February 24, 2006, Los Angeles, California, United States
Spouse
Frances Yarborough, Loralee Czuchna, Kathryn Metz
Mark
Wide-eyed stare used to express shock or frustration
Fact
His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series Dave the Barbarian (2004).
Don Knotts was born on July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, West Virginia, the son of William Jesse Knotts and his wife, Elsie Luzetta Knotts. His father was a farmer and businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. He had two older brothers, Robert and Richard. Knotts’ early education was in the public schools of West Virginia. He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1942.
Knotts’ first job was with the local telephone company. He then joined the United States Army in 1943, during World War II. He served in the Philippines and Japan. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he returned to Morgantown and enrolled in West Virginia University. He majored in education, with a minor in speech. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1950.
Knotts’ first job after college was as a salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. He then moved to New York City, where he worked as a stand-up comedian and actor. He made his Broadway debut in 1955 in the play “No Time for Sergeants.” He also appeared in the film “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966).
In 1960, Knotts began his most famous role, as Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The show was an instant hit, and Knotts won five Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Barney Fife. After “The Andy Griffith Show” ended its run in 1968, Knotts appeared in a number of films, including “The Love Bug” (1968), “The Apple Dumpling Gang” (1975), and “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo” (1977). He also starred in his own television series, “Three’s Company” (1979-1984).
Knotts married actress Barbara Taylor in 1965. The couple had two children, Thomas and Nancy. They divorced in 1983.
Knotts died on February 24, 2006, at the age of 81.
General Info
Full Name
Don Knotts
Date Of Birth
July 21, 1924
Died
February 24, 2006, Los Angeles, California, United States
Height
1.69 m
Profession
Comedian, Voice Actor
Education
Morgantown High School, West Virginia University
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Frances Yarborough, Loralee Czuchna, Kathryn Metz
Children
Karen Knotts, Thomas Knotts
Parents
William Jesse Knotts, Elsie L. Moore-Knotts
Siblings
William Earl Knotts
Accomplishments
Awards
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, TV Land Legend Award, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance In A Supporting Role By An Actor, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor or Actress in a Series, TV Land Favorit...
Nominations
TV Land Favorite Nosy Neighbor Award, TV Land Favorite Fashion Plate - Male Award
Movies
The Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Reluctant Astronaut, The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Love God?, Pleasantville, The Private Eyes, Chicken Little, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, No Time for Sergeants, Hot Lead and Cold Feet, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rid...
TV Shows
The Andy Griffith Show, Three's Company, The Steve Allen Show, Fantasy Island, Search for Tomorrow, The New Andy Griffith Show, Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, She's the Sheriff, Fish Police, The Joey Bishop Show, Odd Job Jack, What a Country!, The Don Knotts Show, The New Steve Allen Show, The Lat...
Wide-eyed stare used to express shock or frustration
3
Often played high-strung and socially inept men with low self-esteem
Quotes
#
Quote
1
I don't think just funny is enough on Broadway.
2
I don't think actors get good training today. I put my training to use in everything I do.
3
I felt like a loser. I was unhappy as a child most of the time. We were terribly poor and I hated my size.
4
Well, they put me in a booth and then did some nice things to the speaker to make it come out sounding okay.
5
My idol was Jack Benny and he was the master of subtlety and timing.
6
We began to do little things, have little scenes where we just talked about things that had nothing to do with the plot. In fact, in the beginning, they didn't want us to do that. But as time went on, you see that in so many shows. I think we were the first to do that.
7
Mainly, I thought of Barney as a kid. You can always look into the faces of kids and see what they're thinking, if they're happy or sad. That's what I tried to do with Barney.
Facts
#
Fact
1
Like his best friend Andy Griffith, Knotts was also known to be a very private man.
In 1988, he had a recurring guest role on Matlock (1986), starring with his old friend Andy Griffith; reuniting him with Griffith 20 years after The Andy Griffith Show (1960).
6
Was longtime friends with the late John Ritter. When he was on stage in Kansas City, Missouri, doing "On Golden Pond", he received a phone call about Ritter's death. He attended the funeral on September 15, 2003, just four days after Ritter's death. Before that, Knotts had appeared with Ritter one final time in a cameo on 8 Simple Rules (2002). It was an episode that paid homage to their earlier television series. Knotts was the last Three's Company (1976) star to work with him.
7
Made a rare public appearance at the "Ray and Sharon Court's Hollywood Collector's Show" in North Hollywood, California with his The Andy Griffith Show (1960) co-star Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). He sold autographed pictures and his autobiography book and people waited up to an hour and a half in line to greet him. [April 2000]
8
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 19, 2000.
