Before His Death, Don Knotts Reveals A TERRIFYING Secret

the popular character actor first entered America's hearts and homes more than 40 years ago has died he was 81 years old all I'm saying is that there are some things beyond the can the Mortal man that shouldn't be tampered with give it everything you got H if education was easy our schools would be filled with children Don knots was one of the most iconic American actors and comedians best known for his scene stealing role of sheriff Barney F on The Andy Griffith Show for which he earned five Emmy Awards the actor maintained a positive reputation for most of his career even referred to by some as America's favorite Deputy however he was not immune to the theories and rumors aimed at anyone in the public eye today we will look at the incredible life and story of Don knots and the terrifying secret he revealed just before his death before we can unveil the terrifying reasons behind Don Knot's retirement we first must understand the Demons of his childhood and his greatest critic his father the turbulent childhood of Don knots knots was born Jesse Donald knots on July 21st 1924 in Morgantown West Virginia the youngest of four Sons knot was the last child of farmers William Jesse knots and Elsie Letta knots the two married in sprigs Pennsylvania after Williams's ancestors immigrated to America from England his brothers were Willis William and Ralph when knot was born his mother was 40 years old additionally his father struggled with schizophrenia and alcoholism causing him to turn his life inward at a relatively early age according to a source close to the family Jesse regularly terrorized the knots Clan he was twice confined in the State Mental Hospital after threatening his wife with a butcher knife he wrote those stays brought Don moments of relative peace in the family home in 1937 a 13-year-old knot experienced the death of his father due to complications related to pneumonia consequently he and his brothers were raised by their mother who had recently taken over a boarding house in Morgantown after his father's death knot started to come into his own his father had been an active abuser of the knots family and took a particular interest in terrorizing Dawn his passing served as a blessing and a curse for the family finally freeing them from his oppressive ways but never truly fading away nonetheless Don knots was relieved to finally be rid of his oppressor however his brother William died in 1941 at the age of 31 before entering High School knots performed as a ventriloquist and comedian at local school and church functions despite his shyness knots recognized his inner desire to perform and his time as a ventriloquist would cement this desire while preparing him for his future career he quickly showcased his tar power Charisma and Talent on stage it was clear to everyone in the audience that Don knots was destined to be a star knots graduated from Morgantown High School in 1942 after graduating he moved to New York to pursue his ventriloquist career but was unsuccessful he returned home and enrolled at West Virginia University before enlisting in the United States Army during World War II assigned to the 6,817 special services Battalion as a non-combatant soldier not spent the majority of his service entertaining troops as part of a specialized entertainment unit at just 19 years old knots had already begun showing potential as a comedian utilizing his talents within various Avenues such as performing in comedic skits and entertaining soldiers in the Pacific Theater at the Pacific Theater knots performed in an army sponsored variety show called stars and gripes exercising his ventriloquy skills with a dummy named Danny Hooch Matador Over time however reports indicate that Nots began to resent the dummy one legendary story claims that knots left the dummy on a beach and later reported it as missing in action another report suggests knots threw the dummy overboard after a fellow Soldier assured knots that he was funny with or without Hooch not served from June 21st 1943 to January 6th 195 6 during which he achieved the rank of technician grade five then equivalent to Corporal during his service he was awarded the Philippine Liberation medal the Asiatic Pacific campaign medal the army Good Conduct Medal the World War II Victory Medal the American campaign medal the Army Marksman badge and The Honorable service lapel pin after being discharged knots returned to Morgantown and re-enrolled at WVU by 1948 he' graduated college and he quickly married K Mets the couple moved back to New York City where knots utilized some of the connections he'd made in the special services Branch to help him break into the entertainment industry knots worked as a stand-up comedian at clubs performed on radio shows and went on auditions eventually he was given the part of Wendy Wales on a radio Western called Bobby Benson and the BB Barb Riders not's Big Break came when he was given aart in search for tomorrow a popular soap opera he appeared on the show from 1953 to 1955 he portrayed Wilbur Peterson a nebish character who was a frequent customer at the show's fictional hamburger joint Nat's performance in search for tomorrow helped showcase his comedic talents and laid the groundwork for his later success as a comedian and actor in television and film early