The Life and Career of Comedy Legend Don Knotts
Don Knotts was an iconic comedian whose life story is packed with more twists and turns than a pretzel, and we guarantee you won't be disappointed. From his humble beginnings to his trailblazing TV career, Knotts has made a lasting impression on the world of comedy.
And don't think for a second you know everything about this comedic mastermind - we're about to uncover some juicy secrets that'll have you on the edge of your seat. Keep reading to learn more about this comedy legend. Let's dive into Knotts' fascinating life.
He Regretted Leaving The Andy Griffith Show
Following the conclusion of 1965, Don Knotts made the decision to depart from The Andy Griffith Show as he had committed to a multi-picture contract with Universal Studios, believing the series had reached its end. Contrary to his expectations, Andy Griffith managed to prolong the show's duration for a number of additional years, despite pressures from the network studio.
Reflecting on his departure, Don Knotts expressed profound regret, acknowledging that his obligations to Universal Studios hindered his ability to remain a regular member of the cast.
He Started As A Ventriloquist
According to MeTV, Knotts spent much of his early career working the nightclub comedy circuit. One of the ways he kept the audience's interest was through a ventriloquist act featuring a dummy named Danny.
As Knotts would later say, his time on the road honed his skills significantly, and his exchanges with Danny seemed to go over well with audiences. As he noted, however, that was part of the problem. In his words, "I was technically great at the art of ventriloquism but didn't like the dummy to get the laughs."
His Dialogue In One Episode Was Unprecedented
During the Andy Griffith Show episode "Quiet Sam," Andy and Barney are suspicious of a new farmer in town, with Barney wondering if he was growing marijuana. Knotts's saying this line would mark one of the first times the word "marijuana" was ever uttered in a major TV show.
According to Louisiana State University, this was an example of the show subtly referencing current events, as Robert Mitchum's arrest for possession was very much a recent media sensation by the time this episode aired in 1961.
Knotts Was A WWII Veteran
Don Knotts, a veteran of World War II, was honored with prestigious military accolades such as the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (adorned with four bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar), and Honorable Service Lapel Pin. His impressive military record speaks to his true dedication and service.
During his time in the army, Knotts found a unique way to contribute by entertaining the troops. He embarked on tours with a highly popular G.I. variety show called "Stars and Gripes," which brought joy and laughter to soldiers stationed abroad. His commitment to lifting the spirits of fellow servicemen was truly commendable.
He Was An Audience Favorite On The Steve Allen Show
From 1956 onwards, Don Knotts secured a recurring role on The Steve Allen Show, which was hosted by the renowned Steve Allen himself. With each appearance, Knotts captivated the audience and quickly became a beloved figure, solidifying his status as a household name. Not only did he win over the viewers, but he also became one of Steve Allen's personal favorites.
The Steve Allen Show emerged as a spin-off of The Tonight Show, a program that Allen helmed between 1954 and 1957. Over the years, The Tonight Show underwent various transitions in its host lineup, including the likes of Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and Jimmy Fallon.
He Had A Longtime Friendship With The Late John Ritter
Knotts was also longtime friends with the late John Ritter. He had even appeared with John Ritter in a cameo on 8 Simple Rules in 2002. It was an episode that paid homage to their earlier television series. Don Knotts was the last Three's Company star to work with Ritter.
Knotts Perfected His Style On The Steve Allen Show
One of Steve Allen's most popular sketches was the recurring "Man On The Street" series, and Knotts made his most well-known mark on the show by playing a perpetually nervous man named Mr. Morrison.
While not all of the characters Knotts ended up playing would share this character's neurotic qualities, they certainly became a signature aspect of his comic stylings throughout his career. More directly, the mannerisms he would imbue Barney Fife with were developed when he was still Mr. Morrison.
His Guest Appearance On Here's Lucy
Don Knotts made a guest appearance in 1973 on the television show Here's Lucy, the sitcom starring Lucille Ball. The series co-starred her long-time partner Gale Gordon and her real-life children Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. The seventies was a good decade for Knotts, as his film career was steady and television roles were numerous. The episode Knotts appeared in garnered good ratings and was one of the highlights of the season.
He Appeared In No Time For Sergeants With His Best Friend Andy Griffith
Don Knotts appeared in the 1958 film No Time for Sergeants. One of his earlier films, Knotts appeared with lifelong best friend Andy Griffith. As usual, Knotts played the goofball of the group! The film is based on a Broadway play that was inspired by the original novel of the same name.
Knotts Ended Two Eras By Voicing Animated Works
Knotts famously starred in the animation and live-action hybrid film The Incredible Mr. Limpet in 1964. Although it would become a fascinating part of his legacy, it also marked the end of an era for Warner Bros., as it was their final animated feature before their animation studio was shut down.
