Remembering America's Favorite Deputy - Don Knotts

On a Monday night in October of 1960, a memorable whistled tune announced the very first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts .  "The Andy Griffith Show" also featured other well-known stars, including George Lindsey as "Goober," but when people think of "The Andy Griffith Show," they think of Andy and Barney.

That's why legions of fans of the popular 60's sitcom as well as fans of Don Knott's numerous other television and movie roles were hit so hard when it was announced that actor Don Knotts passed away on Friday, February 24, 2006 of complications from lung cancer. In August of 2006, health problems had caused Knotts to cancel an appearance to be honored in his native Morgantown, WV, but he had resumed work after that, so his death came as a sad surprise to his large fan base and to his costars.

"He was the best there was, and it was a real compliment to me to be able to work with him," George Lindsey told me of his time working with Knotts on "The Andy Griffith Show." "I just worked with him that one year (season 5), and I was in two shows when he came back to Mayberry, and then we were in 'Return to Mayberry' together."

Don Knotts made three appearances at reunions for "The Andy Griffith Show" in Nashville, and while many other cast members from  "The Andy Griffith Show" participated, the obvious crowd favorite was always Don Knotts. I was able to meet Don Knotts at two of  "The Andy Griffith Show" reunions, and my brother and I were soon added to Don's ardent fan base.

He appeared shy and humble at receptions and backstage events, but Don Knotts always gave his all when it was time to perform. Whether it was singing "good ole' 14A" or pantomiming a baseball pitcher, he brought his own unique brand of delightfully googly-eyed humor to each  "Andy Griffith" reunion show.

George Lindsey shared his memories about performing with Knotts at the various reunion shows. "I always had a good time working with Don. He was special to everybody, but he was a very private person. He was a consummate professional."

Don Knotts was also one of the most gracious autograph signers around. There are countless stories of Don taking time to sign autographs at appearances and staying until the last person had his autograph signed, or Don being stopped on his way somewhere by fans and staying to sign autographs until someone had to literally pry him away.

I first met Don Knotts at a "The Andy Griffith Show" reception at the governor's mansion in 2001 where a pleasant Don mingled with guests and cast members alike, appearing humble and unsure what all the commotion was about. As cameras zoomed in on him, Don Knotts just smiled and walked on without saying a word to the disappointment of those looking for a Barney Fife quip. They should have known he was not one for chit chat.

Returning to Nashville for the 2004 Mayberry reunion, Don Knotts performed a skit called "Nervous Weatherman" from the old "Steve Allen Show" and then, performing as his alter-ego Barney Fife from "The Andy Griffith Show," sang "14A" with a choir. The performance of "14A" brought the house down.

The following day, Don Knotts signed autographs, and that was when I had my second chance to meet him. I briefly told Don how much his career had meant to me, and then he posed with me for a photo. He was gracious as always, but ever diligent about autographs, Don went back to signing when the photographer took too long to focus. That's OK. For me it was a thrill just to have met Don Knotts twice and to have him autograph my photo of Barney Fife and Thelma Lou.

Don Knotts was born Jesse Don Knotts on July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, WV. He died at the age of 81 from complications related to lung cancer on February 24, 2006.

If laughter is the best medicine, then Barney Fife and his one bullet have done more good for the human condition than all of Emma Brand's sugar pills. Don Knotts was one of a kind. He is sorely missed.

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