An urban legend claims that Knotts served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, serving as a drill instructor at Parris Island. In reality, Knotts enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Morgantown High School and spent most of his service entertaining troops.

Did Don Knotts serve in the military?

Knotts served in the U.S. Army from June 21, 1943, to January 6, 1946 in the Army's 6817th Special Services Battalion. He was discharged at the rank of Technician Grade 5, which was the equivalent then of a corporal.

Was Andy Griffith in the military?

No Military Service for Andy

While he was undergoing a required medical evaluation, they discovered he had a herniated disk in his lower back — sustained years earlier when he had fallen from a tire swing. As a result, his military services were not required.

What did Don Knotts do in WWII?

He served in an Army comedy troupe during WWII.

Knotts served from 1943 to '46. He was part of a performance group called Stars and Gripes, which performed in the Pacific.

What did Don Knotts do before Andy Griffith?

Before he entered high school, Knotts began performing as a ventriloquist and comedian at various church and school functions. He traveled to New York City to try and make his way as a comedian, but returned home to attend West Virginia University when his career failed to take off.

13 Things You Didn't Know About Don Knotts' Life

29 related questions found

Was Ron Howard and Andy Griffith friends?

Ron Howard's Dad Revealed What Kept Him and Andy Griffith From Becoming Close Friends: 'We Weren't Buddy Buddies' As a child actor, Ron Howard famously portrayed son Opie Taylor to Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s.

Where is Andy Griffith today?

Griffith died on July 3, 2012, from a heart attack at the age of 86 at his coastal home in Manteo, Roanoke Island, in Dare County, North Carolina. He was buried in the Griffith family cemetery on the island within five hours of his death.

Was Don Knotts and Andy Griffith friends?

For five pivotal years, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts partnered on The Andy Griffith Show to become one of the greatest television comedy teams. Their on-screen chemistry mirrored their friendship in real life. As much as the two men were close, the same could not be said for their spouses.

Did the cast of Andy Griffith get along?

Though they were loving and supporting on “The Andy Griffith Show,” Andy Griffith and Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) didn't get along in real life. Griffith played Sheriff Andy Taylor, and Bavier was Aunt Bee on the popular show. Their characters formed a family unit with Taylor's son Opie for eight seasons.

Was Andy Griffith a Marine?

He was exempted from military service and didn't need to enter ministerial service. However, the performer would never forget that he hadn't lived up to his duty. The author continued, “Andy's failure to serve would haunt him for the rest of his days.

Did Clint Eastwood serve in the military?

Clint Eastwood - Actor, Director, Producer

After graduation, he worked as a lumberjack and forest fighter in Oregon, and a steelworker in Seattle. Drafted into the Army during the war in Korea, Eastwood was sent to Ft. Ord in California for basic training.

Was Bob Newhart a Marine?

10. Bob Newhart. Newhart was drafted into the U.S. Army and served stateside during the Korean War. He was a personnel manager until being discharged in 1954.

Did Helen and Andy date in real life?

Andy Taylor eventually did get hitched

In the show's first season, Andy and Helen marry. ... In real life, Griffith and Helen Crump actor Aneta Corsaut were romantically involved, to the point that he asked her to marry him several times. This time it was Corsaut and not the show's writers who said no to marriage.

When did Andy Griffith pass away?

Andy Griffith, original name Andrew Samuel Griffith, (born June 1, 1926, Mount Airy, North Carolina, U.S.—died July 3, 2012, Manteo, North Carolina), American actor who was perhaps best known for his portrayal of homespun characters, notably the sheriff on the television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960–68) and a ...

Why did Barney Fife leave the show?

Fife appeared on The Andy Griffith Show from the show's beginning in 1960 until 1965, when Knotts left the show to pursue a career in feature films. It is explained that Fife had left Mayberry to take a job as a detective in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How rich is Ron Howard?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ron Howard is estimated to be worth around $200million. On top of being a renowned actor and director, Howard is the co-chairman of the film and television production company Imagine Entertainment. Imagine Entertainment has produced movies such as 8 Mile and Friday Night Lights.

Why was Andy Griffith buried on day of death?

Griffith died after suffering a heart attack at his coastal North Carolina home on Roanoke Island. ... The Griffith family specifically requested that he be buried right away. There doesn't seem to be many details as to why though. The Andy Griffith Show actor lived a notoriously private life.

Was Ron Howard in The Partridge Family?

Having starred in “The Partridge Family” for four seasons, Shirley Jones knows something about child actors, and as she puts it, “Ron Howard is probably the best child actor I've ever worked with.” ... “In 'Partridge Family,' Danny Bonaduce was wonderful but crazy. We had another boy. He was a nightmare.

Does Ron Howard get residuals from Andy Griffith Show?

Answer: “All actors from the show received standard residuals as negotiated by the Screen Actors Guild at the time, generally for the original broadcast and six reruns for regular cast members,” said Jim Clark, co-author of “The Andy Griffith Show Book” and “Presiding Goober Emeritus” of the show's fan club.

Is Ernest T Bass still alive?

Howard Morris, a character actor in the Golden Age of television best known for his work with Sid Caesar and for his brief, memorable role as the manic hillbilly poet Ernest T. Bass on "The Andy Griffith Show," died on Saturday at his home in Los Angeles.

What did Thelma Lou do for a living?

She is apparently self-sufficient; her occupation is never revealed despite references to a never-seen "office", yet she lives in a roomy and well-decorated house of her own. Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's).