When people hear the name Barbara Feldon, they immediately picture a poised, stylish woman standing next to a rather bumbling agent named Maxwell Smart. As Agent 99 in the beloved 1960s sitcom Get Smart, Barbara Feldon became an enduring cultural icon. But her story is far more than just the woman behind a famous role. It is a journey that includes early achievements, groundbreaking moments on television, and a life of creativity beyond the screen.
From Butler, Pennsylvania to Television Fame
Born Barbara Anne Hall on March 12, 1933, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Feldon grew up in a typical American household, a long way from the glittering lights of Hollywood. She was one of two daughters, raised in a town that was part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Feldon’s early years were marked by curiosity, intelligence, and a sense of adventure—qualities that would later define her career.
Growing up, Feldon’s interests led her to pursue drama, eventually taking her to Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), where she graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama. She stood out not just for her beauty, but for her sharp mind. Feldon had the distinction of winning the grand prize on The $64,000 Question, a popular quiz show, answering questions about William Shakespeare. This early taste of the spotlight sparked a passion for performing that never left her.
A Start in Modeling and Commercials
Before making her way to television roles, Feldon found success as a model, with her elegant and statuesque appearance catching the eye of many in the industry. It was during this time that she starred in a Revlon commercial for a men’s hair pomade called “Top Brass.” In the ad, she famously lounged on an animal-print rug, purring at the male audience, addressing them as “tigers.” The commercial became iconic, and it opened doors for Feldon in television, landing her roles in various series throughout the early 1960s.
Her early appearances included guest spots in shows like Twelve O’Clock High, Flipper, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. These roles allowed Feldon to develop her skills and gain recognition, but the major breakthrough was yet to come.
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Agent 99: A Groundbreaking Role
In 1965, Barbara Feldon was cast in what would become her most famous role—Agent 99 in Get Smart. The series, a spy-spoof comedy created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, became an instant hit, blending satire, humor, and adventure. Feldon’s Agent 99 was a smart, resourceful, and competent secret agent, often far more capable than her partner, Maxwell Smart, played by Don Adams.
This portrayal was revolutionary for its time. During an era when female roles were often limited to homemakers or secondary characters, Agent 99 stood out as a woman in control—clever, competent, and entirely unafraid to take charge. Feldon herself noted in later interviews that many women saw Agent 99 as a role model because she embodied the balance of strength and charm, never losing her femininity while being highly effective in her work.
Feldon’s chemistry with Don Adams added to the charm of Get Smart, and the show’s clever humor resonated with audiences. The pairing of the absurdly overconfident Agent 86 (Adams) with the cool-headed, always-prepared Agent 99 made for a hilarious dynamic that captivated viewers week after week. Feldon’s portrayal was so iconic that she received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1968 and 1969.
Interestingly, Feldon almost lost her role as Agent 99 due to a peculiar conflict of interest: the show’s sponsor was a deodorant soap, while she had previously appeared in a deodorant commercial for Revlon. Thankfully, the producers recognized her talent and kept her in the role—cementing her place in television history.
Life Beyond 99: A Diverse Career in Television and Film
While Get Smart catapulted Barbara Feldon to fame, she didn’t rest on her laurels. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, she made numerous guest appearances on popular television shows like The Dean Martin Show and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, where she showcased her versatility through singing, dancing, and participating in comedy skits. She also appeared in The Carol Burnett Show, Thriller, and McMillan & Wife, displaying her broad range as an actress.
Her career extended into television movies as well, such as Getting Away from It All (1972), Let’s Switch! (1975), and the cult classic thriller A Vacation in Hell (1979). In these roles, Feldon continued to demonstrate her versatility, moving between comedy, drama, and suspense with ease. Her voice acting work as Patti Bear in the animated special The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas showed another dimension of her talents, bringing warmth and charm to a children’s story.
Feldon also ventured into film, with roles in Fitzwilly (1967), Smile (1975), and No Deposit, No Return (1976). These roles may not have been as high-profile as her work on Get Smart, but they added depth to her acting resume, allowing her to explore different genres and styles.
The Writer Within: Living Alone and Loving It
In addition to her acting, Feldon is also an accomplished writer. In 2003, she published her book, Living Alone and Loving It, which was met with positive reviews for its candid, insightful, and empowering message. The book reflected her personal philosophy on independence, providing readers with a guide to embracing single life with joy and fulfillment. Her writing has continued through editorial contributions, such as her pieces for Metropolitan Magazine in 2015, where her articulate voice offered reflections on modern life.
For Feldon, writing has always been an outlet for creativity, one that allowed her to step away from the world of acting and explore her thoughts and experiences in a new way. Her book was particularly influential for many who found themselves alone, either by choice or by circumstance, and needed inspiration on how to turn solitude into an enriching experience.
Personal Life: Challenges and Resilience
Barbara Feldon’s personal life has been one of growth and transformation. She married Lucien Verdoux-Feldon in 1958, taking his last name, which she still uses today. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 1967, partly due to her husband’s struggles with drug addiction. Feldon found herself at a crossroads, and instead of succumbing to the challenges, she chose to move forward with her career and her life.
Following her divorce, Feldon entered a long-term relationship with Get Smart producer Burt Nodella. The couple was together for 12 years, and though they eventually parted ways, Feldon remained optimistic and continued to pursue her passions. She eventually moved back to New York City, where she has lived ever since, enjoying the vibrant culture and opportunities that the city offers.
Feldon never had children, and she has spoken openly about her contentment with her decision. Her independence, both personally and professionally, has been a defining characteristic throughout her life, allowing her to fully embrace the opportunities that came her way without compromise.
Legacy and Influence
Barbara Feldon’s legacy is one that extends far beyond her most famous role. As Agent 99, she broke boundaries for female characters on television, offering a portrayal of a strong, intelligent woman at a time when such roles were rare. She balanced humor, grace, and professionalism, providing a character who was not only Maxwell Smart’s partner but often his equal—or even his better.
Her influence can be seen in the many strong female characters that have followed, paving the way for women in television to be portrayed as capable, complex individuals rather than mere sidekicks or romantic interests. Feldon’s portrayal of Agent 99 was a precursor to the many empowered female leads who came after, from Dana Scully in The X-Files to Sydney Bristow in Alias.
Later Years: A Life of Contentment
Barbara Feldon has largely retired from acting, choosing instead to focus on writing and living a quiet life in New York City. She has occasionally appeared in off-Broadway productions, but her focus has shifted from performing to enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She provided audio commentaries for the DVD release of Get Smart in 2006, which delighted fans, but she chose not to participate in the 2008 film adaptation of the show.
Feldon has expressed that she is no longer interested in performing, preferring instead to embrace other forms of creativity. Her life today is marked by peace, reflection, and an enduring appreciation for the opportunities she had during her career.
A Timeless Inspiration
Barbara Feldon’s journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the heights of television fame is an inspiring one. Her role as Agent 99 remains iconic, not just for the humor and charm she brought to the screen, but for the way she redefined what it meant to be a woman in television during the 1960s. Her versatility, talent, and strength of character have made her an enduring figure in the entertainment industry, and her story continues to resonate with audiences who admire her intelligence, grace, and independence.
Feldon once said that she loved Agent 99 because she was “smart and always got the right answer.” It’s fitting, then, that Barbara Feldon herself has always seemed to find the right path, whether in acting, writing, or simply living life on her own terms. Her journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of embracing one’s true self—qualities that make her a true icon, both on and off the screen.
