Barbara Feldon: The Life And Legacy Of A True Hollywood Original

Hey there, friends. Today, I want to talk about someone who’s truly an inspiration—Barbara Feldon. You might know her as Agent 99, the sharp-witted, quick-on-her-feet partner of Maxwell Smart in the classic TV series "Get Smart." But there's so much more to her than just that iconic role. Barbara's story is one of reinvention, courage, and living life on her own terms. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good tale about someone shaking things up and embracing change?

In 1980, after wrapping up a 12-year relationship, Barbara decided it was time to turn her life upside down and create something completely new for herself. Not only did she leave behind her successful career in Hollywood, but she also moved to New York City to start fresh. And guess what? She hasn’t looked back once. That’s the kind of fearless spirit we can all learn from, right?

Leaving Hollywood Behind: A Kaleidoscope of Change

When Barbara made the bold decision to leave Hollywood, she didn’t just pack her bags and head out. No, she threw her entire life into the air, letting it land in ways she could only dream of. In an interview with The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, California, she explained her philosophy like this: “A person’s life is like a kaleidoscope. If you hold it still, you see the same pattern over and over again. But if you give it a twist, everything changes.”

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And boy, did she twist it. Moving to New York wasn’t just about changing locations; it was about transforming her entire existence. She sold her sailboat in California, closed up her house, and started from scratch. “I needed that big twist,” she admitted. “So I gave my kaleidoscope a real good shake.” Talk about taking control of your destiny!

Building New Beginnings in the Big Apple

Now, here’s the thing: moving to a city like New York isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a network of friends waiting for you. Barbara hadn’t lived there in years, so she had to build her life from the ground up. But she wasn’t afraid of the challenge. “I bought part of a Manhattan townhouse,” she explained, “and I set out to meet the kinds of people I hoped would become my friends.”

Her strategy? Simple yet effective—say yes to every invitation that came her way. Whether it was a dinner party, a gallery opening, or a theater performance, Barbara showed up. And because of her openness, she met hundreds of people, forming connections that blossomed into lasting friendships. “Now I have the seedlings of satisfying friendships,” she said, “along with the adventure and excitement of new discoveries and challenges.” It’s like she turned her life into a grand experiment, and it worked beautifully.

The Book That Changed the Conversation

But wait, there’s more. In 2003, Barbara wrote a book called Living Alone and Loving It, where she celebrated the joys of independence. She shared her philosophy of living life on your own terms, free from the expectations of others. It’s not just about being single—it’s about embracing who you are and finding happiness within yourself. And she’s been living that truth ever since.

Author Jim Colucci, who interviewed Barbara for the Television Academy Foundation, described her as exactly what he expected: cultured, warm, and full of life. “She talks about her father’s family being very English and proper, while her mother’s side was warm, musical, and fun,” Jim said. “She could be patrician if she wanted, but she’s also incredibly approachable. It’s a wonderful combination.”

The Art of Reinvention

Barbara’s New York home reflects her passion for the arts. Her walls are adorned with pieces created by artists she’s befriended over the years. She’s immersed in theater, literature, and everything artistic. It’s a far cry from the “cartoony” character of Agent 99, whom she describes as a “line drawing in a comic strip brought to life.” Yet, that’s the beauty of Barbara—she’s both the sophisticated woman of culture and the comedic genius who brought Agent 99 to life.

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“It’s funny,” Jim added, “because when you think about it, playing a character like 99—someone without a real name—might seem simple on the surface. But the show was a clever parody, and Barbara brought so much depth to her role. She’s a brilliant, curious woman, and her work in ‘Get Smart’ only scratches the surface of who she truly is.”

Embracing the Journey

For Barbara Feldon, life isn’t about staying in one place or sticking to a single narrative. It’s about growth, exploration, and constantly evolving. She’s shown us all that it’s never too late to shake things up, to take risks, and to live the life you’ve always imagined. So, whether you’re watching her onscreen or reading her words in a book, one thing is clear—Barbara Feldon is a force to be reckoned with.

Ready to dive deeper into Barbara Feldon’s incredible life and career? Keep scrolling to discover even more about this remarkable woman.