A Century of Entertainment
From “The Worry Man” to Barney Fife, Ralph Furley, and More, Don Knotts Is Morgantown’s Gift to American Comedy.
Don Knotts’ Early Life
Before he was ‘Don Knotts’—the Emmy Award-winning actor and television personality—he was Jesse Donald Knotts, born July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, WV. Knotts grew up in the heart of Mountaineer Country, living in a boarding house owned and operated by his mother, and later attending Morgantown High School. Knotts then went on to enlist in the Army and serve in World War II.
Returning to Morgantown after the war, Don Knotts went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from West Virginia University in 1948. Knotts also earned a minor in Languages and maintained an active student life as a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and Alpha Psi Omega honor society. Don Knotts’ history is felt everywhere throughout Morgantown; from Don Knotts Avenue, which was named in 1998, to the Don Knotts Statue, which was unveiled on High Street in 2016 after a 10-year fundraising effort by the town.
Don Knotts Statue
There are two things that help non-West Virginians understand the importance of Morgantown; one is West Virginia University and the other is Don Knotts. So, after the announcement of Don Knott’s death in 2006, the Morgantown community began a fundraising effort to erect a statue of Don Knotts outside the main entrance of the Metropolitan Opera House downtown. The statue was designed by local artist Jamie Lester, also a West Virginia native, and unveiled in 2016. It is a permanent art piece and an official stop on the Morgantown Public Art Guide.
FAQ:
What is Don Knotts’ net worth?
At the time of his death, Don Knotts’ net worth was estimated to be over $20 million.
Why did Don Knotts leave The Andy Griffith Show?
Don Knotts believed that Andy would not let the Andy Griffith Show continue for another five seasons. In preparation for this, Knotts began exploring a career in feature films, starting with “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.” When the show continued for three more seasons, Knotts decided not to rejoin the Mayberry cast.
What was the cause of Don Knott’s death?
Don Knotts was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2005 and later died of respiratory complications related to pneumonia.
How did Don Knotts become famous?
While in high school, Don Knotts learned ventriloquism and began working as a comedian. He continued his activities during his time in the Army, touring the Western Pacific Islands with a group called the “Stars and Gripes.” After the war, Don Knotts attended WVU, performed stand-up comedy at local clubs, and appeared as a guest “character” on a Western radio show called “Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders.”
Don Knott is best known for two roles: an appearance on the soap opera “Search for Tomorrow” from 1953 to 1955 and a role on Steve Allen’s Variety in 1956.
What were Don Knotts’ last words?
Always a performer, Don Knotts is said to have told jokes and stories, even while on his deathbed. Although his last words were not recorded, Knott’s daughter, Karen Knotts, recalled that he had to leave the room to laugh out loud.
Longtime friend and co-star Andy Griffith was also at Knott’s bedside during his final moments. Griffith encouraged Knotts with words like, “Jess (Don’s real name), breathe. You gotta get through, you gotta get through. Breathe.” Griffith believes his words resonated with his friend as Knott’s shoulders began to move more purposefully.
Where is Don Knotts buried?
Don Knotts is buried at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles, CA. A plaque on his grave features images of Knotts in some of his most famous roles. The bottom of the plaque reads, “He saw people’s pain and pride and turned it into something funny and lovely.”
