Don Knotts
Don Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an actor and comedian.
- born
- July 21, 1924, Morgantown, West Virginia
- died
- February 24, 2006
- field
- Actor, comedian
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show; Ralph Furley on Three's Company
Lore & Background
Don Knotts was born on July 21, 1924. He died on February 24, 2006. He was an actor and comedian.
Reader's Guide
His work as a comedian and actor made him a notable figure in television comedy.
Did You Know?
- Don Knotts earned five Emmy Awards for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
- He played Ralph Furley on the sitcom Three's Company from 1979 to 1984.
- Knotts was born on July 21, 1924, and died on February 24, 2006.
- He is listed among the noted interments at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Don Knotts?
Don Knotts (born Jesse Donald Knotts in 1924, died 2006) was an American actor and comedian best remembered for his physical comedy and deadpan delivery. He became a household name through television and film roles spanning the 1960s through the 1980s.
What role made Don Knotts famous?
Knotts is most widely recognized for playing Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show during the 1960s, a role that earned him five Emmy Awards. His overzealous, bumbling cop character became one of television's most iconic comic figures.
Did Don Knotts appear on any other major TV shows?
Yes, he played the bumbling Ralph Furley on Three's Company from 1979 to 1984, bringing his signature physical comedy to a new generation of viewers. He also starred in comedic films such as The Incredible Mr. Limpet and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken in the mid-1960s.
How many Emmy Awards did Don Knotts win?
Knotts collected five Emmy Awards, all tied to his portrayal of Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. This made him one of the most decorated actors in the history of that particular series.
Why is Don Knotts considered important in comedy history?
His blend of physical slapstick with a straight-faced delivery helped define a particular style of American television comedy in the 1960s. In 2004, TV Guide placed him at number 27 on its list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time, reflecting his lasting cultural impact.
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