Poignantly, Knotts also marked the end of his own era as an actor with an appearance in an animated TV show. That's because his final role saw him play a baker in a 2004 episode of the show Dave The Barbarian.
Knotts Had A Bachelor's Degree In Education
Don Knotts received his Bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in speech from West Virginia University in Morgantown in 1948. WVU has produced 24 Rhodes Scholars, including former WVU president David C. Hardesty, Jr.
Knotts was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society. Being a member of the fraternity was very helpful in helping Knotts connect with people who would help him later in his career.
He Served In The US Army
Knotts served in the United States Army, under the military number "35 756 363", from June 21, 1943, to January 6, 1946. He was discharged in the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent of a Corporal.
A Corporal is a low-ranking noncommissioned officer in the armed forces. For his time in service Knotts was given the Philippine LIberation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Honorable Service lapel pin, World War II Victory Medal, and the Marksman Badge. Pictured is Knotts in a dress uniform for a role.
He Was Told He Didn't Have A Future In Acting
Knotts took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting. He sure proved them all wrong by becoming one of America's favorite TV personalities! Knotts was known as a very hard-working and reliable actor, and he always showed up to set ready to go!
One of his first major breaks was in the show Search for Tomorrow. He made appearances from 1953 until 1955. In 1956 he gained national acclaim working on Steve Allen's variety show.
He Played So Many Memorable Roles
Don Knotts is best remembered by the public for his roles as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) and as Ralph Furley on Three's Company (1977). Knotts received universal acclaim and many awards for both shows.
His last television appearance was on another hit TV show when Knotts appears on an episode of That '70s Show where he played Fez's landlord. His last movie appearance was in the Disney-produced movie, Air Buddies.
Knotts Appeared At The TV Land Awards
One of Don Knotts' last award show appearances was the 2nd annual TV Land Awards in 2004. It was one of Knotts and Griffith's last appearances together, with many critics commenting on Knotts' aging appearance in comparison to Griffith.
Awards are given in various categories (which change slightly from year to year) and originally included awards voted on by visitors to TV Land's website. The awards show last aired in 2016.
He Found A Life-Long Friend In Andy Griffith
Don Knotts was best friends with the late Andy Griffith. They remained life-long friends and worked together many times throughout their careers. It was often stated that the two never had a fight, or at least one that wasn't easily resolved in just a few minutes.
He Was Awarded For His Talent
Don Knotts won five Primetime Emmy awards (in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, and 1967) for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy for playing Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
The show would go on to win many more awards by many other actors during its run on television. It ran for eight seasons and aired 249 episodes. Don Knotts' number of awards is still impressive by today's standards.
Don Knotts's Military Service
Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19, Knotts was an Army Reservist for one week. He reported for active duty one week later, on June 21st, and was transferred to active duty status in the United States Army.
The Army Reserve and the Army National Guard constitute the Army element of the Reserve components of the United States Armed Forces.
Knotts Had A Frightening Home Life As A Child
As Knotts's daughter Karen told Fox News, Knotts was fathered by a man who experienced alcoholism and schizophrenia and seemed to take both of those struggles out on him. Sadly, he also experienced similar torment from one of his older brothers, who shared his father's experiences with alcoholism.
Worst of all, there were multiple occasions where his father would hold a knife to his throat and threaten him. As Karen said, "When his father passed, he was 13 years old. At that point, that burden — that huge burden — lifted off him, and he became old enough that he was able to get the other brother under control, so he was no longer terrorized at home."
He Experienced Tragedy As A Teenager
Although his family life improved after his father's passing, Knotts sadly hadn't finished experiencing his hard childhood and adolescence. While he was close to his mother, he was just as close to his brother William Earl, who was known as "Shadow" due to his slim build.
According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online, Shadow was a significant early influence on Knotts's comic stylings, as he had his own talents for slapstick. Sadly, this closeness made it all the more devastating when Shadow passed away from complications of asthma in 1941.
Knotts Flourished In High School
By the time Knotts attended Morgantown High School, he was in a position to come out of his social shell and started practicing magic tricks and honing his ventriloquy. Soon enough, he and two friends named Richie Ferrara and Jarvis "Jarvie" Eldred would start a little troupe called the Radio Three.
Their first performances were in their school's lunchroom, but their act was clearly charming enough that school events, local churches, and community groups all started booking them. He was also elected president of his senior class.
The Truth Behind The Rumors Of His Daughter
As Don Knotts laid on his deathbed, his daughter, Karen Knotts, stayed loyally by his side. Still, after he passed away rumors emerged that she might not have been as loyal as everyone believed.
Surprisingly, there is some truth to the rumors. During his final days, Knotts kept cracking jokes, and Karen kept laughing. At certain points she would be laughing so hard she would leave the room so no one would think she was laughing at her father. Years later, she admitted he would have been okay with that.
