In Remembrance: Don Knotts
 

     Don Knotts, the wide-eyed comic actor known for his iconic roles on television sitcoms and in several screen comedies in the 1970s and 80s, has passed away on February 24, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA. He was 81.

     Born July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia, Knotts turned to performing as a teen in order to escape an unhappy upbringing. After serving in the Army during World War II and receiving the Victory Medal among other commendations, Knotts attended West Virginia University. After graduating in 1948 with an education degree, he moved to New York City to pursuer an acting career.

     In 1953, Knotts landed his first television role, that of the neurotic Wilbur Peterson on the soap opera Search For Tomorrow. It would be the comic actor’s only serious role. After he left the series in 1955, he landed a role in playwright Ira Levin’s comedy No Time For Sergeants. The role not only brought Knotts critical acclaimed, it was also his first pairing with actor Andy Griffith, who would become Knotts’ life-long friend.  Knotts furthered his comedic reputation by recurring appearances on NBC’s late night talk show The Steve Allen Show between 1956 and 1960.

     Knotts joined with Griffith in reprising their stage role for the 1958 film adaptation of No Time For Sergeants. The two then went on to star in the rural comedy series The Andy Griffith Show, with Knotts standing out as the bumbling Deputy Barney Fife. Knotts would win Emmy Awards for each of the five years he was on the show.

     Knotts used his television cache to land more film roles, appearing as support in such films as The Last Time I Saw Archie (1961), It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World and Move Over, Darling (both 1963). His first starring film role was in the 1964 comedy The Incredible Mr. Limpet, which featured Knotts as a meek man who is transformed into a fish through a combination of live action and animation.

     In 1966, Knotts headlined The Ghost And Mr. Chicken, the first of a five film contract with Universal that also yielded The Reluctant Astronaut (1967), The Shakiest Gun In The West (1968), The Love God? (1969) and How To Frame A Fig (1971). Although they were panned at the time of their release, comic actors like Jim Carey and Martin Short have sited these films as influences.

     Knotts moved over to Disney Studios for a series of family comedies including The Apple Dumpling Gang, Gus (both 1976), Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo (1977) and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979).

     In 1979, Knotts created his second memorable television character in the form of Ralph Furley, the ascot-wearing landlord who fancied himself a ladies man, on ABC’s racy sex farce Three’s Comedy. Although, his work on the sitcom may have raised his public profile, Knotts wasn’t able to fully re-energize his film career. He would appear in films such as The Prize Fighter (1979), Cannonball Run II (1984) and Pleasantville (1998). His last role was providing the voice of Mayor Turkey Lurkey for the animated feature Chicken Little (2005).