Actor Don Knotts Dies at 81

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(AP) Cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show", from left: Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife, Ron Howard...
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LOS ANGELES (AP) - Don Knotts, the skinny, lovable nerd who kept generations of television audiences laughing as bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," has died. He was 81.

Knotts died Friday night of pulmonary and respiratory complications at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, said Paul Ward, a spokesman for the cable network TV Land, which airs "The Andy Griffith Show," and another Knotts hit, "Three's Company."

Unspecified health problems had forced him to cancel an appearance in his native Morgantown in August 2005.

The West Virginia-born actor's half-century career included seven TV series and more than 25 films, but it was the Griffith show that brought him TV immortality and five Emmies.

The show ran from 1960-68, and was in the top 10 of the Nielsen ratings each season, including a No. 1 ranking its final year. It is one of only three series in TV history to bow out at the top: The others are "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld." The 249 episodes have appeared frequently in reruns and have spawned a large, active network of fan clubs.

As the bug-eyed deputy to Griffith, Knotts carried in his shirt pocket the one bullet he was allowed after shooting himself in the foot. The constant fumbling, a recurring sight gag, was typical of his self-deprecating humor.

Knotts, whose shy, soft-spoken manner was unlike his high-strung characters, once said he was most proud of the Fife character and doesn't mind being remembered that way.

His favorite episodes, he said, were "The Pickle Story," where Aunt Bea makes pickles no one can eat, and "Barney and the Choir," where no one can stop him from singing. "I can't sing. It makes me sad that I can't sing or dance well enough to be in a musical, but I'm just not talented in that way," he lamented. "It's one of my weaknesses."

That's so sad. RIP :(

I'm at a lose for words.... :(

OMG! I seriously thought this was a joke at first.. :(

OMG, this is so sad. R.I.P Don Knotts :crying:

:crying: R.I.P. Don, luv ya so much!!!

This is soooooooo sad. First John and now Don. I will keep his family in my prayers. I knew Don was sick. He was sick for a while now. He was being honored with an award but he was too sick to attend. He had to stay in bed. So I'm half surprise that he's gone but another part of me isn't due to knowing his health.


:crybaby:

I too am at a loss for words. An inspiration. Your wonderful work on "Three's Company" will never pass as unforgotten. You were special; you made the show special. I feel as if a part of my own life has been cut off.

Pat

Mr. Furley was the best!

I loved Don as RF and thought he was one of the greatest actors around. RIP Don Knotts, you will always be in our hearts! :(

This really sucks :( I shouldn't be shocked. I knew he was sick for quite awhile, but, when you hear it on TV...Man.

He's the fourth cast member of TC to go.

R.I.P Don, We'll miss you. :rip:

:rip:

RIP!! He was a wonderful performer and could make people laugh!! I loved him in whatever show he was in!! He eill truly be missed by all his fans!!

Very sad news, indeed. He was getting on in years. However, he still had a lot of life and "Furley-ness with those characters he continued to portray. I remember when he portrayed the Mayor, I think in "Quints" on the Disney Channel a few years ago. He was awesome in that!

Well, that's another Three's Company cast member we've lost. :( It's so hard to believe, because they are so alive when we watch them on TV, especially on Three's Company!

Rest in Peace Mr. Furley! :(

You gave us laughter and so much more!!! And you will keep doing so for generations to come! :(

OMG, I didn't think it was believable! Wow... it's just...wow. R.I.P. Don Knotts, Barney Fife, and Ralph Furley. You are GREATLY missed. :( :( :(

Nooooooo!!! :(
I didn't believe it when I first heard it, I still can't believe it.
Don Knotts is awesome! awww...

:rip:

I still can't believe it either. :(

VERY sad news. I have put up something on the SO blog:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2006/02/breaking-news-don-knotts-passes-away.html

My website will follow. http://jacksbistro.freeservers.com

RIP Don Knotts, an incredibly gifted actor. :rip:

I am so sad to hear this. I loved Don Knotts. I loved him on the Andy Griffith Show and I doubley loved him on Three's Company. He was a great performer. :(

Even though we realize he's gone, I think we all still can't believe it. You hit it right on the nose, PrettyinPink.

