My thoughts on…Don Knotts’ death
March 2nd 2006 -
Don Knotts, actor, comedian, dead at 81. This is old news by now. Originally, I had no intention of publishing a post about his death, but today’s a pretty boring day and, well, I have nothing else to talk about. That doesn’t mean that he had any less of an impact on my life however. In fact, he was one of my favourite comedians growing up. I knew him then as Three’s Company’s Mr. Furley, landlord and wannabe swinger. Earlier in my life I also knew him as Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. But I never really paid much attention to the show back then, because except for cartoons, only TV shows in glorious colour could capture my attention.
I saw about a minute of it on TV Land yesterday, and it was a pretty good show, but back then I was too interested in Power Rangers and Transformers to care. TV Land is going to have a marathon of Don Knotts shows on the weekend, and you can bet I’ll be tuning in. I also saw Larry King Live last night, where Larry was talking to Don Knotts’ friends and family. And for the first time in years, I saw Joyce DeWitt! You have to understand, seeing her is like seeing the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot or a former Spice Girl. She’s been off the air for a long while. So long that they’ve even made jokes on TV shows about where she is! I also saw Andy Griffith. He ages well. Doesn’t look much older than he was in the days of Matlock.
Apart from those two legendary roles, he appeared in 5 other TV series and over 25 films. I was surprised at his body of work. He was also a WWII veteran, performing as, what else, a comedian. Everything about him evoked laughter, from his bulging eyes and goofy expressions to his bumbling mannerisms and lanky frame. He willingly played the fool, abasing himself for the entertainment of others. And through this abasement, he gained great status. Thank you Don, for giving us some of the greatest characters of our generation. Rest in peace.
Abeni Says:
March 2nd, 2006 at 7:48 pm
I used to love him on those two shows as well.Any idea how old Andy is-he looks real good! unfortunately,we not getting TVland due to some satellite problems..sigh
Semaj Says:
March 3rd, 2006 at 12:00 am
Don Knotts was 81 when he died.
That was a good post.
I’m the same way, I never watched him on his big roles. I still remember his little short guest spots on Matlock. He was a funny guy and paved the way for others.
Thanks for droping by my blog, BTW
insain in the membrain Says:
March 3rd, 2006 at 12:04 am
Thanks for stopping by!
My grandma was also a big fan and i know she was very sad.
Renée Says:
March 3rd, 2006 at 9:35 am
“… seeing her is like seeing the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot or a former Spice Girl.”
LOL!
Mr. Knotts was a very funny man. May he rest in peace.
Grandma Jeannie Says:
March 3rd, 2006 at 10:00 am
I grew up watching the Andy Griffith show–Ron Howard, the famous director was little Opie and Don Knotts was loveable, goofy Barnie. One of my favorite movies that he was in is the “Apple Dumpling Gang”–a fun wholesome movie. Thanks for a nice post.
cube Says:
March 3rd, 2006 at 1:20 pm
For some reason I’m remembering that back in the day they used to call her Joyce De-Half-Witt.
Loved Knotts. For days I’ve been trying to remember his character’s name on the old Matlock series.
Zach Cone Says:
March 5th, 2006 at 12:39 am
I first knew of him from my cherished childhood movie Herbie the love bug. I remeber when I saw Pleasantville I was suprised he was still alive. He was a great guy I have seen more of his worknow and I will always remeber him.