When you think about the golden age of television spy spoofs, one face immediately jumps to mind. It isn't just the bumbling Maxwell Smart. It’s the poised, stylish, and infinitely more capable woman standing right next to him. If you’ve ever wondered who played Agent 99, the answer is the incomparable Barbara Feldon.
She wasn't just a sidekick.
Honestly, she was the glue. While Don Adams was tripping over his own shoe phone, Feldon’s Agent 99 was the one actually making sure the world didn't end. She brought a specific kind of "cool" to the screen that didn't exist before 1965. It was a mix of 1960s mod fashion, genuine intelligence, and a dry wit that kept the show grounded even when the plots involve invisible rays or killer robots.
The Casting of Barbara Feldon: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Before she was a secret agent, Barbara Feldon was actually a top-tier fashion model. You might have seen those old Revlon "Tiger" commercials from the early 60s. That was her. She had this purring, sultry voice that caught the attention of producers Leonard Stern and Mel Brooks.
When Get Smart was being cast, the creators knew they needed a foil for Maxwell Smart. They didn't want a "damsel in distress." They needed someone who was clearly smarter than the lead character but had the grace to let him think he was in charge. Feldon nailed it.
The interesting thing about the show’s dynamic is that Agent 99 was never given a real name. Throughout the entire series—and even the follow-up movies—she is simply "99." There were rumors and fan theories for decades. Some thought her name was Susan Hilton, based on an episode where she uses that name, but she later admits it’s an alias.
Why Agent 99 Broke the Mold for Women on TV
Television in the mid-60s was a strange place for women. You had the domestic perfection of Leave It to Beaver and the magical domesticity of Bewitched. Then came 99.
She was a professional. She was a field agent.
Most importantly, she was often better at her job than the men around her. While Max (Agent 86) would fumble his way through a mission using sheer luck, 99 used logic. She was the one who spotted the traps. She was the one who did the heavy lifting during interrogations. And she did it all while wearing incredible couture.
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Funny enough, Feldon was actually taller than Don Adams. If you watch the show closely, you’ll notice she spends a lot of time slouching or leaning against furniture. Sometimes she’d even walk in a slight crouch or wear flat shoes to make sure Max looked taller. It was a tiny bit of TV magic to maintain the "leading man" image of the era, but Feldon did it so naturally you barely notice unless you're looking for it.
The Evolution of the Character Through the Decades
Get Smart ran from 1965 to 1970, but the legacy of who played Agent 99 didn't stop there. The character became a permanent part of the American cultural lexicon. After the original series ended, the "will they, won't they" tension eventually resulted in the characters getting married and having twins.
It was a big deal.
The 1980 TV movie The Nude Bomb notably excluded Feldon, which many fans consider a huge mistake. The chemistry wasn't there. People didn't just want Maxwell Smart; they wanted the partnership.
Fortunately, she came back for the 1989 movie Get Smart, Again! and the short-lived 1995 revival series on FOX. Even decades later, Feldon stepped back into the role with the same elegance. She proved that the character wasn't just a product of the 60s—she was a timeless archetype of the "capable woman."
Anne Hathaway and the 2008 Reboot
In 2008, Hollywood decided it was time for a big-budget movie reboot. This time, Anne Hathaway took on the mantle of Agent 99.
It was a different vibe.
Hathaway played 99 with a bit more of an edge. She was more of an action star, reflecting the post-Bourne era of spy movies. While Hathaway did a great job honoring the character’s competence, for most purists, the definitive version will always be Feldon. The 2008 film even featured a cameo from Bernie Kopell (who played the villainous Siegfried), but it served as a reminder of how high the bar had been set by the original cast.
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Life After KAOS: What Barbara Feldon Did Next
A lot of actors get trapped by their most famous roles. "Typecasting" is a real beast in Hollywood. For a while, Feldon definitely felt that pressure.
However, she transitioned into a very successful career in voice-over work and writing. She became a sought-after narrator for documentaries and commercials because of that distinct, velvety voice. She also moved to New York City and became a prominent figure in the local arts scene.
