agent 13

Get Smart was pure comedic genius, thanks to Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. It premiered in 1965 and was an instant hit. Don Adams played Maxwell Smart (Agent 86), always one step behind, and Barbara Feldon as Agent 99 basically did all the actual spy work while Max goofed off.

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Agent 13, played by David Ketchum, nailed that role. He was always crammed inside something absurd: a mailbox, a safe, maybe a vending machine. That was the gag. He'd just appear, deadpan as ever, looking like he hated every second of it. That dry delivery and constant grumbling added a delightful layer to the whole show.

Even though Get Smart was critically successful, winning seven Emmys and two Golden Globes, Agent 13's impact on the show's history was greater than his brief on-screen appearances might suggest.

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