Don Knotts Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Death, Movies, TV Shows, Height

Biography

Don Knotts, born Jesse Donald Knotts on July 21, 1924, was a beloved American actor and comedian celebrated for his iconic roles in classic television sitcoms and films. 

Renowned for portraying Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts earned five Emmy Awards for his impeccable comedic talent. Additionally, he delighted audiences as Ralph Furley in the popular sitcom Three’s Company from 1979 to 1984. 

Beyond television, Don Knotts found success in film, showcasing his comedic prowess in movies like The Incredible Mr. Limpet and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

Don Knotts
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Jesse Donald Knotts
Stage Name:	Don Knotts
Born:	21 July 1924 (age 81 years old)
Place of Birth:	Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
Died:	24 February 2006 (age 81 years), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	West Virginia University
Height:	1.69 m
Parents:	William Jesse Knotts, Elsie L. Moore-Knotts
Siblings:	William Earl Knotts
Spouse:	Frances Yarborough (m. 2002–2006), Loralee Czuchna (m. 1974–1983), Kathryn Metz (m. 1947–1964)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Karen Knotts, Thomas Knotts
Occupation:	Actor • Comedian
Net Worth:	$113 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Don Knotts, a renowned American actor and comedian, was born on July 21, 1924, in the charming city of Morgantown, West Virginia, in the United States. Throughout his formative years, he was lovingly nurtured by his doting parents, William Jesse Knotts and Elsie L. Moore-Knotts. 

Don Knotts shared a special bond with his brother, William Earl Knotts, within their close-knit family unit. As he embarked on his educational journey, he attended Morgantown High School before eventually graduating from the esteemed West Virginia University.

Career

Don Knotts‘ comedic journey traces back to his upbringing in West Virginia, where he honed his talents through participation in school plays, mastering his signature physical comedy. After serving in the US Army during World War II, he devoted himself to acting, finding success in radio, television, and Broadway productions.

In 1960, Knotts‘ career skyrocketed when he landed the role of Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. His portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing Fife earned him five Emmy Awards and garnered nationwide acclaim. Knotts‘ comedic brilliance shone through his physicality, characterized by wide-eyed expressions, trembling limbs, and a distinctive high-pitched voice.

While The Andy Griffith Show solidified Don Knotts‘ fame, his versatile career extended to the big screen, starring in hits like The Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, and The Shakiest Gun in the West. He showcased his range by tackling darker roles, such as a troubled teacher in The Apple Dumpling Gang.

In the late 1970s, Don Knotts embarked on a new comedic journey with the role of Ralph Furley, the eccentric landlord, in the beloved sitcom Three’s Company. His portrayal brought comedic gold to the screen, with Furley‘s antics and clashes with tenants providing endless laughter for five seasons. Don Knotts‘ unique blend of physicality, anxiety, and irresistible charm left an indelible mark on American comedy, earning him adoration from fans spanning generations.

Social Media

Don Knotts passed away in 2006; he has no social media account. 

Personal Life

Don Knotts married his college sweetheart, Kathryn Metz, in 1947, and they welcomed two children, a son named Thomas Knotts and a daughter named Karen Knotts. However, their marriage ended in 1964, leaving Knotts to raise Karen as a single father for a period.

In 1974, he tied the knot with Loralee Czuchna, a former stewardess, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1983. Eventually, Don Knotts found enduring love with actress Francey Yarborough, and they remained happily together until his passing in 2006.

Net Worth

Don Knotts passed away in 2006; his net worth was approximately $113 million. However, considering the effects of inflation over the years, this would be equivalent to around $20 million in today’s monetary value.