What was Don Knotts’ Net Worth?
Don Knotts, the American comedian and actor, had a net worth of $20 million at the time of his death in 2006, adjusted for inflation. He was best known for his roles as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show” and landlord Ralph Furley in “Three’s Company.”
Born Jesse John Knotts in Morgantown, West Virginia, in 1924, his parents were of English descent, with roots tracing back to 1700s America. His father was an alcoholic farmer who suffered from abusive bouts of schizophrenia and was bedridden at the time of Don’s birth. After his oldest brother died of pneumonia, Don and his two remaining brothers were raised by their mother at the boarding house she operated.
Don had an early interest in comedy and performing, often putting on ventriloquist shows around town. After graduating from high school, he briefly pursued jobs as an entertainer in New York City before returning home to attend West Virginia University.
His college education was interrupted when he was drafted in 1943 to serve in the Army’s Special Services Branch as a member of a military comedy troupe, where he focused on ventriloquism. He had a ventriloquist act called “Stars and Gripes” that he grew to despise so much that he tossed its signature dummy, Danny, overboard. During his time in the military, he had the opportunity to both network with other entertainers and sharpen his comedy routines. He returned to West Virginia from his service in 1948.
Early Career and Breakthrough
After graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in education, Knotts pursued a show business career in New York City. He landed his first major television role in 1953 on the soap opera “Searching for Tomorrow.” Knotts’ recognition as a comedian grew when he was featured on the 1959-1960 season of Steve Allen’s variety show. He then took a leading part in the star-studded Broadway play “No Time for Sergeants” where he became acquainted with Andy Griffith. The play was adapted from a television series, which starred Griffith, that was based on a novel. After the play closed, it was adapted into a film starring both Griffith and Knotts.
Don Knotts’ Career Highlights
Don Knotts played a leading role in “The Andy Griffith Show” as a bumbling Sheriff’s deputy, earning five Emmy’s for his performances. He left the show to pursue a film career but returned to reprise his role in later seasons. He signed a five-film contract with Universal Studios and starred in family-friendly comedies such as “The Reluctant Astronaut” and “The Shakiest Gun in the West.” His own variety show, “The Don Knotts Show,” aired in 1970 but was cancelled due to poor ratings and low viewership.
Acting Career Highlights
Don Knotts worked consistently throughout the early 70s, mainly sticking to guest appearances on television. He returned to film in 1975, working on two independent films and having leading and supporting roles in Disney films. He joined the popular sitcom “Three’s Company” in 1979, playing an eccentric landlord, Mr. Furley, for five seasons until the show’s end in 1984. His portrayal of Mr. Furley was as beloved as his character in “The Andy Griffith Show.” He reunited with his former castmates for a tv movie special, “Return to Mayberry,” in 1986. Throughout the late 80s and 90s, he primarily took parts as a guest star on television or minor character in film.
Don Knotts’ Personal Life and Health Struggles
Don Knotts was married three times, first to Kathryn Metz from 1947 to 1964, with whom he had two children. He then married Loralee Czuchna in 1974, but they divorced in 1983. His last marriage was to actress Francey Yarborough in 2002, which lasted until his death in 2006.
Knotts suffered from depression, anxiety, and hypochondria throughout his life, and struggled with an inferiority complex even after becoming a successful comedian. He was diagnosed with macular degeneration at 57 and continued to work until he was no longer able to drive due to his deteriorating eyesight.
In the early 2000s, Knotts was diagnosed with lung cancer, and his last film role was as a voice actor in Disney’s “Chicken Little.” He died at age 81 from complications related to his cancer. Andy Griffith, his good friend and frequent costar, was one of the last people to leave his bedside. Griffith fought for a statue of Knotts to be placed in his hometown, but others wanted it to resemble his most recognizable character, Deputy Barney Fife.
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