career in The Andy Griffith Show knots entered the spotlight immediately as soon as he stepped onto the scene he found success and eventually roles in films and plays knots appeared in the Broadway production of No Time for Sergeants where he played two roles listed in the play bill as Corporal manual dexterity and a preacher the play ran from October 20th 1955 to September 14th 1957 in 1956 knots came to fame on screen he got his television break on Steve Allen's variety show knots was a part of Allen's Repertory company always playing an extremely nervous man notably in Allen's mock man in the street interviews he worked with Allen through the 1959 to 1960 television season in 1958 he made his film debut alongside Andy Griffith in the movie adaption of No Time for Sergeants the story revolves around a country bumpkin named will Stockdale played by Andy Griffith who is drafted into the United States Air Force Don knots played the role of Corporal John C Brown a somewhat eccentric and nervous character who interacts with Will Stockdale the film succeeded and contributed to Don Knot's Rising popularity in the entertainment industry it is worth noting that this collaboration between knots and griffith would Mark the beginning of their iconic Hollywood partnership in 1960 Andy Griffith was offered his own sitcom The Andy Griffith Show would become a staple in classic American Comedy airing from 1960 to 196 68 and featuring a Litany of ultra talented stars and creators created by Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas the show was a spin-off of an episode from the Danny Thomas Show titled Danny meets Andy Griffith the series was set in the fictional town of Mayberry North Carolina and centered around the lives of sheriff Andy Taylor played by Andy Griffith and his family friends and the quirky residents of Mayberry Don knots was cast as the bumbling yet lovable deputy sheriff Barney F the chemistry between Andy Griffith and Don knots contributed significantly to the show's success the comedic interplay between Andy's laid-back approach and Barney's High Strung Antics was Central to the show's humor knots was praised for his skillful juxtaposition to Griffith's collected role when the show first aired it was reported that Griffith was initially intended to play the comedic lead similar to their roles in No Time for Sergeants knots was set to play the straight man opposite Griffith's hysteria however as soon as not stepped on the scene it was clear to the producers that the roles were better cast reversely Griffith confirmed this by the second episode I knew that Dawn should be funny and I should play straight on October 3rd 1960 the first episode of The Andy Griffith Show aired on CBS viewers readily welcomed Griffith as the drawling Charming Sheriff Taylor even becoming known as America's favorite Sheriff during the show shows run however knots was the real star to watch on the variety show stealing the hearts and funny bones of everyone who watched Don knots was praised for his impeccable comedic timing and unique delivery his ability to convey humor through facial expressions physical comedy and his distinctive voice contributed to the enduring popularity of Barney F knots was a scene stealer despite the fact that F was a side character he infused the role with depth and vulnerability allowing viewers to empathize with the character and make F more well-rounded knots would receive an unbelievable five Primetime Emmy Awards for outstanding performance by an actor in a supporting role in a comedy series for his performance on The Andy Griffith Show in 1961 1962 1963 1966 and 1967 these Awards reflect the critical recognition of his outstanding contribution to the show during during production knots was under the impression that The Andy Griffith Show would end after five seasons therefore he began looking for other work signing a five-film contract with Universal Studios in 1964 knots had already gained popularity for his role as Barney Fe and the agreement with Universal Pictures allowed him to Showcase his comedic talents on the big screen knots left the Andy Griffith Show in 1965 in his autobiography notot confessed that he had yet to sign the contract when Griffith announced the show's continuation however believing he would not get a second chance at the opportunity not signed with universal in an endearing show of respect and support for knots The Andy Griffith Show explained Deputy F's absence due to him making it big time in the Raleigh Police Force after his departure he reprised his role as Barney F several times throughout the 1960s his guest appearances on The Andy Griffith Show earned Nots two additional Emmy Awards knots later appeared in Mayberry RFD the spin-off to The Andy Griffith Show guest starring in the episode depicting the marriage of Andy Taylor and his long-term love interest Helen Crump Life After Mayberry when knots left the Andy Griffith Show in the fictional town of Mayberry he didn't entirely abandon Barney F's Charming qualities in his next stretch of work he drew on F's High Strung onscreen persona before embarking on the five film contract with universal knots appeared in United Artists it's a mad mad mad world 1963 and starred in Warner Brothers The Incredible Mr Limpet 1964 in 1964 knots divorced Katherine Mets with whom he had been married since 1947 