Numerous ambitious actors migrate to the United States in order to be a part of the American film business. Barbara Feldon is one of several such individuals. However, she was not only fortunate to get an acting role; she also maintained her reputation over time and left an indelible mark on everyone. Feldon is well-known for being a ‘character actor,’ as opposed to the majority of Hollywood women who prefer to play exclusively attractive leading roles. Feldon’s roles over the years have been quite odd and unconventional. Since the age of two, Barbara is rumored to have taken great pleasure in her appearance. She reportedly knew at the age of six that she wanted to be an actress. Barbara’s luck changed after she won the top prize on the television game show “The $64,000 Question.” Soon thereafter, Barbara landed a few modeling jobs and television ads. These works of Barbara’s opened the doors to the television industry, allowing her to earn a dozen roles in various projects. Later in her career, Barbara focused on providing her voice for dubbing services and established herself as a successful voiceover artist.
Youth and Early Life
Barbara was born in Pittsburgh, United States, on March 12, 1933. She was once known as Barbara Anne Hall. Barbara came from a middle-class family; her mother was a housewife and her father was an executive in the paper box company. Feldon completed her elementary schooling at Pennsylvania’s Bethel Park High School.
Barbara was interested in acting from a very young age. In 1955, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University. She received acting training from the Pittsburgh Playhouse and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Drama from the university.
New York was where Barbara, who desired to become an actress, settled. She earned the top prize in 1957 after competing in the game program “The $64,000 Question.” Barbara put the money she won from this competition in an art gallery she co-founded with Lucien Feldon.
Barbara Feldon’s Career
Feldon began her profession as a model. After a few modeling jobs, she landed a spot in the “Top Brass” television commercial. She was quickly recognized by industry insiders for her efforts in endorsing this hair product for guys.
Feldon made a few tiny appearances in early 1960s television shows such as ‘Twelve O Clock High,’ ‘Griff,’ ‘Laugh-in,’ ‘Flipper,’ and ‘The man from U.N.C.L.E.’
Feldon starred in one episode of the drama television series Mr. Broadway in 1964. The episode was titled “Trying to Find a Spy.”
Feldon was able to catch the notice of screenwriter and director Buck Henry after a string of forgettable performances. Buck contacted Feldon regarding the television series “Get Smart.” It is asserted that Feldon’s character ‘Agent 99’ was written specifically with her in mind.
In 1967, Feldon made her début in a feature-length picture titled “Fitzwilly.” Feldon portrayed Juliet Nowell in this film, which was an adaptation of the novel “A Garden of Cucumbers.”
In 1979, Barbara featured in the television series A Vacation in Hell. In this thriller, Feldon shared screen time with Maureen McCormick and Priscilla Barnes.
In the mid-1970s, Barbara also acted in the films Smile and No Deposit, No Return.
Feldon’s Major Opera
Feldon will be forever associated with his role as ‘Agent 99’ in the hit American television series ‘Get Smart.’ The television series, which ran effectively from 1965 to 1970, adopted a humorous style and poked fun at famous secret agents such as James Bond and Inspector Clouseau.
Due to the show’s immense popularity, it was recreated in 1995 as “Get Smart Again.” Feldon repeated the part she had performed in the original 1965 production. In 2008, the series was also adapted into a film.
Feldon hosted the popular television program ‘The 80’s Show’ in the early 1980s. Feldon conducted interviews with a variety of women, ranging from prominent celebrities to single mothers and feminists, in each 20-minute episode.
Awards & Achievements
Feldon was nominated twice for the ‘Primetime Emmy award in the category ‘Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series for ‘Get Smart’, in 1968 and 1969. However, she was unsuccessful in winning the honor both times.
Feldon was nominated for a ‘CableACE Award’ in the years 1983 and 1984 consecutively, for being the Program Hostess of ‘The 80’s Woman’.
Personal History and Legacy
Barbara married New York photographer Lucien Feldon in 1958, with whom she had co-founded her art gallery. The marriage lasted for nine years before dissolving in 1967.
Later, Barbara had a relationship with ‘Get Smart’ series producer Burt Novella. The duration of this partnership was twelve years.
Feldon came back to New York following her connection with Novella, and she released a 2003 book titled “Living Alone and Loving It” in which she discussed her personal life.
Estimated Net worth
Barbara Feldon has a net worth of $3 million as an American actress and model. Barbara Feldon, also known as Barbara Anne Hall, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, and began her studies in the theater at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Trivia
Barbara’s interests outside of acting include jogging in the park while listening to her Walkman, taking singing lessons, and visiting museums.
Feldon also makes jokes about her lack of cooking skills. Feldon reportedly stated in an interview on her culinary abilities, “My oven has never worked, and I’ve never bothered to fix it.”