David Ketchum, a voice actor and comedian known for roles in series including “Get Smart” and “Camp Runamuck,” died on Aug. 10. He was 97.
A familiar guest star on sitcoms in the 1960s, Ketchum’s roles included appearances in “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Camp Runamuck” and a part on the TV special “A Knight in Shining Armour.”
Born in Quincy, Ill., Ketchum began his acting career playing a counselor, Spiffy, in “Camp Runamuck.” He then became a regular cast member on “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster,” playing the role of Mel Warshaw.
One of his most notable roles was as Agent 13 in “Get Smart.” His character contributed to a recurring joke hiding in unusual places like airport lockers, vending machines and mailboxes. Ketchum reprised his role as Agent 13 in the film “Get Smart Again” and an episode of the 1995 revival of “Get Smart” on Fox.
He also appeared in several TV specials, including “Call Holme,” “Where’s the Fire?” and “Legs” throughout the 1970s. During these years, the actor ventured into film productions with one of his first credits in the drama “Bless The Beasts & Children.” He also voiced Arturo in the animated feature Nanny and the Professor and the Phantom of the Circus.”
In 1979, he switched his focus from TV to films with roles in “Love At First Bite,” the Barbra Streisand comedic sports movie “The Main Event” and “The North Avenue Irregulars.”
His other film credits include “Young Doctors in Love” and “The Other Sister” and a comedy album, “Long-Playing Tongue of Dave Ketchum.”
In addition to acting, he also wrote scripts for “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Petticoat Junction,” “MASH,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and more.
Ketchum is survived by his wife of nearly seven decades, their two daughters, three grandchildren and a great-grandson.
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