Don Knotts was an American comedic actor in films and television, best known for his character Barney Fife on the television show ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ for which he received five Emmy Awards. He also had memorable roles in ‘The Ghost and Mr. Chicken,’ and ‘The Incredible Mr. Limpet.’ The son of a mentally disturbed farmer, Knotts overcame some terrible childhood experiences to emerge as a successful professional in the entertainment industry. He started performing in numerous church and school functions as a ventriloquist and comedian during his school years. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in the World War II. He then proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in speech from West Virginia University. He debuted in films with ‘No Time for Sergeants’ and got his major break on television with a soap opera ‘Search for Tomorrow’. Another one of his identifiable and popular roles was in the show ‘Three’s Company’ as Ralph Furley. Knotts was married three times and had a daughter and a son from his first marriage. During his later years, he suffered from intense hypochondria, cancer, and a degenerative eye disease called macular degeneration. Knotts died due to complications arising from pneumonia related to lung cancer.