--- title: "This CIA agent behind ‘Argo’ was the ‘Master of Disguise’" description: "This master of disguise unknowingly stepped into the clandestine world of the CIA. And the rest, as they say, is history." date: "2023-08-01" modified: "2023-08-01" authors: - name: "Jessica Evans" job_title: "Senior Contributor" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/jessicaevans/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/cia-master-of-disguise/" categories: - "Heroes" - "History" tags: - "CIA" - "Iran" - "Military History" --- # This CIA agent behind ‘Argo’ was the ‘Master of Disguise’ ![Tony Mendez]() *President Jimmy Carter expresses his appreciation to CIA agent Tony Mendez on March 12, 1980, for the success of Operation Argo. (CIA)* Every superhero has an origin story, and Antonio "Tony" Mendez is no exception. Born in Eureka, Nevada, in 1940, Mendez had a knack for artistry from a young age. His flair for creativity was clear as he painted his high school's banners and signs. Little did he know that one day all those doodles would help him land his career. In fact, his path led him to a place where artistry had a whole new meaning. **Also Read:** [**Why the CIA once bought up the world’s supply of LSD during the Cold War**]() Following the birth of his son, Mendez sought a steady job. That's when he spotted a newspaper ad by the U.S. Navy [seeking artists]() to work overseas. He applied, unknowingly stepping into the clandestine world of the CIA. ### The Art of Espionage After joining the [CIA]() in 1965, Mendez put his artistic skills to good use in the Technical Services Division. Here's where the magic happened. Disguise, forgery, you name it. It quickly became clear that Mendez was the CIA's very own in-house wizard. He crafted everything from passports to full-body disguises. But his most critical job was ensuring that undercover agents could infiltrate and exfiltrate without a hitch. The work was demanding and high stakes, but Mendez was up to the task. In 1979, he became chief of the Disguise Division, recognizing his mastery of the art of deception. ### “Argo” !["Argo"]() *Actor Ben Affleck played CIA agent Tony Mendez in the 2012 film 'Argo.' (Warner Bros.)* If you've seen the Oscar-winning movie "Argo," you'll know this part of Mendez's tale. In 1979, when militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Iran and took American staff hostage, six embassy employees escaped and hid in the Canadian ambassador's residence. The CIA quickly recognized the need to extract the six Americans from the heart of Tehran, a city teeming with anti-American sentiment. The brain behind the audacious plan was none other than Mendez. But how? Enter Mendez. The mission, known as the "Canadian Caper," saw Mendez conjure an elaborate ruse. He cobbled together a faux-Hollywood film crew scouting locations for a science fiction film titled "Argo." Mendez himself went into the lion's den, posing as the film's producer. After a nerve-wracking week of rehearsing their cover stories and dodging Iranian authorities, the group of seven flew out of Tehran, right under the noses of their pursuers. ### Life Beyond the CIA Mendez retired from the CIA in 1990, but his adventures were far from over. Alongside his wife, Jonna, he authored several books detailing his experiences, including the aptly named ["The Master of Disguise"]() and ["Argo."]() The latter served as the basis for the 2012 film of the same name. Mendez's work was a testament to the art of intelligence and the quiet, unassuming heroes working behind the scenes. ### The Woman Behind the Master of Disguise ![Tony Mendez Jonna Mendez]() *Tony Mendez and his wife Jonna arrive at the Oscars on February 24, 2013, in Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)* Mendez’s wife, Jonna Mendez, was a force in her own right. A former chief of disguise in the CIA’s Office of Technical Service herself, she created espionage equipment and illusionary techniques that gave agents an edge in their covert operations. Jonna was a crucial player in numerous missions, working behind the scenes to ensure the success of field operatives. The two masters of disguise didn't just share a professional background; they also collaborated on several books that shed light on the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage. Their memoir, ["The Moscow Rules: The Secret CIA Tactics That Helped America Win the Cold War,"]() is a fascinating insight into the high-stakes world of Cold War espionage. The pair were not just partners in love, but also in their unwavering commitment to their country. ### Origin Story of the CIA ![Iranian hostage crisis]() *Iranian students storm the U.S. embassy gates on November 4, 1979. (Wikimedia Commons)* In order to appreciate the work of Tony Mendez, one must understand the origin and evolution of the agency to which he dedicated his life. The CIA was born out of the ashes of [World War II](). It was the successor to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a wartime intelligence agency, and tasked with coordinating the country's foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations. In its early years, the CIA focused on combating the spread of communism during the [Cold War](), undertaking covert operations to influence and disrupt Soviet activities. Over time, the agency evolved, responding to global crises, technological advancements, and changing political landscapes. The importance of human intelligence, however, remains unchanged. The work of operatives such as Tony and Jonna Mendez epitomizes the essential, hidden aspect of the CIA's operations. The world of espionage might be invisible to most, but its impact resonates across the globe. It is a world that thrives in the shadows, constantly shifting, always vigilant, and forever crucial to the safety and security of the nation. ### Legacy of the Master of Disguise Mendez died in 2019, but his legacy as a master of disguise, a daring operative, and a symbol of courage endures. His contributions were lauded with several awards, including the CIA's Intelligence Star and the [Trailblazer Award](). Today, Mendez stands as an embodiment of the unsung heroes who risk their lives in the shadows, turning the tide of history with their courage and ingenuity. As his tale is told and retold in classrooms, books, and films, Mendez continues to inspire the brave, the bold, and the imaginative. ### Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty ##### **• [Why the CIA once bought up the world’s supply of LSD during the Cold War]()** ##### **• [The United States created rules for encountering a Yeti during the Cold War]()** ##### **• [The secret telegram that defined the Cold War before it began]()** ## Author Jessica Evans has more than a decade of content writing experience and a heart for military stories. Her work focuses on unearthing long-forgotten stories and illuminating unsung heroes. She is a member of the Editorial Freelance Association and volunteers her time with Veterans Writing Project, where she mentors military-connected writers.