Attended and graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, with a BA in Education graduated 1948
Buried among the stars at the beautiful and prestigious Westwood Memorial Park. 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
Cousin of Jodi Knotts.
Died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver.
Don ceased to be a regular on The Andy Griffith Show after 1965 because originally, the show's producers had intended to end the series after that year, still at a creative and popular peak. Knotts had already signed a multi-picture deal with Universal Studios when Griffith relented to network pressure and kept his show on the air for several more years. Don said later that he deeply regretted having to leave the show, but his film commitments prevented him from continuing as a cast regular.
Don was conceived after his parents had already raised other sons. His father had a nervous breakdown at the prospect of raising another child from birth.
Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19.
Father of Karen Knotts.
He was nominated for a 1973 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Guest Artist for his performance in the play, "The Mind with the Dirty Man", at the Arlington Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
He was the youngest of four brothers. His family life was troubled; Knotts' father twice threatened his mother with a knife and later spent time in mental hospitals, while older brother Earl - nicknamed "Shadow" because of his thinness - died of asthma in 1942 when Knotts was still a teenager.
His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series Dave The Barbarian.
Is a member of the fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa.
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch)
Older brother "Shadow" died of asthma in 1942.
Portrayed Windy Wales on Mutual Radio's "Bobby Benson" (1949-1955).
Received a special tribute as part of the Annual Memorial tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV).
Served in the Army of the United States, under the service number 35 756 363, from June 21, 1943 to January 6, 1946. Discharged in the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent of a Corporal.
Technically was an Army Reservist for one week. After being inducted for World War II service on June 14, 1943, was assigned to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on inactive duty. Reported for active duty one week later, on the 21st of June, and was transfered to active duty status in the Army of the United States.
Together with Tom Poston and Louis Nye, he did the recurring "Man on the Street" skits on "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show" (1956) television program.
Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting.