Don Knotts Quotes

United States, Actor
July 21, 1924 – February, 24, 2006.

Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian, best known as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, a 1960s sitcom for which he earned five Emmy Awards. He also starred in multiple comedic films, including playing Luther Heggs in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) and Henry Limpet in The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964). He also portrayed landlord Ralph Furley on the sitcom Three's Company. In 1979 TV Guide ranked him #27 on its 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list.

Also known as Comedian

I felt like a loser. I was unhappy as a child most of the time. We were terribly poor and I hated my size.

Don Knotts
- Time
Mainly, I thought of Barney as a kid. You can always look into the faces of kids and see what they're thinking, if they're happy or sad. That's what I tried to do with Barney.

Don Knotts
- Thinking
- Kids
- Happy

We began to do little things, have little scenes where we just talked about things that had nothing to do with the plot. In fact, in the beginning, they didn't want us to do that. But as time went on, you see that in so many shows. I think we were the first to do that.

Don Knotts
- Time
- Beginning
I don't think actors get good training today. I put my training to use in everything I do.

Don Knotts
- Good
- Today
- Training
My idol was Jack Benny and he was the master of subtlety and timing.

Don Knotts
I don't think just funny is enough on Broadway.

Don Knotts
- Funny
Well, they put me in a booth and then did some nice things to the speaker to make it come out sounding ok.

Don Knotts
- Nice