Who was Barney Fife and why is he controversial?
Knotts was also a trained Shakespearean actor and won a Tony award for his portrayal of Othello. It was his role as Barney Fife, however, that caused many protestors to demand the statues removal. “Barney Fife, was a nervous, twitchy little man with an itchy trigger finger” said protestor Joanne Miller.
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.
What is Barney Fife's middle name?
In the episode "A Plaque for Mayberry", Andy states that Barney's middle name is Oliver. In later episodes Barney refers to himself as Barney "P." Fife and in the episode "Class Reunion" the Mayberry Union High yearbook lists Barney's name as Bernard Milton Fife.
Where did Barney Fife impersonator meet me?
The Barney Fife impersonator was meeting me at the Strand diner along the quaint Main Street in Fort Payne. I was expecting a fellow who had the looks or the character of the mythical Mayberry deputy with one bullet in his pocket.
Was Don Knotts in the Army or the Marines?
An urban legend claims that Knotts served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, serving as a drill instructor at Parris Island. In reality, Knotts enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Morgantown High School and spent most of his service entertaining troops.
Was Barney Fife a real person?
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.
Was Andy Griffith a Marine?
He was exempted from military service and didn't need to enter ministerial service. However, the performer would never forget that he hadn't lived up to his duty. The author continued, “Andy's failure to serve would haunt him for the rest of his days.
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.
Was Don Knotts in the military?
Knotts served in the U.S. Army from June 21, 1943, to January 6, 1946, in the Army's 6817th Special Services Battalion. He was discharged at the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent then of a corporal.
Why was Andy Griffith buried on day of death?
Griffith was in control of what happened after he died He asked a small group of trusted friends to bury him immediately after his death, as de Visé wrote, “before the paparazzi could storm Roanoke Island to capture his remains on film.
Did Andy Griffith serve in the armed forces?
No Military Service for Andy While he was undergoing a required medical evaluation, they discovered he had a herniated disk in his lower back — sustained years earlier when he had fallen from a tire swing. As a result, his military services were not required.
Did Ted Knight serve in the military?
Knight went into the Army shortly after graduation from Terryville High School. He served in World War II with the First Army Group's combat engineers as radio reconnaissance operator and was among the first American troops to enter Berlin toward the end of the war. He won five Bronze Stars during his military service.
Did Jack Klugman serve in the military?
Klugman served in the United States Army during World War II. He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh.
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.
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
How old was Aunt Bee on The Andy Griffith Show when she died?
86from 1960 to 1970. Aunt Bee logged more Mayberry years (ten) than any other character....Frances BavierDiedDecember 6, 1989 (aged 86) Siler City, North Carolina, U.S.Resting placeOakwood Cemetery, Siler City, North Carolina, U.S.6 more rows
Early life and education
Knotts was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, the youngest of four sons born to William Jesse Knotts and his wife, Elsie Luzetta Knotts (née Moore). Knotts's parents were married in Spraggs, Pennsylvania. Knotts's paternal ancestors emigrated from England to America in the 17th century, originally settling in Queen Anne's County, Maryland.
Career
Before he entered high school, Knotts began performing as a ventriloquist and comedian at various church and school functions. After high school, he traveled to New York City to try to make his way as a comedian, but returned home to attend West Virginia University when his career failed to take off.
Death
Don Knotts died at age 81 on February 24, 2006 at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California from pulmonary and respiratory complications of pneumonia related to lung cancer.
Who played Barney Fife on Andy Griffith?
World War II. Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He was widely known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, a 1960s sitcom for which he earned five Emmy Awards.:18 .
Who played Andy Griffith in No Time for Sergeants?
In 1958, Knotts appeared for the first time on film with Andy Griffith in the film version of No Time for Sergeants. In that film, Knotts reprises his Broadway role and plays a high-strung Air Force test administrator whose routine is disrupted by the hijinks of a provincial new recruit.
Who was the Sheriff on the Andy Griffith Show?
The Andy Griffith Show. As Barney Fife, Knotts gets the help of Sheriff Taylor when his gun gets stuck on his finger. Knotts receives his first Emmy Award for The Andy Griffith Show, 1961. In 1960, Andy Griffith was offered the opportunity to headline his own sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968).
How many seasons did Andy Griffith have?
Knotts believed remarks by Griffith that The Andy Griffith Show would end after five seasons, and he began to look for other work, signing a five-film contract with Universal Studios.
Who was the actor who played Barney Fife?
His film roles include ‘The Ghost and Mr. Chicken’, ‘The Apple Dumpling Gang’, & ’The Incredible Mr. Limpet’. Knotts was also a trained Shakespearean actor and won a Tony award for his portrayal of Othello. It was his role as Barney Fife, however, that caused many protestors to demand the statues removal. “Barney Fife, was a nervous, twitchy little ...
Where is the statue of Barney Fife?
WV to Remove Don Knotts Barney Fife Statue Following Complaints. West Virginia will remove a statue of actor and comedian Don Knotts that is located in his hometown of Morgantown, WV. Knotts, is best known for his role as Barney Fife, the bumbling deputy on The Andy Griffith show.
Who played Barney Fife on Andy Griffith?
Another legend of this ilk casts Don Knotts, best known as the bumbling deputy sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show and the pop-eyed, leisure-suited.
Who was the drill instructor on Parris Island?
Claim: Actor Don Knotts once served as a drill instructor for the U.S. Marine Corps. I heard that Don Knotts was the most feared drill instructor on Parris Island during World War II. Origins: Positing improbable military backgrounds for popular entertainment figures is a common urban legend motif these days.
Was Don Knotts a drill sergeant?
Although the U.S. was. in the midst of fighting World War II at the time, Don Knotts saw no combat (and was certainly not a drill sergeant) — he was tapped for a special services unit and spent his hitch touring the Pacific Islands to entertain troops as a comedian in a G.I. variety show.
A Troubled Childhood
Don Did What During World War II?
The Acting Debut
A Tale as Old as Time
Don’s Later Career
- Knotts’ entertainment career began in high school when he performed as a ventriloquist. After graduation, he continued performing and began attending classes at West Virginia University. During that time he made appearances at parties and other events in Morgantown, but eventually put his education on hold to serve in the United States Army during World War II. A few rumors s…
A Family Man
- Knotts later returned to West Virginia University to finish his education, graduating in 1948. His military connections helped him land some of his first acting gigs. He began on radio, but then scored a role on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow from 1953 to 1955. Don Knotts’ next major role was on The Steve Allen Plymouth Show(1951-1960). He bega...
Don’s Legacy Immortalized
- Andy and Don actually met on Broadway, both appearing in the production No Time for Sergeants, and they would later star in a film adaptation of the stage show. Knotts starred in the 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show from 1960 to 1965 as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife alongside Andy Griffith. Knotts was so good at this role that he won five Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Acto…