Pat

*runs to the highest cliff and screams at the moon as it shatters into little pieces*

I was going through the channels a few hours ago and on channel 12 I saw clips from Andy Griffith and Three's Company and they were talking about Don. I turned to my brother and said OH MY GOD. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I was so shocked and saddened. I knew that he wasn't doing good, and that he was sick, but when the time actually comes it is shocking. His family and friends are in my prayers right now. He was a very talented and gifted man, and he will be sadly missed. R.I.P Don Knotts. You will always be loved by family, friends, and fans all over the world.

Oh my god, NOOOOO :crying: This is unbelievable! I am so heartbroken now.

Yes, Don will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. :(

God Bless!

Don Knotts was a comedic genius, and from what I've heart, a really good guy. RIP Don. :(

You'll be missed, but you'll live on a long time on great programs like The Andy Griffith Show & Three's Company.

I loved Don Knotts as Mr. Furly I loved all his work :). He will be missed so much. Threes Company is my favorite show of all time and I am glad to have the wonderful memories he brought to the show. Maybe him and John are up there right now having a few laughs. RIP.

</3 i had the wind knocked out of me.
they're all going so soon.
he struck me as the type that would never die.
really, he never will.
RIP love love love love love

I seriously cannot believe this..

I first heard the news on the radio while out doing errands this afternoon. The newscaster stated this he was best known for his role as Barry Fife. WHAT!! That's right, she said Barry, I wanted to reach into the radio and grab her by the throat!:mad:

Anyway, rest in peace Don, we'll see you in Heaven someday.

OMG no... :eek: :( :( :( :( :( this makes me wonder, who's next now. There's only 6 people left :( :( RIP Don :( :( :( Totally lost for words...............

I loved Don Knotts. At least he had a long happy life and may he rest in peace. He'll be remembered and in our hearts always. A true legend!

I never expected Don Knotts to die this soon. I always thought that he would live on for, at least, ten more years. He was such a talented actor and he will be missed by millions. It's truly to sad to see Don go ... he was one of the greatest of the greats.

I was soooo saddened to hear this this afternoon...such a talented person. It is going to be really weird now watching that scene with John and Don in bed in the episode of 8SR "Come And Knock On Our Door" because now they are both gone. This is so awful, I am right there with ya TV DVD FAN...I am really at a loss of words. He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family friends and his fellow actors at this trying time. It seems everyone in Hollywood is dropping like flies. :( :mad:

He was great. Anytime he's on I can't help but be drawn in and made to feel good. Whether it was as Mr. Furley, where he and John were so great playin off each other or as Barney Fife I can't help but smile at his work and life :)

This is very sad news but Don is now with John in heaven, it would be nice if they do a tribute for Don for the last season DVD. Anybody agree?

Rest in peace, Don! :(

This is so sad :(

I can't say I was all that shocked because his health hasn't been that good but you just kinda expected him to always be there.

We are losing so many great stars it's really getting depressing :(

May he rest in peace. He will be greatly missed.

I saw Don's death mentioned on the news last night. I hope they do a tribute on the DVD's the same way it was for John Ritter.

i liked the quote mentioned about how alive they are in their work. because that's how i see them. they are very much alive to me as tv friends, even though i didn't meet any of the cast! i love don's work, and am sad too just like you all. i hope his familly is alright, but i am sure he is in a better place, with everyone else we miss.. thank you for the laughs don. we love you.

That's so sad. RIP :(
Not to sound unkind, but I was wondering how much loger he was going to last. He was really up there in age. Well, now he's at peace and a better place. He's probably up there with John chatting away. RIP Mr. Knotts.

I'm at a lose for words.... :(

You're at a "lose," are you? Idiot.

OMG! I seriously thought this was a joke at first.. :(

Why would you think it's a joke? Don was elderly. R.I.P. Don. :(

I seriously cannot believe this..

Why not?

OMG no... :eek: :( :( :( :( :( this makes me wonder, who's next now. There's only 6 people left :( :( RIP Don :( :( :( Totally lost for words...............

Quit being so Goddamn morbid! We have Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers, Richard Kline, Jenilee Harrison, Priscilla Barnes, and Ann Wedgeworth left. Somers will probably be next to go.