He Played Ralph Furley In Three's Company
Don Knotts was cast as the bungling landlord Ralph Furley on the popular sitcom Three's Company after the original landlords, the Ropers, were spun off into their own series. Three's Company aired eight seasons on ABC, from March 15, 1977, to September 18, 1984.
It is based on the British sitcom Man About the House. The network originally thought the show was going to flop, but it quickly turned into one of the biggest hits of the time.
Marriage Number Two
Don Knotts' second marriage was to Loralee Czuchna and it lasted from 1974 to 1989. It was rumored that Don had become obsessed with his health and was experiencing bouts of deep depression. The depression was cited as one reason the couple grew apart and eventually split.
It would be many years before Knotts remarried for the third and last time. During the years between, he would continue to work and entertain the masses.
Don Knotts Was A Hard Worker
Never retired from acting, he was an active thespian up until his death in 2006. He was known as one of the hardest-working actors in the business and was always a fan favorite. During his career, Don Knotts appeared in over 86 movies and television shows. Many of those television shows were very long-running!
Marriage Number Three
Don Knotts' third marriage was to Frances Yarborough from 2002 until his death in 2006. Frances Yarborough is an actress best known for her role in the 1976 film The Electric Chair. The film was a dud and was easily forgotten by audience members and critics.
Yarborough had no other notable performances other than being Knotts' wife. During his three marriages, Knotts only had children with his first wife, a boy and a girl.
His College's Radio Station Rejected Him
Throughout his career, Knotts has had well over 20 voice acting credits to his name. This started with a split between his live-action performance and his voice work in The Incredible Mr. Limpet, but saw him lend his voice to dozens of animated TV shows and movies, with the most recurring of these roles being Wormie in the movie series Hermie & Friends.
These credits likely came as a source of vindication for Knotts, as the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online noted that he was turned down for an announcing job at his campus radio station in college. The reason? He was told his voice wasn't suited for radio.
He Ditched His Ventriloquist Dummy While In The Army
Although it's been established that Knotts was once assigned to a special services detachment dedicated to entertaining his fellow troops while in the Army, it's worth noting that some of this entertainment took place while active fighting was nearby. Even the entertainers in the Army were brave during World War II.
He had brought Danny with him and performed his ventriloquist act for the troops, but found himself both gaining confidence in his abilities as a comedian and losing interest in ventriloquism at this point in his life. While the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online noted that his commanders urged him to remain a ventriloquist, Knotts conveniently no longer had access to Danny after the dummy "mysteriously" disappeared into the Pacific Ocean after this urging.
One Of His Last Public Appearances Was A Sensation
By the 2000s, Knotts's declining health — particularly the macular degeneration in both of his eyes — necessitated much rarer public appearances. However, that didn't necessarily mean he was any less popular, as one of his last ones in 2000 proved.
That year, he and his former Andy Griffith Show co-star Betty Lynn attended the now-defunct Ray and Sharon Court's Hollywood Collector's Show in North Hollywood. There, he signed autographs and sold copies of his autobiography, but found that people were willing to line up for over an hour and a half to meet him.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
Don Knotts starred with Joan Staley in the 1966 film The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Don Knotts played Luther Heggs, a newspaper typesetter who spent a night in a haunted house set in the fictitious community of Rachel, Kansas.
The movie was made with the help of many people involved with The Andy Griffith Show. It was part of a film deal the actor made with Universal. Joan Staley had a multi-episode role on Perry Mason, as well as many roles on Broadway.
The Reluctant Astronaut
In 1967's The Reluctant Astronaut, Don Knotts stars as Roy Fleming, who's father Arbuckle, played by Arthur O'Connell, wants better things for him and sends an application to NASA. Roy later learns from his mother, played by Jeanette Nolan, that NASA has accepted him as a "WB-1074."
Paul Hartman, who plays Arbuckle's friend "Rush," would later star in The Andy Griffith Show. It's amazing how many people Knotts worked with over and over again throughout his career.
The Shakiest Gun In The West
In 1968, Don Knotts appeared in The Shakiest Gun in the West as Dr. Jesse W. Heywood, who graduates from dental school in Philadelphia in 1870 and goes west to become a frontier dentist. This comedic western did well with audiences. Knotts could always draw people to the movie theaters.
The film is a remake of The Paleface, a 1948 movie starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell which was a big hit when it was originally released.
The Love God?
Don Knotts appeared in Universal Pictures' The Love God? in 1969. This film was a very odd departure for Knotts, in that it placed him the role of playboy. He was not known to be a male celebrity that women lusted for!
The film was written and directed by Nat Hiken, who died after it was shot but before it was released in theaters. This is one movie in Knotts' career that is best left forgotten.
How To Frame A Figg
For Universal Pictures, Don Knotts appeared in How to Frame a Figg in 1971. Knotts returned back to his goofball comedic role for this film, flashing his trademark wide-eyed surprised face throughout the film.
