A preening blowhard, Fife is so comically incompetent that today we’d see him as a cautionary tale against nepotism, maybe even white privilege. One recurring sight gag was Barney nearly shooting himself in the foot with his own gun. That’s less funny today, as our nation addresses the crisis of police shootings of civilians.
Full Answer
How did Barney Fife get his name?
According to Andy Griffith, the character of Barney Fife was suggested by Don Knotts himself. At the same time that The Steve Allen Show was ending, Knotts was looking for work. When he saw the episode of The Danny Thomas Show featuring Andy Taylor, he called Griffith suggesting that his sheriff character might reasonably need a deputy.
Who is Barney Fife on Andy Griffith?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Bernard "Barney" Fife is a fictional character in the American television program The Andy Griffith Show, portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts. Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow-paced, sleepy southern community of Mayberry, North Carolina.
Why did Barney Fife leave Mayberry?
Barney becomes a hero in Raleigh when visiting Andy helps him solve a string of robberies. When Don Knotts left the series in 1965 to pursue film roles, the character Barney Fife was said to have left Mayberry to join the police department in Raleigh.
What is Barney Fife's profession?
Don Knotts created Deputy Barney Fife as a hyper-kinetic but a comically inept counterpart to Mayberry's practical and composed Sheriff Andy Taylor. Sometimes considered a blowhard with delusions of grandeur, Barney fancies himself an expert on firearms, women, singing, and just about any other topic of conversation brought up while he is around.
Who suggested Barney Fife?
Where is Barney Fife?
What episode did Barney appear in?
Why did Fife leave the Andy Griffith Show?
Why did Don Knotts leave the show?
What does Barney panic about?
What is Barney Fife's personality?
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About this website
Did Barney Fife carry a gun?
After becoming a detective on the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department, Barney Fife (Don Knotts) carried a Colt Detective Special, which he wore in a crossdraw belt holster.
Where did Barney Fife keep his bullet?
shirt pocketIn an attempt to protect both public safety and the Deputy himself, the sheriff gave him only one bullet which he had to carry in his shirt pocket. Barney's attempt to get that bullet into his gun was the cause of many comedic moments in the show.
What were Don Knotts last words?
While his final words were not recorded, Knott's Daughter, Karen Knotts, recalls having to leave the room to laugh out loud. Long-time friend and co-star Andy Griffith was also at Knott's bedside during his final moments. Griffith gave Knotts words of encouragement, saying “Jess (Don's real name), breathe.
Why did Barney Fife leave the show?
Fife appeared on The Andy Griffith Show from the show's beginning in 1960 until 1965, when Knotts left the show to pursue a career in feature films. It is explained that Fife had left Mayberry to take a job as a detective in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Why did Andy Griffith not carry a gun?
When it was brought up that Andy never carried a gun as sheriff, Griffith replied, “The real reason I didn't wear one is I didn't want that weight on my hip.” “I didn't know that,” Knotts said. “You didn't?” Griffith asked.
What does the P stand for in Barney Fife name?
Bernard P. Milton Oliver FifeFull Name. Bernard P. Milton Oliver Fife. Occupation. Mayberry Sheriff's Office (former Deputy Sheriff)
Is Thelma Lou still alive from Andy Griffith?
Betty Lynn, who portrayed Thelma Lou, the patient girlfriend of Barney Fife, the bumbling deputy sheriff of the homespun town of Mayberry in the long-running 1960s sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show,” died on Saturday in Mount Airy, N.C. She was 95. The death was announced by the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, Mr.
Where is Andy Griffith buried?
July 3, 2012Andy Griffith / Date of burial
What was Andy Griffith worth at death?
Andy Griffith net worth: Andy Griffith was an American actor and singer who had a net worth of $60 million at the time of his death....Andy Griffith Net Worth.Net Worth:$60 MillionDate of Birth:Jun 1, 1926 - Jul 3, 2012 (86 years old)Gender:MaleHeight:6 ft (1.83 m)2 more rows
Did Don Knotts and Andy Griffith get along?
For five pivotal years, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts partnered on The Andy Griffith Show to become one of the greatest television comedy teams. Their on-screen chemistry mirrored their friendship in real life. As much as the two men were close, the same could not be said for their spouses.
How old was Don Knotts when he died?
81 years (1924–2006)Don Knotts / Age at death
Why did The Andy Griffith Show end so abruptly?
