Don Knotts was an iconic American actor and comedian best known for his roles in Three’s Company and The Andy Griffith Show. He was born in 1924, in West Virginia, Morgantown, and passed away on February 24, 2006, at 81. Throughout his career, Don Knotts had over $20 million net worth and was one of the most beloved comedic actors. His career spanned over five decades, with his first significant role in 1955’s No Time for Sergeants.
Knotts went on to appear in numerous television shows and films and won five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. In this article, we will explore Don Knotts’ net worth, early life, career, income, and personal life.
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Don Knotts Net Worth
Don Knotts, born Jesse Donald Knotts, is best remembered for his beloved roles in classic television shows such as Three’s Company and The Andy Griffith Show. He was a prolific actor who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. So, how much did he make, and what is Don Knotts’ net worth?
Don Knotts began his career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and films. His most memorable role was deputy sheriff Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. He won five Emmy Awards for the role. In addition, he starred in films such as The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Love God, and The Apple Dumpling Gang.
In addition to acting, Don Knotts was an accomplished stand-up comedian. He was known for his deadpan delivery and his ability to make people laugh. His comedy career began in the 1950s and lasted for nearly four decades.
By his death in 2006, Don Knotts had accumulated an impressive net worth of over $20 million. It was primarily thanks to his successful acting and stand-up comedy careers. He also made money from investments and public appearances.
Don Knotts was an incredibly talented actor and comedian whose fans will forever remember him for his iconic roles in television and film. His net worth reflects his success in the entertainment industry and his lasting legacy.
Early Life and Education
Don Knotts was born Jesse Donald Knotts in Morgantown, West Virginia, on July 21, 1924. He was the youngest of four children born to William Jesse Knotts and his wife, Elsie L. Moore. His father was a local grocer who had served in World War I, while his mother was a homemaker.
Knotts attended Morgantown High School, graduating in 1942. During this time, he was active in the school’s drama club and showed an early interest in acting. He then attended West Virginia University, where he studied acting and appeared in several college plays.
In 1943, Knotts enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he returned to his studies and graduated from West Virginia University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Following college, he moved to New York City, where he worked as an elevator operator and a lifeguard while attending auditions and trying to break into show business.
Knotts’ big break came in 1955 when he attended the part of Deputy Barney Fife in the iconic television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. His portrayal of the bumbling rural lawman earned him five Emmy Awards and made him a household name. Even after the show ended in 1968, Knotts continued to act in film and television, appearing in classic comedies like The Love God, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, and The Apple Dumpling Gang. He also starred in several successful TV movies, including Return to Mayberry in 1986.
Career
Knotts’s career began in 1955 when he played a role in a Broadway production of No Time for Sergeants. It was his first significant acting role, and it gained him national attention. He then made his television debut in 1956 on the show Search for Tomorrow. He later landed a role in The Steve Allen Plymouth Show, where he showcased his comedic talents with his signature brand of physical comedy.
Knotts first rose to fame in the late 1950s with his portrayal of Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. He initially only intended to play the role for a few episodes, but his performance was so impressive that he remained on the show for its entire eight-year run.
In 1957, Knotts played a role in his most iconic role as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. He quickly became a breakout star and won five Emmy Awards for his performance. He appeared in all eight seasons of the show, which solidified his status as a beloved comedian.
In addition to The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts had a successful career in television and film. He starred in his show, The Don Knotts Show, from 1970 to 1971. He also had a long film career, appearing in classic films like The Ghost, Mr. Chicken, and The Incredible Mr. Limpet.
Knotts’s career spanned over five decades, and he was beloved by fans of all ages. He was famous for his signature physical comedy and ability to bring humor to any situation. He was famous for his iconic roles on The Andy Griffith Show and other television and film productions. Don Knotts was one of the most beloved and iconic comedians.
Salary and Income
Knotts’ salary for The Andy Griffith Show was $1250 per episode.
In the 1970s, Knotts continued to appear in television shows and movies, including Three’s Company and The Apple Dumpling Gang. In 1975, Knotts earned an Emmy Award for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. His salary for Three’s Company was $1,250 per episode, and he was paid $35,000 annually for his role in the movie The Apple Dumpling Gang.
Knotts continued to work in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in shows such as Matlock and movies such as Pleasantville. He also made numerous guest appearances on shows such as The Simpsons and The Drew Carey Show.
Knotts passed away in 2006, but his legacy as one of the most beloved comedic actors of all time lives on. Knotts’ influence on television and film is still felt today, and his lasting impression on audiences proves his impact on the entertainment industry. And although his salary for his roles may not have been as impressive as some of today’s stars.
Don Knotts cause of death
Don Knotts, the beloved star of the classic television show The Andy Griffith Show, passed away in 2006 due to complications from lung cancer. He was 81 years old.
Don Knotts was famous for portraying the bumbling Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. He won five Emmy awards for his performances on the show. He also starred in several films, including The Incredible Mr. Limpet and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.
Knotts was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2006 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The cancer had spread to other organs despite his treatments, and he passed away on February 24, 2006.
Knotts’ career spanned over five decades and was beloved by fans worldwide. After his death, his fans paid tribute to him with a memorial service in Los Angeles and a special episode of The Andy Griffith Show, which aired in his honor.
Knotts’ death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry and his fans alike. He will always be famous for his humor, wit, and endearing performances on The Andy Griffith Show. While his cause of death was lung cancer, his legacy will live on forever.
FAQs on Don Knotts Net Worth
What was Don Knotts’s net worth when he passed away?
Don Knotts passed away on February 24, 2006, at 81. He left behind an impressive legacy of beloved characters and a net worth of $16 million at that time.
Was Don Knotts ever in the military?
Don Knotts was in the military from June 21, 1943, to January 6, 1946. He served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 86th Infantry Division as a fifth-grade technician. After his service, he became a successful actor, best known for portraying Barney Fife on the classic sitcom The Andy Griffith Show.
