Barbara Feldon Turns 92: A Look at Her Life Beyond Get Smart
Barbara Feldon, the actress best remembered for her role as Agent 99 in the iconic television series Get Smart, marked her 92nd birthday on March 12, 2025. Though she left Hollywood decades ago, she has embraced a fulfilling life in her cherished New York City, far removed from the limelight that once defined her career.
From Pennsylvania to Hollywood Fame
Born in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on March 12, 1933, Feldon carved out a successful acting career, gaining widespread recognition for portraying the sharp and resourceful Agent 99 in Get Smart from 1965 to 1970. Starring alongside Don Adams’ bumbling Maxwell Smart, she became a fan favorite.
Beyond her defining role, Feldon appeared in films such as Fitzwilly (1967) and Smile (1975). Unlike some actors who struggle with being typecast, Feldon wholeheartedly embraced her connection to Agent 99.
“I was just happy to be working at the time,” she laughed in a 2016 interview with Forbes. Recalling her fondest memories from the show, she particularly enjoyed the episodes where she and Adams donned playful disguises, including the one where both dressed as Charlie Chaplin—a moment that also featured Max proposing to Agent 99.
A Life Away from the Spotlight
Although her character on Get Smart became a mother, Feldon never had children in real life. When asked about it, she expressed no regrets. “It just didn’t happen,” she explained. “There are many ways to find happiness, and I’ve been very happy with my life.”
She humorously recalled the experience of wearing a pregnancy pad on set, joking, “I remember thinking, ‘I’m not sure this would be fun.’”
Feldon was in a long-term relationship with Burt Nodella, the Emmy-winning producer of Get Smart, from 1968 to 1979. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 91.
Wisdom Gained Over the Years
Reflecting on her younger self, Feldon acknowledged that while older generations often offer wisdom, younger people rarely accept it. “I would give my younger self advice, but she probably wouldn’t take it,” she said, encouraging a more relaxed and open-minded approach to life.
She also urged aspiring actors to enjoy their experiences on set instead of fixating on industry standards like TV Q scores or acceptance in Hollywood.
Embracing Solitude and Writing
In the early 2000s, Feldon penned Living Alone and Loving It, a book inspired by her journey of self-discovery. After years of being in relationships, she initially expected to find another partner but eventually learned to appreciate solitude.
She wrote the book to help those who viewed living alone as a lesser experience, noting that nearly half of New Yorkers reside by themselves. “Times have changed,” she remarked, encouraging people to embrace different paths to fulfillment.
Returning to Her True Home
In 1977, Feldon left Los Angeles and returned to New York City, a place she had longed to call home again. “It was like a 12-year interruption of my life in New York,” she told Closer Weekly in 2018, emphasizing how much she missed the city’s vibrant culture and intellectual stimulation.
Although she officially retired from acting in 2006, her love for the arts remains strong, and she continues to thrive in the city she adores.
Fans Still Cherish Agent 99
Decades after Get Smart aired, Feldon’s portrayal of Agent 99 remains beloved. Fans continue to celebrate her, especially on her birthday. In 2022, a fan playfully wrote, “Sending 99 birthday wishes to Barbara Feldon,” while others praised her beauty and talent.
When a tribute post surfaced on March 12, 2025, one commenter marveled, “Wow, 99 is 92! God bless her!” while another joked, “Make it to 99 😂💪.”
Even though she has chosen a quiet life away from Hollywood, Feldon’s influence endures. Her legacy as Agent 99, along with her insights on life and happiness, continues to resonate with fans around the world.