Don Knotts

Jesse Donald "Don" Knotts (born July 21, 1924) is an American actor. He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia to Elsie L. Moore and William Jesse Knotts, whose ancestors had been in America since the 17th century. He served in World War II as an entertainer and received the World War II Victory Medal.

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July 21 - 1924 - American - Actor - Morgantown, West Virginia - World War II - World War II Victory Medal

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Knotts first gained exposure in 1956, after being a regular on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow from 1953 to 1955, on Steve Allen's variety show. He is remembered for appearing in Allen's mock "Man in the Street" interviews, always as a man obviously very nervous about being on camera. This fidgety, high-strung characterization would serve him well throughout his career.

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1956 - Search for Tomorrow - 1953 - 1955 - Steve Allen

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Knotts is best known for his role as deputy Barney Fife on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, a portrayal that earned him five Emmy Awards. After leaving the series, Knotts starred in a series of film comedies: The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964), The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), The Reluctant Astronaut (1967), The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) and The Love God? (1969).

Related Topics:
Barney Fife - Sitcom - The Andy Griffith Show - Emmy Awards - The Incredible Mr. Limpet - 1964 - The Ghost and Mr. Chicken - 1966 - The Reluctant Astronaut - 1967 - The Shakiest Gun in the West - 1968 - The Love God? - 1969

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In the 1970s, Knotts and Tim Conway starred together in a series of slapstick movies.

Related Topics:
1970s - Tim Conway

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Knotts returned to television in the late 1970s, appearing as landlord Ralph Furley on Three's Company, after Audra Lindley and Norman Fell left the show to star in a spinoff series ("The Ropers"). Knotts also had a recurring role on Matlock, which starred his old friend and co-star Andy Griffith. He also appeared with Griffith in the 1986 made for television movie Return to Mayberry, where he once again of course played good old "Barney Fife".

Related Topics:
Three's Company - Audra Lindley - Norman Fell - Matlock - Andy Griffith - 1986 - Return to Mayberry

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In 1998, Knotts began a recent career comeback with his part as the mysterious TV repairman in Pleasantville (1998).

Related Topics:
1998 - Pleasantville

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