Who Is Don Knotts? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don Knotts was born on July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Renowned for his comedic talent, Knotts made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry, particularly known for his role as Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show." Knotts enjoyed a successful career spanning over five decades, showcasing his unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt performances. He passed away on February 24, 2006, yet his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1924 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 February, 2006 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Don Knotts's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Don Knotts was notably short in stature, standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. While his weight fluctuated throughout his career, he typically maintained a slim build, weighing around 140 lbs (63 kg). His expressive face and physical comedy set him apart in the industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Don Knotts was married twice throughout his life. His first marriage was to Kathryn Metz in 1947, with whom he had two children, Karen and Thomas. The couple divorced in 1964. Knotts later married Lorraine Day in 1974, and they remained together until his death in 2006. Although details concerning his personal relationships remain private, Knotts was known to be close with his family and friends.
Knotts's mother was 40 years old at his birth. His father, who had schizophrenia and battled alcoholism, sometimes terrorized him with a knife, causing him to turn inwards at an early age. His father died of pneumonia when Knotts was 13. He and his brothers were subsequently raised by their mother, who ran a boarding house in Morgantown.
She died in 1969 at age 84. Her son William preceded her in death in 1941 at age 31. They are buried in the family plot at Beverly Hills Memorial Park in Morgantown.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2006, Don Knotts had an estimated net worth of around $20 million. His income primarily stemmed from his extensive career in television and film, as well as various voice-acting roles. Knotts's investment savvy over the years has contributed to his financial legacy, which continues to offer posthumous earnings through royalties and merchandise.
Career, Business and Investments
Don Knotts's career kicked off in the 1950s, but he rose to prominence with his portrayal of Barney Fife. His performance earned him five Primetime Emmy Awards. Following this success, Knotts starred in numerous films, including "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" and "The Reluctant Astronaut." Aside from acting, he ventured into voice work, contributing to animated projects. His investments, including properties and royalties from ongoing syndication of his shows, bolstered his financial stability.
Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, for which he earned five Emmy Awards. He also played Ralph Furley on the sitcom Three's Company from 1979 to 1984.
He starred in multiple comedic films, including leading roles in The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964) and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966). In 2004, TV Guide ranked him number 27 on its "50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time" list.
Social Network
Although Don Knotts passed away in 2006, his social presence lives on through his work. Fans can explore his contributions to comedy and acting on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and various fan sites. Additionally, his iconic roles have made him a beloved figure in social media discussions about classic television.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Knotts served as the spokesman for Dodge trucks and was featured prominently in a series of print ads and dealer brochures.
On television, he hosted a variety show/sitcom hybrid on NBC, The Don Knotts Show, which aired on Tuesdays during autumn 1970, but the series was low-rated and short-lived, and Knotts was uncomfortable with the variety show format. He also made frequent guest appearances on other shows, such as The Bill Cosby Show and Here's Lucy.
In 1970, he appeared as a Barney Fife-like police officer in the pilot of The New Andy Griffith Show. In 1972, Knotts voiced an animated version of himself in two episodes of The New Scooby Doo Movies: "The Spooky Fog of Juneberry", in which he played a lawman resembling Barney Fife, and "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner".
He appeared as Felix Unger in a stage version of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, with Art Carney as Oscar Madison, and toured in the Neil Simon comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
Education
Don Knotts attended West Virginia University, where he studied speech and drama. He later joined the U.S. Army during World War II, where he honed his performance skills by entertaining troops. This foundational education set the stage for an illustrious career in entertainment.
In the 1940s, before earning a college degree, he served in the United States Army and in World War II. While enlisted, he chose to become a ventriloquist and comedian as part of a G.I. variety show, Stars and Gripes.