This is very sad news but Don is now with John in heaven, it would be nice if they do a tribute for Don for the last season DVD. Anybody agree?

Rest in peace, Don! :(

All the extras for the DVDs and all the DVDs have been produced for Three's Company. They just haven't released them yet. Since they were all made before Don's death, I think it's safe to say they won't be doing a tribute. Anchor Bay isn't known for producing quality DVDs.

yeah me too i didnt know until yesterday(sat)and then my brother just told me about it oh wow that so sad. same thing he has problem with his lung and same thing with my aunt and my grandma.. that gone too.
wow all in three company so far i hope i am right 5 people died.. i think only 3 people still live only janet and i forget her name last season hee and larry too
that all for now ;-) :( :( :crying:
and don knott already with god arms.. and good safe there ;-) no more pain it gone now ..

i think only 3 people still live only janet and i forget her name last season hee and larry too

and don knott already with god arms.. and good safe there ;-) no more pain it gone now ..

There are SIX people left, you idiot! Can you not read?! Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers, Richard Kline, Jenilee Harrison, Priscilla Barnes, and Ann Wedgeworth! SIX!! Who's Don Knott? "It gone now," is it?

I see you're fat. Obviously inbred, too.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/customavatars/avatar21314_1.gif

What a seductive temptress. :rolleyes:

do you know that Larry is the Only guy cast member left now

What sad news I've come home to find:(!!! I am shocked and my heart is so in pain!! I can feel a big knott in my throat!!!:( RIP RF!!! You will forever live on and on through his great characters and his wonderful personality! I've never cried or really been emotional affected when a celebratiy has died not even John Ritter but this time is different:( anythingohno: :crying:

I first heard the news on the radio while out doing errands this afternoon. The newscaster stated this he was best known for his role as Barry Fife. WHAT!! That's right, she said Barry, I wanted to reach into the radio and grab her by the throat!
It was Barney Fife, & whether you think so or not, that was his most memorable role. Ralph Furley was his 2nd most. Goodbye Don. :crying:

brasspounder was stunned the newscaster mistakenly called him "Barry Fife". In the quote you provided, he made no indication of what he believed was Don Knott's most memorable role.

R.I.P. Don Knotts.

Oh, well then I retract my comments entirely. Sorry brasspounder!

WHY?:( :crying: This has been the worst beginning of the week.First Stacy Keibler didn't win the Dancing With The Stars trophy,now I find out Don Knotts has passed away

do you know that Larry is the Only guy cast member left now
I was thinknig the same thing when I found out about his passing. I happened to be up late on Saturday nite channel surfing, and I heard about it on CNN.
Now all who's left is Richard Kline,Ms. Barnes, Joyce Dewitt, Susanne Somers, and Ms. Harrison.

Don't forget the lady who played Lana Shields.

Ann Wedgeworth (sp??)

TV Land will do a Andy Griffith Show mini-marathon this Tuesday night and then a 48-hour tribute to Don Knotts this weekend featuring Andy Griffith and Three's Company. Read about it at TV Land.com in the obituary for Don Knotts.

This is just all too sad. It really doesn't get much better than Don Knotts in the world of sitcoms. He certainly played what I consider two of television's greatest characters on two of television's greatest shows. Nobody else could have filled the void of The Ropers better than Don. It's hard to think that last week I was watching Ralph Furley believe there is a Jack & Austin Tripper on my Three's Company DVD and now that wonderful actor is gone. Mr. Furley was one of my favorite parts of Three's Company as was Barney in The Andy Griffith Show. I'd just like to thank Don for all the great laughs he gave the world in his two signature shows and beyond and may he rest in peace. He's in a better place now, so I just pray that the lord be with his family and friends.

I wanted to reach into the radio and grab her by the throat!:mad:

Why are so angry? You should see a counsellor. It isn't healthy going through life so angry, and being angered by something like that.