9
He was nominated for a 1973 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Guest Artist for his performance in the play, "The Mind with the Dirty Man", at the Arlington Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
10
His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series Dave the Barbarian (2004).
Don ceased to be a regular on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) after 1965 because originally, the show's producers had intended to end the series after that year, still at a creative and popular peak. Knotts had already signed a multi-picture deal with Universal Studios when Griffith relented to network pressure and kept his show on the air for several more years. Don said later that he deeply regretted having to leave the show, but his film commitments prevented him from continuing as a cast regular.
13
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors' Branch).
14
Died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver.
15
Buried among the stars at the beautiful and prestigious Westwood Memorial Park. 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
16
He was the youngest of four brothers. His family life was troubled; Knotts' father twice threatened his mother with a knife and later spent time in mental hospitals, while older brother Earl - nicknamed "Shadow" because of his thinness - died of asthma in 1942 when Knotts was still a teenager.
17
Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting.
18
Older brother "Shadow" died of asthma in 1942.
19
Don was conceived after his parents had already raised other sons. His father had a nervous breakdown at the prospect of raising another child from birth.
20
Received his Bachelor's degree in Education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1948.
Served in the United States Army, under the service number "35 756 363", from June 21, 1943 to January 6, 1946. Discharged in the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent of a Corporal.
23
Veteran of the Second World War who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar) and Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
24
Technically was an Army Reservist for one week. After being inducted for World War II service on June 14, 1943, was assigned to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on inactive duty. Reported for active duty one week later, on June 21, and was transfered to active duty status in the United States Army.
25
Had portrayed Windy Wales on Mutual Radio's "Bobby Benson" (1949-1955).
The Poducers wish to extend their thanks to: the following companies and personnel who contributed to the making of this motion picture - as Mr. Don Knotts
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Donny and Marie
1976-1977
TV Series
Himself
The Hollywood Squares
1974-1977
TV Series
Himself - Panelist
The Sonny and Cher Show
1976-1977
TV Series
Himself / Various Characters
Dinah!
1975-1976
TV Series
Himself
Joys
1976
TV Special
Himself
Tony Orlando and Dawn
1975
TV Series
Himself
The Hollywood Squares
1973
TV Series
Himself - Panelist
NBC Follies
1973
TV Series
Himself
Dinah Shore: In Search of the Ideal Man
1973
TV Special
Himself
Dinah's Place
1973
TV Series
Himself
Keep U.S. Beautiful
1973
TV Special
Himself
Flip
1972-1973
TV Series
Himself
The New Scooby-Doo Movies
1972
TV Series
Himself
The New Bill Cosby Show
1972
TV Series
Himself
The Mouse Factory
1972
TV Series
Himself
Stand Up and Cheer
1972
TV Series
Himself
Make Your Own Kind of Music!
1971
TV Series
Himself
The Don Knotts Show
1970-1971
TV Series
Himself - Host / Himself
The Bob Hope Show
1970
TV Series
Himself
The Ray Stevens Show
1970
TV Series
Himself
The Engelbert Humperdinck Show
1970
TV Series
Himself
Don Knotts' Nice Clean, Decent, Wholesome Hour
1970
TV Movie
Himself - Host / Performer
The Hollywood Palace
1964-1970
TV Series
Himself - Host / Himself - Comedian
The Leslie Uggams Show
1969
TV Series
Himself
The Andy Williams Show
1969
TV Series
Himself
The Steve Allen Show
1969
TV Series
Himself
The Jim Nabors Hour
1969
TV Series
Himself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1964-1969
TV Series
Himself - Guest / Himself - Actor
The Joey Bishop Show
1968-1969
TV Series
Himself
The 21st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1969
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
The Kraft Music Hall
1969
TV Series
Himself - Co-Host
Rowan & Martin at the Movies
1968
Documentary short
Himself
Showtime
1968
TV Series
Himself - Host
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
1968
TV Series
Himself
The Don Knotts Special
1967
TV Special
Himself - Host / Performer
The Andy Williams Show
1963-1967
TV Series
Himself
The 38th Annual Academy Awards
1966
TV Special
Himself - Co-Presenter: Best Animated Short Film and Best Live Action Short Film
New American Bandstand 1965
1966
TV Series
Himself
The Andy Griffith-Don Knotts-Jim Nabors Show
1965
TV Movie
Himself
The Danny Kaye Show
1963-1964
TV Series
Himself
The Garry Moore Show
1962-1964
TV Series
Himself
The Jerry Lewis Show
1963
TV Series
Himself
The 15th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1963
TV Special
Himself
The 14th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1962
TV Special
Himself - Winner: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Here's Hollywood
1961
TV Series
Himself
About Faces
1960
TV Series
Himself
The Steve Allen Plymouth Show
1958-1960
TV Series
Himself
The 11th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1959
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
I've Got a Secret
1958
TV Series
Himself - Guest
The Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gorme Show
1958
TV Series
Himself
The Lux Show
1958
TV Series
Himself
The 79th Annual Academy Awards
2007
TV Special
Himself - In Memoriam Tribute
CMT: The Greatest - 20 Greatest Country Comedy Shows
2006
TV Special
Himself
Hatching 'Chicken Little'
2006
Video documentary short
Robot Chicken
2005
TV Series
Himself
Las Vegas
2005
TV Series
Himself
The 3rd Annual TV Land Awards
2005
TV Special
Paul Young (segment "Desperate Classic Housewives")
Johnny Bravo
2004
TV Series
Himself
TV Land's Top Ten
2004
TV Series documentary
Himself
All Access Pass: The TV Land Awards
2004
TV Movie documentary
Himself
The 2nd Annual TV Land Awards
2004
TV Special
Himself
Remembering John Ritter
2004
Video short
Himself
Larry King Live
2003
TV Series
Himself
The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry
2003
TV Special documentary
Himself / Barney Fife
TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV
2003
TV Special documentary
Himself
8 Simple Rules
2003
TV Series
Himself
Inside TV Land: Cops on Camera
2002
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Biography
1999-2002
TV Series documentary
Himself
E! Entertainment Special: Who Let the Dog Out?
