Fans of classic comedy will never forget the man who could spring out of a mailbox, pop up from a trash can or squeeze into a washing machine with a straight face. David Ketchum, the much-loved actor who made millions laugh as the oddball Agent 13 in ‘Get Smart’, has passed away at the age of 97. His family confirmed that he passed away on 10 August, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Agent 13’s hiding tricks made him unforgettable
Ketchum’s rise to fame came through his quirky role in ‘Get Smart’. As Agent 13, he always appeared in the strangest hiding spots, mailboxes, lockers, washing machines and even steam cabinets. This running gag became one of the highlights of the show and a firm fan favourite. Producers kept thinking of new odd places to conceal him, and Ketchum’s silly comic skills soon became legendary.
His comedy style drew Danny Kaye comparisons
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Dave Madden once compared Ketchum’s comic approach to “a mix of Danny Kaye’s sharp timings and playful slapstick.” His ability to turn a simple gag into a laugh-out-loud moment was what made him stand out in a crowded comedy scene.
Early life saw a switch from engineering
David Ketchum was believed to have been born in an elevator in Quincy, Illinois, on 4 February 1928. He studied electrical engineering at UCLA and once thought of following a career away from show business. But his passion for entertainment pulled him in a different direction. Before he found television fame, he hosted radio shows in San Francisco and San Diego. In 1961, he also performed on Broadway in the ‘Billy Barnes Revue’. Around this time, he released a comedy record called ‘The Long-Playing Tongue of Dave Ketchum’, which earned praise for its humour.
Television roles kept him busy for decades
Ketchum was a familiar face across many shows in the 1960s and 70s. He appeared in series such as ‘I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster’, ‘Camp Runamuck’, ‘The Andy Griffith Show’, and ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’. He also popped up in fan favourites including ‘Green Acres’, ‘Happy Days’, ‘The Munsters’, and ‘Alice’.
Writing career included nearly fifty shows
Alongside acting, Ketchum carved out a successful career as a writer. His first writing credit came in 1967 for ‘Hey, Landlord’. From there, he went on to write for nearly 50 shows.These included some of biggest hits, such as ‘Happy Days’, ‘Laverne & Shirley’, ‘Here’s Lucy’, ‘MASH’, ‘MacGyver’, and ‘Full House’. He also co-wrote the telefilm ‘The Elevator’ in 1974, showing his versatility behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Agent 13 role returned in later years
Audiences loved his character so much that Ketchum later returned to play Agent 13 again. He reprised the role in the 1989 telefilm ‘Get Smart, Again’ and appeared once more in a 1995 reboot episode.
Film credits added variety to his career
Ketchum also made his mark in films across different decades. His movie credits include ‘Good Neighbor Sam’ (1964), ‘The Grasshopper’ (1970), ‘Bless the Beasts & Children’ (1971), ‘Young Doctors in Love’ (1982), and ‘The Other Sister’ (1999). Each appearance showed his ability to blend into a wide range of roles while keeping his comic spark alive.
About David Ketchum’s family
David Ketchum is survived by his wife Louise, whom he married in 1957. He also leaves behind their two daughters, three grandchildren, and a great-grandson. His demise leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, quirky moments, and unforgettable gags that continue to make audiences smile.
