Barbara Feldon, best known as Agent 99 on the hit 1960s comedy series “Get Smart,” celebrated her 92nd birthday on March 12, 2025. Born in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in 1933, she rose to fame playing the iconic spy alongside Don Adams from 1965 to 1970 and appeared in films such as “Fitzwilly” and “Smile.” Unlike many stars who resent being pigeonholed, Feldon embraced her connection to Agent 99, recalling in a 2016 Forbes interview how she was simply happy working and too busy to worry about labels.
After decades in Hollywood, Feldon left the spotlight and returned to New York City—a place she had longed for since her early acting days. In 1977, she made the life-changing decision to leave Los Angeles behind, drawn back to the city’s endless artistic and intellectual stimulation. Although she retired from acting in 2006, her impact endures. Despite not having children—unlike her character who gave birth to twins—she has built a rich, fulfilling life and maintained a prominent relationship with Emmy-winning producer Burt Nodella until his passing in 2016.
In the early 2000s, Feldon wrote “Living Alone And Loving It,” a candid book about discovering happiness in solitude. She explained that while society often equates happiness with traditional milestones like marriage or parenthood, one can truly thrive on one’s own. Reflecting on her younger self, she offered wisdom about taking life less seriously and appreciating a broader vision of success beyond conventional standards.
Today, fans continue to cherish her legacy. Social media is abuzz with birthday wishes and nostalgic posts that celebrate her timeless beauty and unforgettable performance as Agent 99. Despite preferring a more secluded life now, Barbara Feldon’s influence as a beloved television icon from the 1960s and 1970s remains as vibrant as ever.