during their marriage they gave birth to Thomas and Karen knots the latter of whom went on to become an actress after his divorce from Mets notot raised Karen as a single parent part of the reason notot left Griffith's variety show was his impression that the state of Television was subpar in an interview with Pensacola News Journal in 1966 the comedian elaborated on the subject the big change in TV today is that they have gone mostly to half hour situation comedies he said I think TV could be better but it is in a rut the first film not starred in for Universal was The Ghost and Mr Chicken 1966 the film combined elements of comedy and Mild horror as Luther hegs not's character tried to unravel the Mysteries surrounding the elusive Simmons mansion and its ghostly reputation the film was well received and marked the first installment of Nat's iconic stint with universal this was followed by The Reluctant astronaut 1967 the shakiest gun in the world 1968 the love God 1969 and how to frame of fig 1971 this concluded his contract with universal throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s Don KN served as the spokesperson for Dodge trucks he was prominently featured in brochures ads and dealership postings in the fall of 1970 the Don KN show premiered worldwide the show was a blend of variety and sitcom stylings serving as not's attempt to replicate the magic of Griffith's self-titled Endeavor the program included sketch comedy musical performances and celebrity guest appearances every Tuesday night a new episode premiered featuring knots in various comedic sketches and interacting with a roster of guest stars the Don KN show aimed to showcase the Stars comedic talents in multiple situations despite Knot's popularity and talent the show had a relatively short run lasting only one season an ending in 1971 while knots was a beloved and talented actor the variety show format didn't resonate with audiences in the same way it did when he starred on The Andy Griffith Show the sketches and segments varied widely in quality and some audiences may have missed the more straightforward and character-driven comedy they were accustomed to from knots additionally the show faced stiff competition from other programs in its time slot specific titles such as The Flip Wilson Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show contributed to not struggle to outshine his contemporaries this harsh comparison to his peers and his precious work served as a hurdle in itself he had achieved tremendous success while on Griffith's variety show and like many successful artists knots was faced with unforgiving audiences viewers missed the chemistry and charm displayed by knots in some of his previous Works after the failure of his self-titled variety show Don knots frequently appeared on other shows like Here's Lucy In The Bill Cosby Show despite the short-lived fate of the Don kns show knots remained well-loved by fans and fellow actors in 1970 knots appeared on the new Andy Griffith Show as an intentionally Barney fik police officer he continued to take on roles similar to Barney F's characterization for example he was featured in two episodes of the new Scooby-Doo movies in which he played an animated version of himself in Guess who's coming to dinner and the Spooky fog of Juneberry not's next venture would be into the world of stage performing he played the role of Felix uner in Neil Simons The Odd Couple alongside Art Carney as Oscar Madison additionally he toured in Neil Simon's comedy last of the red hot lovers during this time he remarried Laura Lee chukna in 1974 but the couple divorced in 1983 knots comes back strong after a few uncertain years that were hard to navigate after his departure from The Andy Griffith Show it appeared to some that da knots was headed down a road toward retirement after the failure of his own variety show and some questionable roles knots was ready to take back his glory beginning in 1975 knots embarked on a partnership with Tim Conway in which the duo created a series of slapstick comedy films aimed at children including Disney's The Apple Dumpling Gang 1975 and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again 1979 the film showcased Nots range and impeccable timing as a comedic actor additionally they exposed a new generation to the star further cementing him as an onscreen Legend in 1979 knots made his long-awaited return to television he starred in Threes Company portraying his second most identifiable role as an actor knots played the offbeat yet lovable landlord Ralph Furley Three's Company had already been established as a hit television series and Knots was cast following the departure of Stanley and Helen rooper the show's former landlord who left to star in a spin-off series Nat's character became a welcomed addition to the show and he was once again able to Showcase his comedic talents properly from a significant platform Ralph Furley was beloved for his eccentric and flamboyant demeanor which knots expertly displayed the comedian made an even larger impression on the cast and crew with whom he seamlessly integrated himself upon his arrival on set John Ritter one of not's co-stars on thre's company recalled the already established cast being so scared of knots because of his Celebrity Status another castmate claimed that some of Knot's scenes needed to