Griffith's longtime manager, Richard Linke, told book author Richard Kelly, “Andy had gotten to the point where he was physically and mentally tired and felt he couldn't add any more to the character,” he said. And so, after eight years, The Andy Griffith Show ended its run.
Andy Griffith Dead: Actor Buried Hours Later - ABC News
July 4, 2012— -- Legendary actor and comedian Andy Griffith was laid to rest quickly, buried by family less than five hours after he died. Griffith's body was placed in a grave on Roanoke ...
Who played Barney Fife in Step by Step?
Barney Fife in "Step by Step". Don Knotts appeared as Barney Fife on an episode of "The Joey Bishop Show" ("Joey's Hideaway Cabin") and the pilot episode of The New Andy Griffith Show, with Andy Griffith playing the character of Andy Sawyer. He also performed with Andy and Jim Nabors in The Andy Griffith-Don Knotts-Jim Nabors Show.
What does Barney suggest to Andy in The Keeper of the Flame?
In The Keeper of the Flame, when Jubile Foster accuses a group of kids (which includes Andy's own son Opie) of burning down his barn, Barney suggests to Andy that they conduct a "line-up", where they "call in every kid in Mayberry", presumably to line them all up for serious questioning.
Why was Barney absent from Andy and Don?
According to Daniel De Vise's book, Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show, Don Knotts begged for time off during his time on the show, which would explain why Barney was absent from time-to-time during the first five seasons.
What episode does Barney get revenge on Andy?
Nonetheless, Barney still has his rare moments of courage and loyalty. Two episodes demonstrate Barney's ability to rise up to challenges. In the second season episode, Andy on Trial, a millionaire wants revenge on Andy for giving him a traffic ticket.
Why was Barney not in the Mayberry choir?
Although, due to audition nerves , Barney missed his chance to be included in the folk album recorded in the episode Mayberry on Record, his performance talents range from the Harmonica, Bongo Drums, Cymbals, stage acting, and many types of dancing. He also has a trained singing voice which is arguably on par with Leonard Blush. He was frequently a member of the Mayberry choir but was once excluded due to receiving a cash award, making him ineligible for competitions.
What is Barney known for?
A gossip and gadfly, Barney is known for blabbing both personal and police secrets (such as Andy's scrutiny of women's rings at the jewelry store, or the locale and time of a stakeout or arrival of an armored car). While this may expose him as a halfwit, Barney is at heart a caring, amiable soul.
What is Barney's role in the Manhunt?
In The Manhunt, Barney orders everyone off the streets in front of the courthouse after a famous convicted criminal escapes from prison, claiming that "there's gonna be trouble around here!". In The Keeper of the Flame, when Jubile Foster accuses a group of kids (which includes Andy's own son Opie) of burning down his barn, Barney suggests to Andy that they conduct a "line-up", where they "call in every kid in Mayberry", presumably to line them all up for serious questioning. Andy immediately refuses the idea and the two proceed to leave the site of the burning barn, having finished their work there. Although once in the car, Barney once again unsuccessfully tries to suggest the line-up again. On numerous other occasions, Barney swears in additional deputies, usually consisting of delinquents like Gomer Pyle, who is horrible with guns, or Otis Campbell, the town drunk. He does this anytime he fears Andy to be in any grave danger; of course, Andy is far from danger in any of these cases.
Where does Barney shoot his gun in Andy Griffith?
The Andy Griffith Show. Barney shoots his gun in front of Andy and Gomer. Barney Gets His Man, Barney shoots the gun in the barn while he is frightened and hits a lantern. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
What happened to Barney in Convicts at Large?
In Convicts-at-Large Barney is held prisoner by a female convict with his own gun [apparently loaded] as Barney is scared to death! In Andy and the Gentleman Crook, Andy fires the gun by accident. In Aunt Bee Takes a job Andy uses Deputy Warrens gun to stop crooks.
Does Barney shoot his gun?
Barney has a tendency to shoot his gun, so Andy makes him keep his bullet in his shirt pocket. Sometimes, however, the bullet gets into the gun and Barney shoots it. Andy then holds out his hand, and Barney reluctantly gives the gun up for a while. He sometimes uses the excuse that it was getting green in his pocket, or he lost it in the laundry.
Who suggested Barney Fife?