This film is about a bookkeeper's assistant, Hollis Alexander Figg, in the Dalton city hall, who finds himself framed for embezzlement. The film was directed by Alan Rifkin from a story developed, but not written by, Knotts.
Matlock
Knotts appeared in several television guest spots, including a recurring gig as the pesky neighbor Les Calhoun on Griffith's Matlock series until 1992. Griffith and Knotts loved having the second chance to work together again, and both commented on how it was a pleasure coming to work every day.
Matlock ran for nine seasons and aired 193 episodes. Griffith played the title role. Halfway through its run, the series changed networks from NBC to ABC.
The Andy Griffith Show Reunion
Knotts appeared as Barney Fife for a 1986 reunion of The Andy Griffith Show. The revival was watched by many, but received mixed reviews from critics who thought that perhaps the time had passed for a special reunion show. But reunion shows are common for beloved shows!
Today, older shows are even being revived as full continuations of the original series. These include Will and Grace, The X-Files, Prisonbreak, Mad About You, and countless others.
Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo
Don Knotts appeared in the 1977 film Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. The film did very well at the theaters and was responsible for reviving the Herbie franchise. The film stars Dean Jones as returning champion race car driver Jim Douglas, joined by his somewhat cynical and eccentric riding mechanic Wheely Applegate, who is played by Knotts.
The movie was a big-screen return for the screwball comedian who proved he was still in perfect form.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Don Knotts was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 19, 2000. The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
Don Knotts And Dennis Weaver
Don Knotts died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver. Weaver and Knotts worked together many times throughout their careers. Weaver's two most notable roles were as Marshal Matt Dillon's trusty helper Chester Goode on the CBS western Gunsmoke and as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama McCloud.
The Incredible Mr. Limpet
Don Knotts plays the title character in the 1964 film The Incredible Mr. Limpet. The film is about a man named Henry Limpet who turns into a talking fish resembling a tilefish and helps the U.S. Navy locate and destroy Nazi submarines. The USS Alfred A. Cunningham was the naval ship featured in this film. Another ship used in filming was the USS Galveston (CG-3), which was referred to as the USS Los Angeles in the film.
The Apple Dumpling Gang
Don Knotts played Theodore Ogelvie in the 1975 film The Apple Dumpling Gang, an American comedy-western film. The plot centers around a gambler named Russell Donovan (played by Bill Bixby) who is tricked into taking care of a group of orphans who eventually strike gold during the California Gold Rush.
The Last Time I Saw Archie
Don Knotts played Captain Harry Little in the 1961 comedy, The Last Time I Saw Archie. The film is set in the last days of World War II. Robert Mitchum stars as Arch Hall Sr., a lazy, scheming American in an aviation school for pilots too old to fly aircraft but not too old to fly military gliders and liaison aircraft. The film was critically panned by most major newspapers.
No Deposit, No Return
Don Knotts played the goofy sidekick Bert in the 1976 comedy film No Deposit, No Return. It was written by Arthur Alsberg and Don Nelson. In the movie, two children (Tracy and Jay) hold themselves for ransom, reluctantly aided by a couple of clumsy petty criminals, an expert safecracker, Duke, who never manages to steal anything and his sidekick Bert. This film is one of many family movies Knotts did during his long career.
Step By Step
In the Season 3 Christmas episode of Step by Step in 1993, Don Knotts made a special guest appearance as Deputy "Feif"! As you may recall, Don Knotts' most iconic role is that of Deputy Fife. Don Knotts played this character on The Andy Griffith Show and it earned him numerous Emmy Awards and Emmy Award nominations.
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
Don Knotts reprised his role as Amos in the 1979 sequel The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again along with Tim Conway as Theodore. The film also stars Tim Matheson, Harry Morgan, and Kenneth Mars. Laugh-In star and comedian Ruth Buzzi appeared in a small cameo as a wild farsighted woman. The film received mixed reviews, but fans of the original were pleased with the sequel.
The Muppet Show
In 1977, Don Knotts made a now-famous appearance on The Muppet Show! Knotts played himself and was part of the majority of the show sketches.
The most popular scene was when Fozzie has a hard time coming onstage to talk to Don Knotts because he's wearing sunglasses that are so dark that he can't see anything or where he is going. The sketch ends with Don falling off stage!
Death
Don Knotts died at age 81 on February 24, 2006 at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
A few years later his headstone was replaced with a bronze plaque that listed his most prominent and hilarious roles.
Burial Site
Sadly, Don Knotts passed away in February of 2006. He is buried among the stars at Westwood Memorial Park, at 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles. Knotts' gravestone is one of the more animated ones in the group, and we're sure he wouldn't have it any other way! R.I.P, Don Knotts.
Devin Duke