be reshot because he was so hysterical that the entire cast and crew would lose composure the show's script supervisor Carol Summers soon became the comedian's agent additionally she frequently accompanied him to personal appearances in 1981 Knot's co-star Susanna Summers left the show due to a contractual disagreement as a result the writers began providing Knot's furly with material meant for Summers Chrissy this added a new Dynamic to the show and remained successful until its finale in 1984 in 1986 returned to the town of Mayberry alongside Andy Griffith for the television film return to Mayberry reprising his role of Barney F knots provided fans of the show will a highly anticipated final performance of the character the movie was generally well-received and provided a nostalgic reunion for viewers who had fond memories of the classic series it allowed audiences to revisit the Beloved characters and setting that made The Andy Griffith Show a Timeless television classic in 1987 knots joined the cast of what a country the first run syndication comedy program in its remaining 13 episodes knots played principal Bud mcferson during this period he was reunited with producers Martin rips and Joseph stesy who had previously worked on thre's company in 1988 knots joined the television series Matlock where he was joined by his longtime collaborator Andy Griffith knots played the recurring role of Les Calhoun the pest neighbor until 1992 this would be the comedian's final recurring role as an actor leading many to theorize about the star's personal life the end of an era in the later years of Don Knot's life he took on less frequent and lower Stakes roles he made a cameo appearance in the film big bully 1996 and played a minor yet crucial role as the TV repair man in Pleasantville 19 1998 1998 was also the year in which his hometown of Morgantown West Virginia renamed South University Avenue to knots Boulevard on what was henceforth known as Don knots day also on that day he was named an honorary deputy sheriff with the manalis county sheriff's department in honor of his role as Barney F in 2000 notot received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame knots continued to work as a stage actor but he limited his roles on television and in films to voice acting work in 2002 he appeared in the Scooby-Doo night of 100 frights video game and he teamed up with Tim Conway again in 2003 to provide voices for Herby and Friends a direct to video children Series in 2005 knots provided the voice of Mayor turkey turkey in Chicken Little his first Disney film since 1979 also in 2002 knots remarried to Francis yarboro for the third and final time a close friend of knots Alo said Don was somewhat of a ladies man he fancied himself something of a Frank Sinatra the ladies loved him and he dated quite a bit on September 12th 2003 Nots performed in a stage version of On Golden Pond in Kansas City he received a phone call from John Ritter's family telling him that the star longtime friend and co-star on thre's company had died that day of an aortic dissection knots had been the last Threes Company star to work with Ritter who earlier in 2003 joined knots for a cameo in eight simple rules for dating my teenage daughter an episode that pays homage to The Andy Griffith Show 4 days later after notot received the tragic phone call he and several fellow co-stars from thre's company attended the funeral by this point in his life knots was privately struggling against macular degeneration he kept the information a secret until the early 2000s when he revealed the terrifying reason for his acting retirement macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina and can lead to a loss of vision in the center of the visual field it often occurs with aging and likely contributed to the comedian's decision to avoid the spotlight he was affected in both eyes causing him to become virtually blind not subsequently made a few rare appearances on television however he still had a few tricks up his sleeve in 2005 knots appeared in a desperate housewife sketch during the third annual TV Land Awards in which he parodied Ralph Furley while playing a Ralph young variation he parodied the role of Furley one final time in an episode of That 70s Show Stone Cold crazy where he played the landlord this would be Knot's final live action appearance on TV his final role was as the voice of the sheriff's deputy dog in a direct video sequel of airbud titled Air Buddies 2006 Don knots died at the age of 81 on February 24th 206 at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles his passing was due to pulmonary and respiratory complications from pneumonia related to lung cancer which he had been privately battling in the months leading up to his death knots underwent treatment at the hospital but he returned to his La home after reportedly feeling symptoms of improvement not was buried at Westwood Memorial Park in addition to his discreet medical Journey knots was a hypochondriac one of his co-stars on The Andy Griffith Show described him as very quiet sweet and nothing like Barney F Don knots had an inconceivable impact on television and comedy beloved by an entire generation for his exceptional talents a TV writer Mary vaner called knots the most beloved person in all of Show Business a testament to the actor Legacy and irresistible