According to Andy Griffith, the character of Barney Fife was suggested by Don Knotts himself. At the same time that The Steve Allen Show was ending, Knotts was looking for work. When he saw the episode of The Danny Thomas Show featuring Andy Taylor, he called Griffith suggesting that his sheriff character might reasonably need a deputy. Griffith liked the idea and suggested that he call Executive Producer Sheldon Leonard. Griffith later recalled that Don Knotts ' contribution was the show's saving grace because he was uncomfortable with the original concept to have Andy Taylor being the comic lead. In an interview with The Archive of American Television, Griffith admitted, "The second episode was called 'Manhunt' and I knew by that episode that Don should be the comic and I should play straight for him. That made all the difference."
Where is Barney Fife?
Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow-paced, sleepy southern community of Mayberry, North Carolina. He appeared in the first five seasons (1960–65) as a main character, and, after leaving the show towards the end of season five, made a few guest appearances in the following three color seasons (1965–68).
What episode did Barney appear in?
Additionally, Barney appeared in the Joey Bishop Show episode "Joey's Hideaway Cabin", and, unnamed, in the first episode of The New Andy Griffith Show .
Why did Fife leave the Andy Griffith Show?
Fife appeared on The Andy Griffith Show from the show's beginning in 1960 until 1965, when Knotts left the show to pursue a career in feature films. It is explained that Fife had left Mayberry to take a job as a detective in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Why did Don Knotts leave the show?
When Don Knotts left the series in 1965 to pursue film roles , the character Barney Fife was said to have left Mayberry to join the police department in Raleigh. After that, the character remained mostly offscreen for the remainder of the show, although Knotts made five guest appearances as Barney Fife in the last three seasons.
What does Barney panic about?
Barney panics when he and Andy need to deal with a goat who has eaten dynamite.
What is Barney Fife's personality?
Personality. Barney Fife is outwardly smug and self-important, covering up his insecurities and low self-confidence with a display of bravado. He presents himself as an expert on such diverse subjects as firearms, martial arts, women, singing, wilderness survival, psychology and American history.
Overview
Running Gags
- One major comedic source is Barney's lack of ability with a firearm. After numerous misfires (usually a Colt or Smith & Wesson M&P .38 caliber revolver), Andy restricts Barney to carrying only a single bullet in his shirt pocket, "in case of an emergency." However, the bullet always seems to find its way back into the pistol where, predictably, it ...
Personal Life
- Early in the series, Andy and Barney comment that they are cousins. However, several episodes muddy the lineage and suggest that Barney may not be directly related to the Taylors. On Aunt Bee's Invisible Beau, Barney tells Andy, "If she (Aunt Bee Taylor) were my aunt, I'd wanna investigate this fella" (no familial Taylor ties). In one porch dialogue, Barney speaks to Andy abo…
Performance Talents
- Although, due to audition nerves, Barney missed his chance to be included in the folk album recorded in the episode Mayberry on Record, his performance talents range from the Harmonica, Bongo Drums, Cymbals, stage acting, and many types of dancing. He also has a trained singing voice which is arguably on par with Leonard Blush. He was frequently a member of the Mayberr…
Slip-Ups
- Some continuity slip-ups can be expected, as the series had several writers. An illustration of this is with the various middle names given for both Barney and Andy. In the episode Class Reunion, Barney's middle name is Milton, though at other times he is called "Bernard P. Fife". In another episode, where he believes he is the descendant of Nathan Tibbs, a Mayberry Revolutionary hero…
World War II
- Like Andy, who was stationed in France, Barney served in World War II, although he was a file clerk who never left the United States (he stated that "me and this other fella ran the PX library" on Staten Island). (It should be noted that both Andy and Barney graduated from Mayberry Union High School in June, 1945 and that the war in Europe was over in May 1945. With at least six we…
Other Appearances
- Don Knotts appeared as Barney Fife on an episode of "The Joey Bishop Show" ("Joey's Hideaway Cabin") and the pilot episode of The New Andy Griffith Show, with Andy Griffith playing the character of Andy Sawyer. He also performed with Andy and Jim Nabors in The Andy Griffith-Don Knotts-Jim Nabors Show. He later parodied Barney Fife on the "Christmas Story" episode of "Ste…
Notes
- Calling a police officer or authority figure "Barney Fife" has become an American slang term for gross ineptitude or over-zealousness.
- Eagle Eye Barney is just one of Barney's many nicknames. A full list can be found Here.
- A full list of Barney's songs can he found here.
- Barney's Blunder are can be found here.
Famous Quotes
- "Nip it in the bud!"
- "Heartaches! Nothing but heartaches!"
- "Nip it! Nip it! Nip it!"
- "You're not talking to a jerk, you know!"
See Also