David Ketchum, the legendary actor, comedian, and writer known best for his iconic role as ‘Agent 13’ in the TV series Get Smart, has died. The beloved passed away at 97 on August 10, 2025, in Thousand Oaks, California, leaving behind a remarkable career that spanned over five decades. His family recently confirmed the news of Ketchum’s death to The Hollywood Reporter.
Ketchum’s illustrious career was not limited to comedy. He was a celebrated actor who worked across television, film, and even writing in his decades-long career. Known for his sharp wit and the portrayal of quirky characters, the actor-comedian had a natural flair for making audiences laugh with one-liners or even just a glance. After the news of his demise, fans are once again remembering the charismatic actor, who was a common face of American pop culture during the 1960s and beyond.
As the world remembers David Ketchum’s timeless legacy, we look back at the Happy Days writer’s life, achievements, and life beyond the screen.
Who was David Ketchum?
David Ketchum’s iconic life started with his birth, which was nothing short of a memorable event. Why, you ask? Well, on February 4, 1928, the actor was born in Quincy, Illinois, famously inside an elevator. Before he found his passion for performance and acting, Ketchum studied electrical engineering at UCLA.
David Ketchum’s journey in entertainment started with radio. Before transitioning into comedy and acting, he hosted radio shows in San Francisco and San Diego. He became known for his acting when he worked as carpenter ‘Mel Warshaw’ in I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster (1962–63) and counsellor ‘Spiffy’ in Camp Runamuck (1965–66).
However, it was his role as ‘Agent 13’ in the iconic 1965 sitcom, Get Smart, that got engraved in the minds of fans. His work as the forever-suffering agent in the series created just the perfect amount of ridicule to tickle viewers’ bones with laughter, popping out of mailboxes, vending machines, airport lockers, or even washing machines.
In a 2002 interview with Filmfax, Ketchum explained that the humour of his character came from always being stuck in the most uncomfortable hiding spots. Combined with his perfectly deadpan delivery, this trait soon made him a fan favourite. The actor shared:
“There would be a party, everybody would stand up, and I’d be inside the sofa with a girl and a drink… The hardest part for me was when they put Agent 13 in a washing machine. I’m 6-foot-2, so I can’t fit easily into cramped places, and a washing machine is about as cramped as it gets. They also built an eight-foot tube I got into, so I could be spun around in the front. You try remembering your lines while you’re spinning around with water and soap squirting in your face!”
In his career spanning over 50 years, Ketchum’s work extended beyond acting. His sharp writing made him a sought-after name in television, penning episodes for MASH, Happy Days, and The Andy Griffith Show.
Who was David Ketchum’s wife?
Despite being such a renowned face, David Ketchum’s family life has been largely away from media glare. The comedian was married to Louise Bryant Goon, a singer, in August 1957. Unlike most Hollywood marriages that rarely last, David and Louise’s marriage stood the test of time, spanning nearly seven decades till the actor’s death on August 10, 2025.
Louise stood by David’s side long before he found fame in Hollywood, supporting him through every high and low of his career. The couple often appeared together at premieres, celebrating his biggest milestones. Behind the spotlight, she was the quiet strength who helped Ketchum balance the pressures of show business with the stability of family life.
Ketchum leaves behind his wife, Louise, and their two daughters, Nicole Louise Ketchum and Wendy Danielle Ketchum. The actor-comedian-writer was also a grandfather of three grandchildren and one great-grandson. His family described him as not only a gifted comedian but also a warm husband, father, and grandfather. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, his family said:
“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and timeless television moments—reminding us all that sometimes, the simplest surprise (like someone perched in a mailbox) can yield the biggest smile.”
David Ketchum’s legacy
From hilariously squeezing into the most random places as the perpetually uncomfortable ‘Agent 13’ on Get Smart to his behind-the-scenes brilliance as the writer of some iconic shows. The comedian penned several episodes from staple television series such as The Andy Griffith Show, M*A*S*H*, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, The Six Million Dollar Man, MacGyver, Full House, and Wonder Woman.
Ketchum leaves behind a timeless legacy as the endearing ‘Agent 13’, a role that continues to influence multiple generations of television. Though Hollywood has lost a legend, his family ensures his memory will live on through love, laughter, and legacy.
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