Charisma while Barney F was his most famous role knot showcased his versatility by taking on various comedic characters in both television and film he demonstrated his talent for physical comedy wit and charm in various projects The Andy Griffith Show provided the platform for Don Knot's breakthrough earning him five Emmy Awards for his role as Barney F his contribution to the show's success and cultural impact is undeniable and helped open the doors to different avenues for the comedian Beyond television not starred in popular films including The Ghost and Mr Chicken The Reluctant astronaut and the Incredible Mr Limpet even after his departure from The Andy Griffith Show knots continued to collaborate with Andy Griffith in various projects including the film return to Mayberry which served as a reunion for the cast and reignited the Public's love for the world of the show the era in which knots and griffith ruled the TV stations continues to be cherished by recently introduced viewers and original Watchers of the show Don Knot's inescapable influence even more so than he was adored for his acting performances knots remains a pivotal figure in the history of Comedy leaving an indelible Mark with his unique comedic style and memorable characters he was best known for his exceptional skills in physical comedy his expressive face distinctive voice and impeccable timing contributed to his ability to generate laughs through body language and facial expressions knots helped popularize the archetype of fictional characters who are nervous quirky and endearing his ability to take on roles that showcased vulnerability and likability helped establish a comedic archetype that other comedians have emulated following his death Nots obituaries concluded that he acted as a major influence on contemporary comedians in 2011 his granite headstone was replaced with a bronze plaque showcasing the actor's most iconic roles in film and television in 2016 Jamie Lester unveiled an honorary statue of Don knots in front of the Metropolitan theater in Morgantown knots onscreen chemistry particularly with Andy Griffith was a key factor in the success of the Andy Griffith Show the dynamic between knots and griffith set a precedent for comedic Duos that rely on the interplay between contrasting personalities for instance comedic Duos like Harold and Kumar likely take inspiration from Griffith and Knot's collaborative efforts however knot remains a role model for thousands of aspiring creatives who are born into less than privileged situations after a rocky childhood with a physically abusive father knots was able to use comedy to help himself and his siblings move on from their shortcomings at several points during his childhood not's siblings have recalled their father holding a knife to the Future Barney F's throat given his father's prolonged erratic Behavior knots probably believed that he wouldn't even live to go on his first audition however notot story is one of positivity and welcomed surprises the actor and comedian enjoyed a prolific well-received career on the screen and behind the microphone his performances as Barney F and Ralph Furley are Testaments to his determination and natural-born Talent even while on his deathbed knots was reportedly still the life of the party Karen knots has said he was literally dying but he did something or said something that caused my stepmother and me to go into fits of laughter which is why I ran out I thought to myself I don't want to be standing there in front of this man my dearly beloved father who's dying and laughing unlike knots Karen was blessed with a father who saw the humorous side of life and relished in making others feel feel Joy notot gave to Karen what his own father refused to give to him when not's father died when the boy was 13 a tremendous burden was lifted off of his shoulders and allowed him to excel even though knots was booked and busy whilst raising Karen as a single parent he tried to involve his daughter a much as he could I remember watching and listening to him rehearse he asked me to run lines at the time I already knew I wanted to act so I would try to act it out and he'd say no no no just give me the line straight no inflection nothing otherwise you throw me off I was just part of that process in the end it was not's Charisma and lovable demeanor which encouraged Karen to pursue an acting career she has carried her father's torch and appearances in Mayberry man and return to Mayberry when remembering her father Karen recalls that he was incredibly loving he didn't like to go out and do things like you picture most fathers going out and doing you know outdoorsy stuff because he was a very internal kind of person he liked to tell stories and talk we talked about Show Business a lot he was a Showbiz person thank you for tuning in before you go take a moment to explore one of the other videos displayed on your screen trust me you will want to take advantage of this

Channel: The Ultimate Expedition

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Keywords: Before His Death, Don Knotts, Reveals, TERRIFYING Secret, TERRIFYING, Secret, Don, knotts, iconic american actor, comedian, Sheriff Barney Fife, The Andy Griffith Show, ultiamte expedition, ultimate, expedition

Id: 0gcNoFvfYFI

Length: 29min 20sec (1760 seconds)

Published: Fri May 17 2024