Don Knotts has passed away at age 81. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BWLuv · 02-25-2006, 06:37 PM

Don Knotts has passed away at age 81.

Janice · 02-25-2006, 06:52 PM

Actor Don Knotts Dies at 81

(AP) Cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show", from left: Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife, Ron Howard...
Full Image

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."

TV DVD Fan · 02-25-2006, 07:16 PM

This isn't fair, just isn't fair. I want him back

. Don, thanks a million for everything- you are definately one of my idols. This is the the icing on top of the cake, I need to buy all the TAGS DVD's and give you a well deserved tribute. (As well as my 3's Co. DVDs)

You are an inspiration, a king among kings; you fulfilled me. We all miss and love you terribly.

Rest in peace.

Pat

Brian Damage · 02-25-2006, 07:20 PM

Zoneboy · 02-25-2006, 07:21 PM

Darn, I missed the news by 30 minutes thanks to computer problems, One of my favorite actors and a true genius who gave so many laughs to millions of viewers as both Barney Fife & Ralph Furley. Today is truely a sad day for fan's of both series.

R.I.P. Don

ClassicTube · 02-25-2006, 07:23 PM

One of the greatest of the great comedic actors in American history is gone.
There's a nice obit in The Los Angeles Times - it says Andy Griffith, his lifelong friend - was one of the last to visit him last night at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
One of a kind. He will be missed.
Goodbye, Don.

-

JeffRuss1972 · 02-25-2006, 07:30 PM

Very sad news. He was always a reason to tune in to Andy Griffith or Three's Company. Rest in peace, Barney. You finally made it to the real Mayberry.

staypuftman2004 · 02-25-2006, 07:31 PM

Don Knotts

howilu · 02-25-2006, 07:44 PM

Don Knotts created one of the greatest sitcom characters of all-time in Barney Fife. He was the key to the show's success. It just wasn't the same after he left.

Sid · 02-25-2006, 07:51 PM

So Long Barney

Say hi to Aunt Bee, Floyd, Otis, Helen, and Ernest T. Bass .

Wheeler Sloane · 02-25-2006, 09:16 PM

OMG! Don Knotts 1924-2006

I can not believe it! Such a shame

TV Watcher · 02-25-2006, 09:17 PM

Don Knotts, created the best sidekick in TV sitcom history. We'll miss you .

Ohio8 · 02-25-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howilu

Don Knotts created one of the greatest sitcom characters of all-time in Barney Fife. He was the key to the show's success. It just wasn't the same after he left.

My brother and I agree.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There's only two kinds of cops. The quick, and the dead." -- Deputy Sheriff
Bernard "Barney" Fife.

detroit_fan · 02-25-2006, 11:36 PM

this is a very sad day. andy & barney are my favorite tv charecters and will always hold a special place in my heart. my prayers are with his family.
thank you for all the great laughs don, and i hope to pass on your amazing work to my children.
Thank You & R.I.P.

ClassicTVGal · 02-25-2006, 11:40 PM

Don will definately be missed.

I can't believe he's gone, but it must have been his time to go, which is still sad. God Bless to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with them too.

02-25-2006, 06:37 PM	#1
BWLuv Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 21, 2004 Posts: 203	Don Knotts has passed away at age 81. Don Knotts has passed away at age 81.

02-25-2006, 06:52 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Rest In Peace Mr. Knotts Actor Don Knotts Dies at 81 (AP) Cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show", from left: Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife, Ron Howard... Full Image 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."

02-25-2006, 07:16 PM	#3
TV DVD Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2005 Posts: 2,602	This isn't fair, just isn't fair. I want him back . Don, thanks a million for everything- you are definately one of my idols. This is the the icing on top of the cake, I need to buy all the TAGS DVD's and give you a well deserved tribute. (As well as my 3's Co. DVDs) You are an inspiration, a king among kings; you fulfilled me. We all miss and love you terribly. Rest in peace. Pat
	__________________ Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Sarah Connor: Maybe if you spend your life hiding who you are, you might finally end up fooling yourself. - From the episode "Gnothi Seauton."

02-25-2006, 07:20 PM	#4
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107
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02-25-2006, 07:21 PM	#5
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,406	Darn, I missed the news by 30 minutes thanks to computer problems, One of my favorite actors and a true genius who gave so many laughs to millions of viewers as both Barney Fife & Ralph Furley. Today is truely a sad day for fan's of both series. R.I.P. Don
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

02-25-2006, 07:23 PM	#6
ClassicTube Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 17, 2005 Posts: 33	One of the greatest of the great comedic actors in American history is gone. There's a nice obit in The Los Angeles Times - it says Andy Griffith, his lifelong friend - was one of the last to visit him last night at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. One of a kind. He will be missed. Goodbye, Don. -

02-25-2006, 07:30 PM	#7
JeffRuss1972 70s Sitcoms Rule!!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 11, 2005 Location: Villa Rica, GA Posts: 1,257	Very sad news. He was always a reason to tune in to Andy Griffith or Three's Company. Rest in peace, Barney. You finally made it to the real Mayberry.
	__________________ Previously JalanRuss for a SHORT time, but got my OLD Username Back! Hello Again Last edited by JeffRuss1972; 02-26-2006 at 12:14 AM.

02-25-2006, 07:31 PM	#8
staypuftman2004 NWO-4-LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Sep 01, 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,450	Rest In Peace Mr. Knotts Don Knotts
	__________________ www.freewebs.com/staypuftman2004

02-25-2006, 07:44 PM	#9
howilu Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 20, 2003 Location: St. Louis Park, MN Posts: 1,962	Don Knotts created one of the greatest sitcom characters of all-time in Barney Fife. He was the key to the show's success. It just wasn't the same after he left.

02-25-2006, 07:51 PM	#10
Sid Little Mac and Doc Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 150	So Long Barney Say hi to Aunt Bee, Floyd, Otis, Helen, and Ernest T. Bass .
	__________________ from South Park Jimmy: Okay. Try this one on for size: Why did the... pigeon cross the road? Cartman: Okay, why? Jimmy: Because it was having sex with the chihi... Because it was having sex with the ch-hi-hi... Because it was having sex with the ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch... eh, it was having sex with the ch-ch-hiicken

02-25-2006, 09:16 PM	#11
Wheeler Sloane The Power Of FIRE Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 08, 2006 Location: North America Posts: 3,264	OMG! Don Knotts 1924-2006 I can not believe it! Such a shame

02-25-2006, 09:17 PM	#12
TV Watcher Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 28, 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 57	Don Knotts, created the best sidekick in TV sitcom history. We'll miss you .

02-25-2006, 11:36 PM	#14
detroit_fan Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Nov 16, 2005 Posts: 3	this is a very sad day. andy & barney are my favorite tv charecters and will always hold a special place in my heart. my prayers are with his family. thank you for all the great laughs don, and i hope to pass on your amazing work to my children. Thank You & R.I.P.

02-25-2006, 11:40 PM	#15
ClassicTVGal Traveler Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 26, 2004 Posts: 3,457	Don will definately be missed. I can't believe he's gone, but it must have been his time to go, which is still sad. God Bless to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with them too.