Two voices of laughter were silenced this weekend as the world lost Don Knotts on Friday and Darren McGavin on Saturday.
Don Knotts’ role as bumbling deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show has entertained generations of children and adults. Barney Fife is one of the most recognizable icons of television history and interestingly enough was a role that wasn’t a part of The Andy Griffith Show‘s early planning until Knotts himself called up Andy and suggested it. Don Knotts won 5 Emmy’s in a row for Best Supporting Actor in a show that started up in 1960 and ended the year I was born, 1968. Despite that fact, I am one of an untold number of children who grew up watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show being thoroughly entertained by the antics of Barney Fife. The Andy Griffith Show is one of the best sitcoms to ever air thanks in large part to the talents of Don Knotts. I was thrilled to discover that Mary and my favorite episode, The Pickle Story, was also Don Knotts’ favorite. We laugh hysterically every time we are fortunate enough to see that one.
In addition to his most memorable character Don Knotts performed in a number of fun comedies including The Incredible Mr. Limpett, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Private Eyes, No Deposit, No Return, and Hot Lead and Cold Feet. The latter two movies also starred Darren McGavin. Don Knotts pairings with Tim Conway were priceless comedies, at least they were when I grew up. My favorite Knotts movie by far is The Private Eyes. It was an interesting moment when I first sat down to watch this movie with my own daughter as I had flashbacks of watching the movie with my sister when she was a child. Tori and I both laughed heartily at the same spots causing Mary to comment about the fact that father and daughter have the same weird sense of humor.
Don Knotts was 81 and died Friday of pulmonary and respiratory complications.
Darren McGavin passed away Saturday of natural causes at the age of 83. The two above mentioned films with Don Knotts were just two of the many films and television episodes that McGavin performed in during his long entertainment career. The story goes that McGavin was painting a movie set in 1945 when he heard about a small role. He climbed off his ladder, walked into Columbia studios, and landed the role. McGavin’s gruff voice and seemingly natural acting ability allowed him to play a number of both serious and comedic roles. For me, however, he will always be remembered as Ralphie’s father in the classic A Christmas Story. A Christmas Story has been a family tradition for years and I never tire of Mr. Parker fighting the furnace, cussing out the Bumpasses and their hounds, and staring in awe at his “major award”. There are a number of lines I quote from this film throughout the year and this coming Christmas I will watch with a twinge of sadness. McGavin’s makes the role of Mr. Parker in A Christmas Story one of the most memorable comedic father’s in all of filmdom.
Both actors have brought joy and laughter into my life. They have starred in films that thrilled me as a child that I could then turn and rediscover with my daughter and for that I am enternally grateful. The purity and grace of their comedic talent has entertained generations and will continue to do so. Both men will be missed but their legacy of making us laugh will surely live on, and the world of entertainment is a better place because of them.
As Carl noted, these two actors have provided years of entertainment for our families. I have great memories of watching Don Knotts in the Andy Griffith Show with my dad and brother, later with Carl, and then with Tori. I also love the Private Eyes show for its silly comedy and for the hysterical giggles it gives Carl and Tori.
McGavin is wonderful in A Christmas Story. We watch it several times each Christmas.
My sympathy goes out to the families and friends of these men. We have their TV and film portrayals to enjoy for years to come, but they have lost someone very dear to them.
I really enjoy Don Knotts, too. You didn’t mention the sitcom Three’s Company. I watched that show a lot when I was young (yes, my parents didn’t care if I watched it!) He is best remembered by The Andy Griffith Show. I watched it a lot too.
We watched Three’s Company when we were kids too….shame on you mom and dad! š Just kidding. All told he did 7 different TV series. He was definitely a prolific talent. Makes me want to get all those old flicks on Netflix again and watch them.
I also love Andy Griffith show and still watch it some evenings. Barney with his one bullet and messed up hair!
The Christmas Story is also a favorite of mine-it reminds me of my German Grandpa,whom Carl is named after. He was a very gruff man but I loved him with all my heart.
Both were great actors and will be missed. I know Don Knotts also came to KC and did a lot dinner theater at the New Theatre resturant. I wish I would have made it out there to see him in person.
Carl, 1968? Man your OLD! š
I feel something from my childhood is lost when I read today of his passing. A large part of my t.v. experience was with Don Knotts. He was always faithful for a great laugh. Not dirty or innuendo, just a good character laugh. The world seems a little less safe without him.
Hi Mom!
Yes, that is sad Jeff. He is one I would’ve enjoyed seeing.
Great thoughts Tom! I agree totally.
These stories all bring back so many memories. And now we’ve lost Dennis Weaver, too.
I just read about Weaver a few minutes ago. I remember my parents watching McCloud when I was a kid and I have vague memories of it myself. Mary and Tori watch that show Wildfire on ABC family on Monday nights and I just read that he was in that. They were saying that he hadn’t been on the show for awhile and were wondering why. Weaver was 81 as wel and died of complications with cancer.
And I just got your name Miss Cellania…very clever!
I loved the Apple Dumpling Gang as a kid – one of my favorites. Of course, I couldn’t get enough of Barney, either. I think my favorite was when he got his gun and one bullet taken away…
I have never seen an episode of Andy Griffith, and yet I still know of Don Knotts, as iconic as he is, though I know him best from his role in Pleasantville, ironically a throwback to his original era.
McGravin of course has been my hero since I first saw A Christmas Story, but I have found him charming in everything else.
Every time they show the slidesshow of actors passed away this year at the Oscars, I get teary, and I think this year will be no exception. I am such a sap.
Me too MJ, and I’m always surprised by people who died that I didn’t hear about. That is one of the best parts of the Oscar show for me.
Did you ever notice how much Don Knotts & Mick Jagger looked like each other? I loved The Incredible Mr. Limpet š
That’s hilarious…they actually do a bit, don’t they!