WHY?:( :crying: This has been the worst beginning of the week.First Stacy Keibler didn't win the Dancing With The Stars trophy,now I find out Don Knotts has passed away

Oh. My. God. Someone REALLY needs a life it it bugs them that Stacy Keibler didn't win some stupid ****ing award. A man has died, and she equates it with some waif-like slut like Keibler not winning some B.S. award? Pathetic! I'll bet you're 10.

Don't forget the lady who played Lana Shields.

Ann Wedgeworth (sp??)

I already mentioned her.

It's always sad to see someone go that you enjoyed watching for so many years but let's not make this too much of a Sad thing because Don knotts was 81 and lived a long life and he had a wonderful acting career. So let's Celebrate the Life of Don knotts and talk about his funniest moments on Three's company

- Don Knotts 48 Hour Weekend Tribute
Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, 2006
6:00 a.m. March 4 thru 6:00 a.m. March 6
Tune in for Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company episodes featuring Don Knotts. See image below for episode info:

WHAT!?! HE DIED ON MY BIRTHDAY!?! OH MY GOSH

I am so glad that TVLAND will be showing both Threes Company and Andy Griffith






R.I.P. John Ritter 1948-2003:jack and Don Knots 1924-2006:rip:

Sad to hear of the passing of one of Sitcom's greats - the wonderfully funny Don Knotts. I loved the character of Mr. Furley on Three's Company, and always remember fondly his gangling, awkward self in his jumpsuit and scarf with "the kids" upstairs. A true classic and will be much missed. RIP Don. :)

Normally I might hesitate to post to such a thread that has so much activity, since my little 'ol post would be lost among the huge number of replies. However, Don Knotts deserves the respect of anyone who likes good TV. While his movies weren't as well known, they had a charm that few actors can claim. What a class act he was! Not shallow and flashy like so many actors these days, who I have little respect for. He simply performed his craft with professionalism and grace, without trying to draw attention to himself. His talent drew enough attention to him... no need for him to act like a spoiled brat like so many modern actors do.

Reat in peace, Don. We who appceciate good comedic acting tip our hat to you. You were one of the best. Say hi to John while you're up there...

Andy Griffith and Ron Howard will be together again as they remember their mutual friend, Don Knotts. Tonight at 9:00ET (Repeats at Midnight ET).

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larr...ive/index.html

Doesn't say if anyone from TC will be involved at all. :(

- Don Knotts 48 Hour Weekend Tribute
Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, 2006
6:00 a.m. March 4 thru 6:00 a.m. March 6
Tune in for Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company episodes featuring Don Knotts. See image below for episode info:
How come they're not showing TC til 11?I won't be able to see the Terri episodes because I have to go to bed @ 10 on sunday

I'm fine with TV Land only showing 12 hours of Three's Company for the weekend but I wish they would air it at different times. Start off with Griffith in the morning, do 3 hours of Three's Company in the afternoon, back to Griffith by primetime, and Three's Company from 11pm - 2am. I'd like to see it mixed up a bit more. I know there are restictions to how much Three's Company can air, but not to when it airs. I also realize Knotts was most famous for Fife and he is overall featured more in The Andy Griffith Show.
Regardless, I'm very happy they are doing this and am looking foward to remembering one of TV's greatest this weekend as I've been doing this week with my Three's Company DVDs and some old Andy Griffith tapes around the house.

Andy Griffith and Ron Howard will be together again as they remember their mutual friend, Don Knotts. Tonight at 9:00ET (Repeats at Midnight ET).

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larr...ive/index.html

Doesn't say if anyone from TC will be involved at all. :(
Joyce DeWitt was on it.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/925/14549threesfell.jpgWell, that's another Three's Company cast member we've lost. :( It's so hard to believe, because they are so alive when we watch them on TV, especially on Three's Company!

Rest in Peace Mr. Furley! :(

You gave us laughter and so much more!!! And you will keep doing so for generations to come! :(
He's in a better place now where he won't be sick again. He lived a pretty full life.http://www.designedtoat.com/clipart6/religion_41.gif

Don, you sure brought a lot of laughs to my life. RIP, my friend.

I am so glad that TVLAND will be showing both Threes Company and Andy Griffith






R.I.P. John Ritter 1948-2003:jack and Don Knots 1924-2006:rip:

K-N-O-T-T-S. Knotts! Show some respect.