In 2003, she wrote a book called Living Alone and Loving It. It wasn't a spy thriller. It was a guide to finding happiness in solitude. It’s actually a really insightful read. She talks about how she found peace after her marriage to Lucien Verdoux-Feldon ended and how she moved past the "Hollywood" phase of her life.
She’s always been incredibly gracious about her time on Get Smart. Unlike some actors who resent the characters that made them famous, Feldon has always spoken fondly of 99. She recognized that the character gave her a platform to be a role model for young girls who wanted to be more than just a housewife.
Why We Still Talk About Agent 99 Today
So, why does it matter who played Agent 99?
We’re currently in an era where "strong female leads" are a massive talking point in every writers' room in Burbank. But Agent 99 was doing it sixty years ago without making a big deal out of it. She wasn't "strong" because she could punch a guy through a wall; she was strong because she was composed, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.
She was also a fashion icon. The sheer variety of her outfits—designed by the legendary Donfeld—influenced "mod" style for a generation. From the trench coats to the evening gowns, she looked like a secret agent.
The Legacy of the "99" Archetype
You can see DNA of Agent 99 in plenty of modern characters:
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- Elaine Satler in Jurassic Park (the expert who actually knows what she's doing).
- Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Even some of the humor in Archer draws directly from the 86/99 dynamic.
The show was a satire of James Bond, but in many ways, Agent 99 was a better realized character than the "Bond Girls" of that era. She wasn't disposable. She was the co-protagonist.
Quick Facts You Might Not Know About Barbara Feldon’s 99
If you're looking for the deep-cut trivia to impress people at a dinner party, here are a few gems.
First, the number "99" was chosen basically because it sounded higher and "more professional" than 86. There was no deep mathematical reason. It just sounded cool.
Second, Feldon actually won two Emmy nominations for the role. She never took the trophy home, but the industry recognized that what she was doing was difficult. Playing the "straight man" in a comedy is often harder than being the one telling the jokes. You have to react perfectly to the absurdity around you, or the whole thing falls apart.
Third, the relationship between 99 and Max was one of the first times a TV couple actually progressed through a realistic (well, realistic for a spy spoof) timeline. They met, they worked together, they fell in love, they got married, and they had kids. This kind of "serialized" character growth was rare back then.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're a fan of the show or just getting into the history of 1960s television, there are a few ways to engage with the legacy of Barbara Feldon.
- Watch the Original Series (High Definition): The series has been remastered, and seeing the color and detail of the 1960s sets and costumes is a completely different experience than watching old grainy reruns.
- Read "Living Alone and Loving It": If you want to understand the woman behind the character, Feldon’s book is the best source. It’s not a "tell-all" Hollywood gossip book, which is exactly why it’s so good. It’s authentic.
- Check Out the Fashion History: There are several fashion blogs and museum archives that specifically track the "Mod" influence of Agent 99. Her use of bold patterns and silhouettes defined a specific moment in 20th-century design.
- Visit the Paley Center: If you're ever in New York or LA, the Paley Center for Media often has archives related to Get Smart. It’s a great way to see how the show was produced.
Ultimately, Barbara Feldon gave us a character that survived the test of time. She didn't just play a part; she created a blueprint. When people ask who played Agent 99, they aren't just looking for a name—they're looking for the actress who managed to outshine a shoe-phone-carrying genius while making it look effortless.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the history of 1960s TV, your next best move is to track down the "Pilot" episode of Get Smart. It was filmed in black and white and has a slightly different tone than the rest of the series, offering a fascinating look at how the character of 99 was originally conceived before Feldon truly made it her own.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
- Locate the Get Smart Season 1 DVD or streaming version to compare the B&W pilot with the color episodes.
- Research the work of costume designer Donfeld to see the original sketches for 99's wardrobe.
- Follow Barbara Feldon's rare public appearances or interviews at classic TV conventions, where she often shares behind-the-scenes stories about her time at CONTROL.
The impact of Agent 99 remains a cornerstone of television history, proving that a sharp mind and a well-timed eye roll are the most effective tools in any spy's kit.