Knotts might have been prepared to be Barney Fife forever.
So while we can all rest assured that there’s no hatred between castmates, Knotts explained in a 1994 interview that his departure from the show was actually the result of a misunderstanding more than anything else.
In an interview with the Elizabethton Star, Knotts explained that originally, Griffith had given Knotts the impression that the series was only supposed to last about five years. Because of this, once that time had run out and Knotts’ contract had ended, he believed that the show was on its way out the door and began looking for new projects.
Knotts explained, “I began pursuing other opportunities, and by the time Andy had decided to continue the series, I had signed with Universal Studios to do some movies.” He continued, “If I had known that Andy intended to go on with it, of course I would’ve stayed.”
While there’s no use in dreaming about what might have been, it’s possible that if Knotts and Griffith had communicated a bit more, we would have been able to see Barney Fife in a regular role on The Andy Griffith Show for a few more seasons. On the other hand, it also means that if Knotts had stayed on television, he might not have had quite as successful of a film career.
Which would you rather have seen: More seasons of Barney Fife, or a Don Knotts movie renaissance?
