Get Smart Series Cast: A 60‑Year Journey Through Television History
The iconic spy‑parody Get Smart first aired in 1965, introducing audiences to the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart (Agent 99). Six decades later, the show’s legacy lives on through its original stars, memorable guest appearances, and modern revivals. Below we track every major cast member—who’s passed away, who’s still active, and how the “Get Smart” family has evolved.
Original Series (1965‑1970): The Core Cast
The original sitcom ran for five seasons, and its core ensemble became television legends.
- Don Adams as Maxwell Smart (Agent 99) – The deadpan delivery of “Missed it by that much!” made Adams a household name. He passed away in 2005.
- Barbara Feldon as Agent 99 – Feldon’s cool, competent counterpart balanced Smart’s slapstick with wit. She remains alive and occasionally appears at fan conventions.
- Edward Platt as The Chief – The gruff head of CONTROL, Platt died in 1974.
- Robert Karvelas as Larabee – The clumsy assistant to The Chief, Karvelas died in 1991.
- Bill Daily as Captain/Kapitan** (later “Killer” in the 1995 revival) – Daily survived the series and lived to 91, passing away in 2018.
Notable Guest Stars and Their Impact
“Get Smart” was a launchpad for many actors who later became major stars. The show’s guest‑star roster reads like a who’s‑who of 1960s television.
- Donny Osmond appeared as a teenage spy‑in‑training, showcasing his early acting chops.
- Jackie Cooper took on a comedic villain role that highlighted his versatility beyond child‑star fame.
- Barbara Eden guest‑starred in a memorable episode, proving her comedic timing before starring in “I Dream of Jeannie.”
- George Kennedy delivered a sharp performance as a rival agent, foreshadowing his later Academy Award win.
These appearances helped cement “Get Smart” as a cultural touchstone, with each cameo adding a layer of intrigue for viewers.
Revival Attempts and the 2008 Film
After the original run, the franchise saw several revivals:
- “Get Smart, Again!” (1989) – A TV movie reunion featuring most of the original cast, including Don Adams and Barbara Feldon, re‑uniting fans for one last mission.
- “Get Smart” (1995) TV Series – A short‑lived continuation starring Andy Dick as Zachary Smart, the son