Sad Day in Mayberry

[marysgurl]

Okay, anyone who doesn't know already or such important information has accidentally slipped to the back of your mind, please refer to TV--Andy Griffith thread.

My manager (& close friend of 11 years) from work even e mailed me to offer consolation....I am truely saddened today.

Farewell to Fife, Furley: TV's Don Knotts Dies

by Joal Ryan
Feb 25, 2006, 7:35 PM PT
Knotts, the jittery Deputy Barney Fife to Griffith's imminently calm Sheriff Taylor for five Emmy-winning seasons on The Andy Griffith Show, died of lung cancer Friday in Los Angeles. The iconic comic actor was said to have been surrounded by family and a pair of friends--Griffith and his wife.

Knotts was 81.

The announcement of Knotts' passing was made, appropriately enough, by TV Land, the cable network specializing in shows, such as Andy Griffith, that bear up to repeated viewing.

In addition to Andy Griffith, which he starred on from 1960-65, Knotts leisure-suited up as lecherous landlord Mr. Furley on Three's Company from 1979-84. Furley was another character that, like Fife, was destined to live on in reruns.

Knotts' run as Fife was unique in that it was as celebrated as it was popular. From 1961-63, Knotts won three straight Emmys for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor. In 1966 and 1967, after he'd left the series as a regular, he won two more supporting acting Emmys for his work as a special guest star. In 2003, he reteamed with Griffith, Ron "Opie" Howard and the other surviving stars for the CBS retrospective Return to Mayberry, which was a huge ratings hit.

As for Furley, Knotts was never so much as nominated for the farcical sitcom that was never a critical favorite.

Knotts was born July 21, 1924, in West Virginia. He starred in several kid-friendly comedies in the 1960s and 1970s, including The Incredibly Mr. Limpet, The Shakiest Gun in the West and The Apple Dumpling Gang.

[marysgurl]

Things Barney says wrong

compelsions == compulsions
inovert == introvert
Smith Brothers Institution == The Smithsonian
heeliocopter == helicopter
kleptomenerac == kleptomaniac
Einsteen == Einstein
inarculated == innoculated (he really meant incarcerated)
extra-sensitive perception == ESP
schizofreeniac == schizophrenic
nave == naive
fire by constriction == fire by combustion
viz-a-viz == vis-à-vis ("you know - hand-to-hand")
boodoor == boudoir
Sigmund Frude == Sigmund Freud
demore == demure
noblesse oblage == noblesse oblige
therapetic == therapeutic
Thanks to Steven R. Rice for these additions:
electronal == electronic
reveng == revenge (he misspelled it)
safairy == safari
A Capella (title of song) == a capella (without instruments)
larnyx == larynx
refinishing school == finishing school
apathy == apathy
silver spoon in their hand == silver spoon in their mouth
mozz-uh-rella == mozzarella
torn calcium == torn cartilage
Thanks to [e-mail] for these:
childish stories == children's stories
patula abondabe == it's in the brain, not the leg

[marysgurl]

Don Knotts, the man we all know and love as "Barney Fife" was born July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virgina. His career began with a ventriloquist act at age 13. He went on to study speech and drama at West Virgina University. Of course, to us he will always be our friend, Barn.

Don Knotts won 5 Emmys for his role on "The Andy Griffith Show."
1960 -61 Season
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor or Actress in a Series.

1961 -62 Season
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor.

1962 -63 Season
Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor.

1965-66 Season
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy.
in "The Return of Barney Fife"

1966-67 Season
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy.
in "Barney Comes to Mayberry"

[marysgurl]

Trivia I didn't know:

Was a Ventriloquist in his early years from out of High School and his doll was named, Danny.

Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19.

Technically was an Army Reservist for one week. After being inducted for World War II service on June 14, 1943, was assigned to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on inactive duty. Reported for active duty one week later, on the 21st of June, and was transfered to active duty status in the Army of the United States.

Veteran of the Second World War who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar) and Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

Attended and graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, with a BA in Education graduated 1948

Don was conceived after his parents had already raised other sons. His father had a nervous breakdown at the prospect of raising another child from birth.

Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting.

[marysgurl]

Three of my favorite DK classics...

The Ghost & Mr. Chicken
The Reluctant Astronaut
The Incredible Mr. Limpett

[Joxcee]

I loved Don in everything except for 'Three's Company.' Whatever idiots told him to overact should be shot. Don could have really done something with that role.

He would have made an excellent Joxer. (Not that Ted didn't do a great job.)

[marysgurl]

Didn't care much for that show in general...especially Don's portrayal of Mr. Furley. The goofy character was endearing as Barney, but bordered on plain ole stupid in Three's Company.

I think he could've played Joxer, MM! Hmm....

[Joxcee]

He was told to over react like that... which was a stupid decision on somebody's part. The show was okay, but I won't be buying/renting it on DVD or watching any reruns.

[katmandu]

My memories of The Andy Griffith Show are somewhat vague, having not seen it for many many years, but I do recall Don Knotts fondly, extremly funny and likeable man, and his Barney Fife character is one that will be remembered when many others have been long forgotten.