Barbara Feldon

Barbara Feldon – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life, acting career, and insightful quotes of Barbara Feldon (born March 12, 1933), best known for her role as Agent 99 in Get Smart.

Introduction

Barbara Feldon is an American actress, writer, and television icon whose elegance, wit, and intelligence made her a standout in the 1960s and beyond. Best remembered as Agent 99 in the television spy-comedy Get Smart, she broke ground by portraying a capable, respected woman in a genre often dominated by male figures. Over time, she has also developed a voice as a writer, reflecting on independence, relationships, and life’s challenges.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Feldon was born Barbara Anne Hall on March 12, 1933 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

She attended Bethel Park High School and trained at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) with a Bachelor of Arts in drama.

Career and Achievements

Early Career & Breakthrough

Feldon began as a model and appeared in commercials, including a memorable one for a hair pomade (“Top Brass”) which garnered attention for her poise and presence.

Her major breakthrough came when she was cast as Agent 99 in Get Smart (1965–1970), starring alongside Don Adams as Maxwell Smart. 1968 and 1969.

Over the years, she made guest appearances in many TV shows including The Carol Burnett Show, Thriller, McMillan & Wife, Cheers, and more. Fitzwilly (1967), Smile (1975), and No Deposit, No Return (1976). Last Request (2006).

She also reprised her Agent 99 role in Get Smart, Again! (1989) and in a revival of Get Smart in 1995.

Writing & Later Life

Beyond acting, Feldon is also a writer. She authored Living Alone and Loving It (2003), reflecting on independence and relationships. Getting Smarter: A Memoir.

In terms of personal life, Feldon married Lucien Verdoux-Feldon in 1958; they divorced in 1967. Get Smart producer Burt Nodella.

Legacy and Significance

Barbara Feldon’s portrayal of Agent 99 was critically and culturally significant. In an era when many female characters were relegated to damsels or side roles, 99 was a smart, competent secret agent who often outperformed her male counterpart. Feldon herself said that many women regarded 99 as a role model because “she was smart and always got the right answer.”

Her career showed versatility: she moved between comedic, dramatic, guest television roles, film, and writing. Her later reflections on solitude, independence, and relationships have resonated with readers who seek thoughtful, mature perspectives on life’s complexities.

Though her on-screen appearances have slowed, her voice as a writer and her contributions to television and pop culture continue to be appreciated by fans, especially of classic television eras.

Memorable Quotes by Barbara Feldon

Here are some representative quotes that reflect Feldon’s wit, insight, and perspective:

• “I’m not saying that there’s anything better than mated bliss at its best, but I’m saying that living alone is as good in its own way. But we haven’t quite given ourselves permission to recognize that.”

• “I’ve always supported myself. I like the sense of knowing exactly where I stand financially, but there is a side of me that longs for a knight in shining armor.”

• “I’d like to meet a lovely man who shares my interests. On the other hand, I possibly will not. It’s part of the hand you’re dealt. It’s a challenge—and I’m not atypical.”

• “Marriage takes work, but so does living alone. One of the things you have to work at is to have enough human resources and to plan ahead … People will walk across the bridge to you, but they probably won’t build the bridge … once you accept that, then you can have a very full life.”

• “The secret of living a full life is to be fully engaged, moment to moment, to have something in your life that engages you so that there’s nothing missing.”

• “The thing I love about television is that people watch you in their pajamas, and when they’re eating dinner. You’re part of the family.”

These quotes reflect themes of autonomy, engagement, relationships, and self-awareness.