3 thoughts on “Don Knotts, R.I.P.”

1. Pingback: Oblogatory Anecdotes

2. An actor of flawless comedic timing whose career spanned four decades and ranged from classic 1950s variety shows to the 1998 film “Pleasantville,” Don Knotts will undoubtedly be remembered most for his signature role as Deputy Barney Fife on the “Andy Griffith Show.” The actor won 5 Emmys for his portrayal of the nervous would-be lawman, whose heart–if not his bullet–was always in the right place.
   “The show was originally to focus on my character,” Griffith once said when recalling how Knotts became involved. “Don told me he thought I would need a deputy.” Griffith and Knotts met when both were cast in “No Time for Sergeants.” Although Knotts’ role was small, the chemistry between the two was immediately apparent and made for one of the film’s funniest scenes. “Oh my, call Sheldon Leonard,” Griffith remembers telling his friend. Leonard, who was producing the “Andy Griffith Show” for Danny Thomas, signed Knotts at once.
   It is doubtful that anyone at the time foresaw how vivid Knotts’ characterization of Barney Fife would be, or how enduring–and endearing–the show and its characters would become. But if the proof is in the pudding, Knotts was a master chef. Classic episodes and famous scenes still evoke hearty laughter no matter how familiar they are or how many times they have been seen. And while the Griffith cast included several talented performers, not least of which was Griffith himself, the comedic spark that made the show special came mostly from Knotts. When the show entered syndication at the end of its network run, many local stations rebroadcast only the episodes featuring Knotts as a regular. “After Don left,” Griffith himself once said, “the magic was gone.”
   Knotts career continued after the Griffith show, with several popular films (notably “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken,” which Andy Griffith helped write), and in the late ’70s he returned to television as a regular on “Three’s Company.” But there can be no question about his most famous role, the one for which he will be most deservedly remembered. Several years ago, TV Guide compiled their list of the Fifty Most Unforgettable TV Characters of All Time. Barney Fife was ranked number nine, in the exalted company of Archie Bunker, Lucy Ricardo, The Fonz, Barbara Eden’s Jennie, and Mr. Spock. Fellow TV lawman Matt Dillon, another icon of the small-screen, came in 14th. The folks in Mayberry would have been proud.

3. I will be 60 ys.old this year and today I have been enjoying the Mayberry show on tv. It has been a tribute to a wonderful person. Don Knotts was such a character and made you laugh and forget about your troubles. I enjoyed He, Andy, Aunt Bea, Opie and rest of the cast. I have to say I enjoyed this day as much as I did when it first aired. Don Knotts will be remembered for his Barney character and for a time in our lives when things were much simpler. Sure wish things were that way again. Don Knotts thanks for the good memories.