Don Knotts, the legendary television character actor, was born Jesse Donald Knotts on July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia, to William Jesse Knotts and the former Elsie L. Moore. He was the youngest of four sons in a family that had been in America since the 17th century. His first stint as an entertainer was as a ventriloquist, performing paid gigs at parties and other events in Morgantown. He decided to make a stab at a career in show business, moving to New York City after graduating from high school, but he only lasted in the Big Apple for a few weeks. He decided to go to college, enrolling at West Virginia University but, when World War II engulfed America, he enlisted in the United States Army. The 19-year-old soldier was assigned to the Special Services Branch, where he entertained the troops. It was while in the Army that Don ditched ventriloquism for straight comedy. Don returned to West Virginia University after being demobilized. After graduating with a degree in theater in 1948, he married and moved back to New York, where connections he had made while in the Special Services Branch helped him break into show business. In addition to doing stand-up comedy at clubs, he appeared on the radio, eventually playing the character "Windy Wales" on "The Bobby Benson Show". From 1953 to 1955, he was a regular on the soap opera _"Search for Tomorrow" . It turned out to be one of his final films. He died at age 81 on February 24, 2006.
Was a ventriloquist in his early years from out of high school and his doll was named Danny.
Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19.
Father of Karen Knotts and Thomas Knotts. Cousin of Jodi Knotts.
He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
Had portrayed Windy Wales on Mutual Radios "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders" (1949-1955).
Technically was an Army Reservist for one week. After being inducted for World War II service on June 14, 1943, was assigned to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on inactive duty. Reported for active duty one week later, on June 21, and was transfered to active duty status in the United States Army.
Veteran of the Second World War who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar) and Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
Served in the United States Army, under the service number "35 756 363", from June 21, 1943 to January 6, 1946. Discharged in the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent of a Corporal.
Together with Tom Poston and Louis Nye , he did the recurring "Man on the Street" skits on "The Steve Allen Show" .
Received his Bachelors degree in Education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1948.
Don was conceived after his parents had already raised other sons. His father had a nervous breakdown at the prospect of raising another child from birth.
Older brother "Shadow" died of asthma in 1942.
Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didnt have a future in acting.
He was the youngest of four brothers. His family life was troubled; Knotts father twice threatened his mother with a knife and later spent time in mental hospitals, while older brother Earl - nicknamed "Shadow" because of his thinness - died of asthma in 1942 when Knotts was still a teenager.
Buried among the stars at the beautiful and prestigious Westwood Memorial Park. 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
Died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver.
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).
Don ceased to be a regular on "The Andy Griffith Show" after 1965 because originally, the shows producers had intended to end the series after that year, still at a creative and popular peak. Knotts had already signed a multi-picture deal with Universal Studios when Griffith relented to network pressure and kept his show on the air for several more years. Don said later that he deeply regretted having to leave the show, but his film commitments prevented him from continuing as a cast regular.
Received a special tribute as part of the Annual Memorial tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards .
His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series "Dave the Barbarian" .
He was nominated for a 1973 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Guest Artist for his performance in the play, "The Mind with the Dirty Man", at the Arlington Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 19, 2000.
(April 2000) Made a rare public appearance at the "Ray and Sharon Courts Hollywood Collectors Show" in North Hollywood, California with his "The Andy Griffith Show" co-star Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). He sold autographed pictures and his autobiography book and people waited up to an hour and a half in line to greet him.
Was longtime friends with the late John Ritter. When he was on stage in Kansas City, Missouri, doing "On Golden Pond", he received a phone call about Ritters death. He attended the funeral on September 15, 2003, just four days after Ritters death. Before that, Knotts had appeared with Ritter one final time in a cameo on "8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter" . It was an episode that paid homage to their earlier television series. Knotts was the last "Threes Company" star to work with him.
In 1988, he had a recurring guest role on "Matlock" , starring with his old friend Andy Griffith ; reuniting him with Griffith 20 years after "The Andy Griffith Show" .
Best remembered by the public for his roles as Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" and as Ralph Furley on "Threes Company" .
Best friends with the late Andy Griffith.
Never retired from acting.
Like his best friend Andy Griffith , Knotts was also known to be a very private man.
Hated being called by his given first name of "Jesse", and Andy Griffith would often tease him by calling him "Jess" while the two worked together.
The biography "Andy & Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show" was written by Daniel de Vise, who was the brother-in-law of Don Knotts third wife, Francey.
My idol was Jack Benny and he was the master of subtlety and timing.
Well, they put me in a booth and then did some nice things to the,speaker to make it come out sounding okay.
I felt like a loser. I was unhappy as a child most of the time. We were,terribly poor and I hated my size.
In the 2003 Mayberry reunion, Knotts said, referring to their child,co-star, we call him Mr. Howard now.
