Don Knotts

Date of Birth: July 21, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 24, 2006

Biography

Don Knotts, born Jesse Donald Knotts, was an American comedic actor known for his distinctive performances in television and film. Born on July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, West Virginia, Knotts rose to prominence with his role as the bumbling yet lovable Deputy Barney Fife on the television series “The Andy Griffith Show.” His portrayal earned him five Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Comedy. Knotts’s early life was marked by hardship; his father suffered from mental illness and passed away when Knotts was just 13 years old. Despite these challenges, Knotts found solace in comedy and performance. After high school, he served in the United States Army during World War II, where he entertained troops as part of a special services unit. Following his military service, Knotts attended West Virginia University, graduating with a degree in education. He then pursued a career in entertainment, initially struggling but eventually finding success on Broadway and in television. Besides his iconic role in “The Andy Griffith Show,” Knotts starred in many films, including “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and the “Apple Dumpling Gang” series. In his later years, Knotts continued to work in television, appearing in shows like “Three’s Company” and making guest appearances in various other series. He passed away on February 24, 2006, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s beloved comedic actors.

5 Interesting Facts about Don Knotts

1. Don Knotts won five Emmy Awards for his role as Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show.”

2. He served in the United States Army during World War II, where he performed in a traveling GI variety show.

3. Knotts had a degree in education from West Virginia University.

4. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.

5. Knotts was known for his nervous and high-strung comedic persona, which became his trademark in many of his roles.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Don Knotts

1. “Well, they put me in a booth and then did some nice things to the speaker to make it come out sounding okay.”

2. “I don’t think actors get good training today. It’s a cultural thing.”

3. “I felt like a loser. I was unhappy and I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence.”

4. “I’m proud of Barney Fife as a comic character.”

5. “I had a lot of problems with my father. He was a mean man. I was the youngest, so I bore the brunt of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Don Knotts was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Don Knotts had two children: a son, Thomas Knotts, and a daughter, Karen Knotts. Karen followed in her father’s footsteps and pursued a career in comedy and acting.