2002
TV Special
Himself
The 1st 13th Annual Fancy Anvil Award Show Program Special... Live!... in Stereo
2002
TV Special
Himself
Inside TV Land: The Andy Griffith Show
2000
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
1999
TV Series
Himself
E! True Hollywood Story
1998
TV Series documentary
Himself
Today
1996
TV Series
Himself
Comic Relief VII
1995
TV Special documentary
Himself
Vicki!
1994
TV Series
Himself
Late Show with David Letterman
1993
TV Series
Himself
Andy Griffith Show Reunion
1993
TV Special
Himself
Comic Relief '87
1987
TV Special
Himself
All-Star Tribute to General Jimmy Doolittle
1986
TV Movie
Himself
The 3rd Annual Television Academy Hall of Fame Awards
1986
TV Special
Himself
The 36th Primetime Emmy Awards
1984
TV Special
Himself - Presenter: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
The 34th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1982
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
Stand Up and Cheer for the National Football League's Sixtieth Year
1981
TV Special
Himself
Something Spectacular with Steve Allen
1981
TV Movie
Himself
All-Star Birthday Party for Bob Hope... at Sea
1979
TV Movie
Himself
The Muppets Go Hollywood
1979
TV Special
Himself (uncredited)
Bonkers!
1979
TV Series
Himself
Cinderella at the Palace
1978
TV Special
Himself
The Captain and Tennille in Hawaii
1978
TV Special
Himself
The Jim Nabors Show
1978
TV Series
Himself
The Muppet Show
1977
TV Series
Himself - Special Guest Star
The Mike Douglas Show
1976-1977
TV Series
Himself - Actor
Final Warning
1977
TV Special
Himself
The Captain and Tennille
1976-1977
TV Series
Himself
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Sixties
2014
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself - The Andy Griffith Show / Deputy Barney Fife
The O'Reilly Factor
2014
TV Series
Himself (segment "Watter's World")
Welcome to the Basement
2014
TV Series
Luther Heggs
TV's 50 Funniest Catch Phrases
2009
TV Movie
Himself
The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics
2008
TV Movie documentary
Various Roles
Pioneers of Television
2008
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself
Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn
2007
TV Movie documentary
Himself
13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
2007
TV Special
Himself - In Memoriam
The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
2006
TV Special
Himself - Memorial Tribute
The Adventures of Errol Flynn
2005
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Jeff Foxworthy's Comedy Classics
2000
Video documentary
E! True Hollywood Story
2000
TV Series documentary
Himself
The Walt Disney Comedy and Magic Revue
1985
Video short
Denver Kid
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
1976-1982
TV Series
Theodore Oglivie
Bert Delaney
Coach Venner
Three's Company
1982
TV Series
Ralph Furley
Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter
1982
TV Movie documentary
Actor - 'The Private Eyes' (uncredited)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1981
TV Series
Himself
The Hollywood Palace
1970
TV Series
Himself
Awards
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2007
OFTA TV Hall of Fame
Online Film & Television Association
Actors and Actresses
2004
Legend Award
TV Land Awards
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
2003
TV Land Award
TV Land Awards
Favorite Second Banana
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
2000
Star on the Walk of Fame
Walk of Fame
Television
On 19 January 2000. At 7083 Hollywood Blvd.
1967
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
1966
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
1963
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
1962
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
1961
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor or Actress in a Series