Date of Birth: December 7, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: August 26, 1986
Biography
Ted Knight, born Tadeusz Wladyslaw Konopka on December 7, 1923, in Terryville, Connecticut, was an American actor best known for his comedic roles, particularly as the bombastic, self-important news anchor Ted Baxter on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Knight’s career began in local radio and television stations, where he honed his skills as an announcer and voice actor. After serving in World War II, where he earned five battle stars, he moved to Hollywood to pursue acting. Knight’s breakthrough came with “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which ran from 1970 to 1977 and earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards. He then starred in the popular sitcom “Too Close for Comfort” from 1980 to 1986. Knight’s distinctive voice and versatile acting also made him a sought-after character actor in films and television. Ted Knight passed away on August 26, 1986, in Pacific Palisades, California, after a battle with colon cancer. He remains a beloved figure in American television history.
5 Interesting Facts about Ted Knight
1. Ted Knight served in the United States Army during World War II and earned five battle stars.
2. He initially worked as a radio announcer and voice actor before breaking into television.
3. Knight won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Ted Baxter on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
4. He was also known for his role in the sitcom “Too Close for Comfort,” which aired in the 1980s.
5. Despite his comedic roles, Knight was a talented dramatic actor and appeared in several serious television dramas.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ted Knight
1. “It’s hard for me to believe that people love me. I guess I’m just a hard person to love.”
2. “Comedy comes from conflict, and nothing is more shocking and hilarious than a pompous fool.”
3. “I think timing is everything. I think timing, in life, is everything.”
4. “The character of Ted Baxter was a study in pomposity and self-delusion, and it was a joy to play.”
5. “Laughter is the best medicine, and I consider myself a dedicated practitioner.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ted Knight’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ted Knight had three children with his wife, Dorothy Smith: Ted Knight Jr., Elyse Knight, and Eric Knight.
Relevant Links
1. [Ted Knight on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0461107/
2. [Ted Knight Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/ted-knight
3. [Ted Knight’s Emmy Awards Profile](https://www.emmys.com/bios/ted-knight
4. [Ted Knight on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Knight
5. [Ted Knight’s Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2158/ted-knight