Full Answer
What happened to Barney Fife in the last season?
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. As the series had several writers, there were occasional continuity errors, most frequently in Barney's middle name, which changed each time it was referenced.
What does Barney Fife mean on step by step?
He later parodied Barney Fife on the "Christmas Story" episode of " Step By Step " (starring Patrick Duffey and Suzanne Somers) by playing a character named Deputy Feif. Calling a police officer or authority figure "Barney Fife" has become an American slang term for gross ineptitude or over-zealousness.
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.
Why did Barney Fife Say Hi to Gomer Pyle?
Sometimes Sheriff Taylor or Barney Fife would say "hi" to him but that was about it. Turns out he was the show's production manager. There was also a character in the show named Goober Pyle, the cousin of Jim Nabors' Gomer Pyle.
How many times did Barney Fife quit?
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. On average, he was absent from every eight episodes (7.57).
What does the P stand for in Barney Fife name?
The yearbook states Barney's name as "Bernard Milton Fife" but many times throughout the series, he refers to himself as "Barney P. Fife."
What was Barney's last episode on Andy Griffith?
Bernard "Barney" Fife is a fictional character in the American television program The Andy Griffith Show, portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts....Barney FifeDon Knotts as Barney FifeFirst appearance"The New Housekeeper" The Andy Griffith Show October 3, 1960Last appearanceReturn to Mayberry April 13, 19867 more rows
Is Barney Fife Andy's cousin?
Andy and Barney were originally cousins. In season one, Andy would occasionally refer to Barney as "cousin Barney", and the two were written as cousins. This idea was dropped after a few episodes.
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.
How many times did Barney get drunk?
Barney Fife is drunk at least three times, once with Otis in jail, once by accident, and another time by imbibing “Mulberry squeezins” made by the Darlings, in the middle of the day.
What happened to Barney Fife in season 6?
The multiple-Emmy-winning actor stepped away from the hit series after season five to pursue a film career. Barney Fife was no longer regular character. Instead, audiences were left with Burns as the new deputy, Warren Ferguson. That was not the only significant change for The Andy Griffith Show in season six.
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.
Why did Otis leave The Andy Griffith Show?
Otis was played by Hal Smith and made frequent appearances on the show from 1960 to 1967 but stopped appearing toward the end of the series because of concerns raised by the sponsors over the portrayal of excessive drinking.
What does RFD stand for in Mayberry?
Rural Free DeliveryThe "R.F.D." in the title "Mayberry R.F.D." stands for "Rural Free Delivery", a service by the Post Office to deliver mail to outlying areas in the countryside.
Did Andy and Helen have a baby?
Andy and Helen return to Mayberry for a visit and bring their new baby, Andy Jr. with them.
Who inherited Andy Griffith estate?
Before his death, Andy Griffith has accumulated a net worth of $60 million which Dixie Griffith and Cindi Knight have inherited.
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."
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.
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 is Barney's middle name?
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, he says his name is "Barney Tibbs Fife". Andy jokingly says, "I thought your middle name was Oliver.".
What is Barney's courage?
Nonetheless, Barney has rare moments of courage and competence, such as when he saves a member of the state police who has been captured by criminals, and apprehends the criminals by driving to the jail with the crooks and their hostage trapped in their trailer ("Jailbreak").
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.
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 are Barney's 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.
What is Barney's false bravado?
Conversely, Andy knows that Barney's false bravado is a smokescreen for his insecurities and low self-confidence.
Who was the town drunk on Barney Fife?
Most people who have seen the show remember Barney Fife's wacky antics and inability to shoot his weapon properly. They also remember that Otis Campbell, also known as the town drunk, would lock himself into a jail cell for the weekend until he sobered up. Unfortunately, many of these fan favorites left the show.
Why did Jim Nabors leave Andy Griffith?
Jim Nabors left the show in 1964 to do "Gomer Pyle, U.S.MC.". After the fifth season, Don Knotts left "The Andy Griffith Show" to pursue a film career. Other characters came and went as the plot demanded.
How many spin offs did Andy Griffith have?
In fact it became so popular that it launched two successful spin-offs. "The Andy Griffith Show's" direct spin-offs were "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." and "Mayberry, R.F.D.". Throughout its 8-year run, "The Andy Griffith Show" introduced the world to some characters that remain favorites to this day.
Who played Barney Fife on Andy Griffith?
The Andy Griffith Show was so popular that the beloved American comedy series -- created by Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas, and starring Andy Griffith (duh) as Sheriff Andy Taylor, Ron Howard as Opie Taylor and Don Knotts as Barney Fife -- was still the number one show on television the year it ended. (Needless to say, CBS probably would've liked ...
How long did Andy Griffith and Don Knotts work together?
When the show was starting the first season, Andy Griffith told Don Knotts that he only wanted to do it for five years so the two of them both signed five-year contracts. At the end of five years, Knotts started looking for new work and signed a three-year picture deal with Universal.
Why did Andy Griffith and Aunt Bee leave the show?
The feud lasted so long that Bavier didn't apologize until she was pretty much on her deathbed. 2. Don Knotts Left the Show Because of Some Bad Communication.
When did the Andy Griffith Show end?
The Andy Griffith Show may have ended in 1968, but it was immediately followed by a spinoff, Mayberry R.F.D. Though Andy Taylor was no longer the main character (he did appear in five episodes), other favorites like Aunt Bee, Howard Sprague, and Goober Pyle were still there.
Who is the straight man on Andy Griffith?
Barney Fife was far and away the fan-favorite, comedy-wise, so Griffith decided that in the interest of the show he would become the straight man to Fife's comic relief. 5. The Andy Griffith Show Shared a Minor Character with Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. His name was Mister Schwamp, and pretty much all he did was sit on a bench.
Is Sheriff Andy Taylor a goat?
6. Sheriff Andy Taylor is a GOAT Dad. Andy Taylor was ranked number 8 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" (June 20, 2004 issue). His son Opie didn't have a mom, but at least his dad was great. Andy also had his fair share of great girlfriends like Ellie Walker and Helen Crump.
Who was Andy Griffith's girlfriend?
Andy also had his fair share of great girlfriends like Ellie Walker and Helen Crump. 7. The Show Filmed on the Same Set as an All-Time Movie Classic. The Andy Griffith Show shot on the same set as the film Gone with the Wind.
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.
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.
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.
When did Barney and Friends start?
A number of rumors have circulated about the titular purple dinosaur character in the children’s television show Barney & Friends since the program first aired in 1992.
What is the show Barney and Friends based on?
The children's TV show 'Barney & Friends' was based on a 1930s serial killer. Rumor has it that Barney the dinosaur is based off of a man named Barney that in the 30's would go to the park dressed as a dinosaur to draw kids to him. He would kidnap them and force them to act like they were happy or he'd slit their throats and dump them in the river.
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 is accidentally discharged. The accidental d…
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