Don Knotts: His Impressive Career In Memoriam
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Don Knotts
Born July 21, 1924, Jesse Donald Knotts turned to comedy at an early age. During middle school, Knotts would begin working as a comedian and ventriloquist at church and school events. Before attending West Virginia University, Don attempted to start a career in comedy in NYC, but wasn't successful. Throughout university and his time in the military, however, Don would be given the opportunity to polish his skills and became quite popular for his variety shows in the U.S. Army. After graduation, Don Knotts would attempt once again to make it big in NYC and this time would be a success!
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'No Time for Sergeants'
Some of Don Knott's earliest jobs would come on television, including in 1950s soap opera Search for Tomorrow and on Steve Allen's variety show! After appearing in the Broadway play of the same name, Knotts would make his film debut in 1958's comedy No Time for Sergeants.
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'The Andy Griffith Show'
Having become close with fellow co-star Andy Griffith on the set of No Time for Sergeants, casting Knotts as "Sheriff Andy Taylor's" cousin "Deputy Barney Fife" was a no brainer! Don Knotts would become well-known for his comedic character, and the onscreen chemistry between Griffith and Knotts was unstoppable!
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'The Incredible Mr. Limpet'
Don Knotts would stay with The Andy Griffith Show until 1965, upon which he would embark on a series of comedy films! Drawing on the high-energy he had become well-known for, Don Knotts was absolutely incredible as bookkeeper "Henry Limpet" in 1964's The Incredible Mr. Limpet.
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'The Ghost and Mr. Chicken'
In 1966, Don Knotts would enter into a five-film agreement with Universal. All five films would become huge successes, the first of which was horror comedy The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966).
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'The Reluctant Astronaut'
The next film in the five-film contract would be The Reluctant Astronaut (1967). Taking on the part of a carnival operator turned janitor, Don Knotts will keep you laughing the whole way through. Don would follow up his spectacular performance with three more outstanding films The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968), The Love God? (1969), and this next comedy...
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'How to Frame a Figg'
The last film of Don's five-film contract would come in the form of 1971 comedy How to Frame a Figg. Starring as lead "Hollis Figg", Don Knott's plays the part of the dumbest bookkeeper in town with ease. Also a family friendly comedy, Knotts would prove himself just as funny when keeping it G rated!
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'The Apple Dumpling Gang'
In 1975, Don Knotts would partner with comedian Tim Conway for a series of slapstick films including the hit Disney film The Apple Dumpling Gang. The chemistry between Knotts and Conway was unbeatable and the film was so successful it would produce a sequel and lead to Knotts casting in a variety of other Disney films including Gus (1976) and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977).
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'Three's Company'
Don Knotts would make his return to television in 1979 when he was cast into the part of kooky and affable landlord "Ralph Furley" on established hit series Three's Company. While the show had already been running for two years before Knotts joined, he quickly integrated himself with the cast and would stay with the show until it ended in 1984!
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'Matlock'
In his later years, Don Knotts continued to stay busy and would reunite with Andy Griffith not just for Andy Griffith film Return to Mayberry (1986), but also for legal drama series Matlock. Knotts would play the role of nosy neighbor "Les Calhoun" until 1992!