Jesse Donald Knotts was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on July 21, 1924, to William Jesse Knotts and Elsie L. Moore. Many people believe Don Knotts served in World War II as a drill instructor for the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island. Actually Knotts enlisted in the United States Army and spent most of his time entertaining troops. Don has been married three times: the first was to Kathryn Metz from 1947 to 1964, the second was to Loralee Czuchna from 1974 to 1983, and the third was Frances Yarborough until his death.

Don performed in many venues and did a variety of different acts in his early career.

His first major break was on Search for Tomorrow. Knotts appeared on the show from 1953 to 1955. Stardom hit in 1956 on Steve Allen’s variety show, most notably in Allen’s “Man in the Street” interviews, always as an extremely nervous man. The laughs grew when Knotts stated his occupation—always one that wouldn’t be appropriate for such a shaky person, such as a surgeon or explosives expert.

In 1958, Knotts appeared in the movie No Time for Sergeants with Andy Griffith. The two began a friendship that would boost Knotts’ career. In 1960, The Andy Griffith Show hit the air, with Knotts playing the role of Barney Fife. Knotts’ portrayal of the deputy earned him five Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Comedy. Knotts signed a five film contract with Universal Studios in 1965, and left the series.

Don Knotts went on to star in many films;  It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World ,The Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Reluctant Astronaut, The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Love God? and How to Frame a Figg. Knotts made five more guest appearances on The Andy Griffith Show.

In 1972, Knotts voiced an animated version of himself in two memorable episodes of The New Scooby Doo Movies: “The Spooky Fog of Juneberry,” in which he played a lawman that looked like Barney Fife, and “Guess Who’s Knott Coming to Dinner.”

In 1979, Mr. Furley was born. Knotts portrayed Ralph Furley on Three’s Company from 1979 until the show ended.  The role of the outlandish landlord was originally intended to be a minor recurring character.

In 1986, Don Knotts reunited with Andy Griffith in the made-for-television movie Return to Mayberry. In 1988, he played a recurring role as pesky neighbor Les Calhoun on Matlock until 1992.

Morgantown, West Virginia, changed the name of the street formerly known as South University to “Don Knotts Boulevard” on “Don Knotts Day.” Also that day, he was also named an honorary Deputy Sheriff in  Monongalia County. In 2000, He received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

Don Knotts died in February 24, 2006, from pulmonary and respiratory complications related to lung cancer. He was laid to rest at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

His statue stands in Morgantown, West Virginia, in a memorial park on Don Knotts Boulevard.