Barbara Feldon Quotes

Powerful Barbara Feldon for Daily Growth

About Barbara Feldon

Barbara Feldon (born Barbara Eileen Collins on March 9, 1935) is an American actress, voice artist, writer, and political activist, best known for her portrayal of Agent 99 on the television spy series "Get Smart" (1965-1970). Born in Washington D.C., Feldon's interest in acting was sparked during her childhood, when she would perform for family and friends. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in theater, she moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. Her big break came in 1963 when she landed the role of Agent 99 on "Get Smart," a role she played for five seasons and reprised in various TV movies and spin-offs until 2008. Feldon's performance as Agent 99 earned her two Emmy Award nominations, and she became a cultural icon of the 1960s. However, her acting career extended beyond "Get Smart." She has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions throughout her career, including guest roles on series such as "Murder, She Wrote," "The X-Files," and "Stargate SG-1." In addition to her acting work, Feldon is also a prolific voice artist, providing voices for animated series like "Futurama," "The Simpsons," and "Family Guy." Feldon is not only known for her acting talent but also for her political activism. She has been a vocal supporter of various causes, including women's rights, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Feldon's career spans over six decades, and she continues to work in the entertainment industry today. Her unique blend of humor, intelligence, and sophistication has left an indelible mark on American pop culture. Quotes such as "Missed it by that much!" and "Would you believe...?" are still commonly used today, testifying to her enduring impact.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm not a feminist, I'm a woman."

This quote suggests that the speaker identifies as a woman first and foremost, rather than defining herself primarily through her stance on feminism. It implies a personal preference to be recognized for individual qualities, rather than being grouped under a political label. However, it does not dismiss or deny the importance of feminism, but rather positions the speaker as an individual who may choose to express her beliefs in other ways.


"I was never very good at playing dumb, to tell you the truth."

This quote indicates that the speaker, Barbara Feldon, acknowledges she has always found it challenging to feign ignorance or act stupidly when interacting with others. She values honesty and intelligence over deceit or pretense.


"Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get."

This quote suggests that success, as conventionally defined (achieving one's goals or desires), may not necessarily lead to happiness if those goals were not aligned with personal contentment. Happiness, in this context, comes from finding satisfaction in what one has already achieved, rather than constantly striving for more without considering whether the end result will bring genuine joy.


"I think every woman's had that little girl fantasy of being tied up by her hero."

The quote suggests that many women have an underlying fantasy, rooted in their childhood, of being protected by a strong figure or hero. This protective figure symbolizes safety and security. However, the word "tied up" subtly hints at the power dynamic often found in relationships between a hero and a damsel-in-distress, where the hero takes control. The woman's desire for this fantasy is not about domination or submission but rather reflects a deep longing for the comfort and security that a powerful protector can provide during times of vulnerability.


"The first time I ever heard laughter on the set was when I did Get Smart."

This quote suggests that Barbara Feldon, who played Agent 99 in the comedy series "Get Smart", experienced laughter for the first time during the filming of the show, possibly because the production environment was generally serious or tense before this point, but with the success of their comic delivery on screen, they were able to evoke laughter from cast and crew.


I've always supported myself. I like the sense of knowing exactly where I stand financially, but there is a side of me that longs for a knight in shining armor.

- Barbara Feldon

Finance, Always, Side, Longs

I'd like to meet a lovely man who shares my interests. On the other hand, I possibly will not. It's part of the hand you're dealt. It's a challenge-and I'm not atypical.

- Barbara Feldon

Lovely, Other, Like, Possibly

I'm not saying that there's anything better than mated bliss at its best, but I'm saying that living alone is as good in its own way. But we haven't quite given ourselves permission to recognize that.

- Barbara Feldon

Living, Own, Given, Permission

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.