99 is 77 !!

Happy Birthday!

Actress Barbara Feldon (born Barbara Hall) was born on March 12, 1932.

Feldon was cast as "Agent 99" in the spy comedy series Get Smart.
Barbara had a successful career as a model and commercial star before being spotted by Buck Henry, who wrote the part of 99 specifically for her. Feldon signed on to do the pilot and just three more episodes, but after liking the pilot, she committed to starring in the series.


This commercial for Top Brass Dandruff prevention was what people recalled of her early days in acting. Though the commercial is only about a minute long, it may have been the inspiration for her character when writers Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were creating 99.