Don Knotts and Andy Griffith formed one of television’s most iconic duos, with Knotts portraying the lovable Deputy Barney Fife alongside Griffith’s Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show from 1960 to 1968. Despite their enduring friendship, rumors of a rivalry have persisted, particularly surrounding Knotts’ departure from the show. However, Knotts’ daughter, Karen, has clarified the nature of their relationship, emphasizing that any talk of competition is unfounded.
The Origin of the Rivalry Rumors
Speculation about discord between the two actors often arose when Knotts left the series. Some reports suggested he sought more money, which supposedly caused tension between him and Griffith, who owned half the show’s rights and reaped significant profits. Meanwhile, Knotts was on a salary and allegedly denied a raise. Karen Knotts, however, explained that her father simply moved on to new opportunities without any bitterness toward Griffith. “Eventually, my dad got an offer to do something different,” she stated. “Andy was very gracious about it.”
While she acknowledged that disagreements can happen, she firmly dismissed the notion of a rivalry. “Some people still think they were rivals. They weren’t rivals at all. There was no rivalry,” she said. “Andy was my dad’s biggest fan. He was a mentor to him his whole life, and they loved each other dearly.”
The Statue Controversy
Another story fueling the rivalry rumors emerged after Knotts’ passing in 2006. A campaign to erect a statue of Barney Fife alongside Griffith’s statue of Andy Taylor in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, was reportedly quashed by Griffith, who was said to be concerned about the proposal. While the idea was ultimately rejected, a memorial for Knotts was established in his hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Knotts’ Return to Television on Matlock
Karen Knotts highlighted another instance of Griffith’s support when he invited her father to join him on Matlock. Knotts appeared as a neighbor of the titular character, played by Griffith. “That was a time when my dad was starting to believe he wasn’t going to do television anymore,” she shared. “He was diagnosed with macular degeneration, which was affecting his sight. He thought that was it for him.”
But Griffith’s invitation and support provided Knotts with a renewed sense of purpose. “Andy was there for him. He supported him. He was a constant presence in my dad’s life. They just loved each other.”
Lasting Bond
The depth of their friendship was evident even during Knotts’ final days. Griffith encouraged Knotts to let him visit, despite Knotts feeling insecure about his condition. In a touching moment, Griffith shared his own vulnerabilities to ease his friend’s discomfort, illustrating the strong bond they shared.
In the end, Karen Knotts’ reflections reveal that the relationship between her father and Griffith was built on mutual respect and love, debunking the myths of rivalry that have circulated over the years.
