Trivia

Don ceased to be a regular on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) after 1965 because originally, the show's 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.

Was longtime friends with the late John Ritter. When he was on stage in Kansas City, doing "On Golden Pond", he received a phone call about Ritter's death. He attended the funeral on September 15, 2003, just four days after Ritter's death. Before that, Knotts had appeared with Ritter one final time in a cameo on 8 Simple Rules (2002). It was an episode that paid homage to their earlier television series. Knotts was the last Three's Company (1976) star to work with him.

Was a ventriloquist in his early years from out of high school and his doll was named Danny.

Received his Bachelor's degree in Education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia (1948). He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.

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.

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.

Together with Tom Poston and Louis Nye, he did the recurring "Man on the Street" skits on The Steve Allen Plymouth Show (1956).

The youngest of four brothers, Don Knotts' family life was troubled. His father twice threatened his mother with a knife and later spent time in mental hospitals, while an elder brother Earl -- nicknamed "Shadow" because of his thinness -- died of asthma in 1942 when Knotts was still a teenager.

His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series Dave the Barbarian (2004).

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 19, 2000.

Made a rare public appearance at the "Ray and Sharon Court's Hollywood Collector's Show" in North Hollywood, California with his The Andy Griffith Show (1960) 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. (April 2000)

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.

Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting.

Older brother "Shadow" died of asthma in 1942.

Died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver.

Buried among the stars at Westwood Memorial Park. 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California.

Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19.

"Andy & Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show" was written by Daniel de Vise, brother-in-law of Don Knotts' third wife, Frances Yarborough.

Father of Karen Knotts and Thomas Knotts. Cousin of Jodi Knotts.

Received a special tribute as part of the In Memoriam tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007).

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.

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) (Actors' Branch).

Had portrayed Windy Wales on Mutual Radio's "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders" (1949-1955).

He was of English, along with German, Irish/Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, and distant Dutch, descent.

Off-screen, Andy Griffith would call him "Jesse", his actual first name.