Knotts Family History & Genealogy

Thomas Allen Knotts is the son of Jesse Donald Knotts, also known as the comedian Don Knotts, born in 1924 and passed away in 2006, and Kathryn "Kay" Elaine Metz, born in 1927 and passed away in 1966. Jesse and Kathryn married in 1947, and they divorced in 1964. They had two children, Thomas and Karen Knotts. Karen is a comedian and actress. In 1990, Tom married Catherine Anne Oates at the Long Beach Unitarian Church. The Los Angeles Times published an announcement of their wedding. See the announcement at Knotts-Oates wedding. In 1993, Tom and Cathy had a son, and Don Knotts became a grandfather. The birth took place in San Francisco. See a newspaper announcement of the birth at A GRANDSON FOR DON KNOTTS.. Tom is an electrical engineer and didn't pursue entertainment and the spotlight, like his father and sister.

Don Knotts Born July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA Died February 24, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, USA (pulmonary and respiratory complications) Don Knotts, the legendary television character actor, was born Jesse Donald Knotts on July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia, to William Jesse Knotts and the former Elsie L. Moore. He was the youngest of four sons in a family that had been in America since the 17th century. His first stint as an entertainer was as a ventriloquist, performing paid gigs at parties and other events in Morgantown. He decided to make a stab at a career in show business, moving to New York City after graduating from high school, but he only lasted in the Big Apple for a few weeks. He decided to go to college, enrolling at West Virginia University but, when World War II engulfed America, he enlisted in the United States Army. The 19-year-old soldier was assigned to the Special Services Branch, where he entertained the troops. It was while in the Army that Don ditched ventriloquism for straight comedy. Don returned to West Virginia University after being demobilized. After graduating with a degree in theater in 1948, he married and moved back to New York, where connections he had made while in the Special Services Branch helped him break into show business. In addition to doing stand-up comedy at clubs, he appeared on the radio, eventually playing the character "Windy Wales" on "The Bobby Benson Show". From 1953 to 1955, he was a regular on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow (1951). Destiny intervened when he was cast in the small role of the psychiatrist in the Broadway play "No Time for Sergeants", which starred Andy Griffith, who would play a large part in Don's future career. Don also appeared in the film adaption of the play with Griffith. Don's big break before he hooked up again with Andy Griffith was a regular gig on the The Steve Allen Plymouth Show (1956) hosted by Steve Allen, starting in 1956. He became well-known for his "nervous man" shtick in the "Man-on-the-Street" segments that were a staple of Allen's show. His character in the segments was a very nervous man obviously uptight about being interviewed on camera. He developed this into the fidgety, high-strung persona that he used successfully for the rest of his career. When "The Tonight Show" moved to Hollywood in 1959 with new host Jack Paar, Don also moved to California as a regular. However, he was soon cast in Andy Griffith's new television series about a small-town sheriff, The Andy Griffith Show (1960), in the role that would make him a legend. For playing "Deputy Barney Fife", Don was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor five times from 1961 to 1967, winning each time. He soon tasted big-screen success, starring in The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964). Don cut back his appearances on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) to concentrate on making movies after signing a five-year contract with Universal Pictures. For Universal, Don appeared in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), The Reluctant Astronaut (1967), The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968), The Love God? (1969) and How to Frame a Figg (1971). His mid-1960s popularity as a movie comedian began to wane towards the end of the decade, and the contract was not renewed. Don returned to television as the star of his own variety show, but it was quickly canceled. During the 1970s, Don had a spotty career, appearing in regional theater and making guest appearances on other television series. He eventually made some slapstick movies with Tim Conway for the Walt Disney Company, but it wasn't until the end of the decade that he tasted real success again. He was cast as would-be-swinger landlord "Ralph Furley" on the popular sitcom Three's Company (1976) after the original landlords, "The Ropers", were spun off into their own series. Since the show was canceled in 1984, he appeared as "Barney Fife" for a 1986 reunion of The Andy Griffith Show (1960) and in television guest spots, including a recurring gig as the pesky neighbor "Les Calhoun" on Griffith's Matlock (1986) series until 1992. He remained busy for the next ten years touring with plays and doing voice-over work for cartoons. In 2005, Don provided the voice of "Mayor Turkey Lurkey" in Disney's animated film Chicken Little (2005). It turned out to be one of his final films. He died at age 81 on February 24, 2006. Spouse (3) Frances Yarborough (2002 - 24 February 2006) ( his death) Loralee Czuchna (12 October 1974 - 1989) ( divorced) Kathryn Elaine Metz (27 December 1947 - 17 March 1966) ( divorced) ( 2 children) Was a ventriloquist in his early years from out of high school and his doll was named Danny. Enlisted in the United States Army at age 19. Father of Karen Knotts and Thomas Knotts. Cousin of Jodi Knotts. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Had portrayed Windy Wales on Mutual Radio's "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders" (1949-1955). 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 June 21, and was transferred to active duty status in the United States Army. Veteran of the Second World War who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with Carbine Bar) and Honorable Service Lapel Pin. Served in the United States Army, 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. Together with Tom Poston and Louis Nye, he did the recurring "Man on the Street" skits on The Steve Allen Plymouth Show (1956). Received his Bachelor's degree in Education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1948. Took an early job plucking chickens for a market when he was told he didn't have a future in acting. Buried among the stars at the beautiful and prestigious Westwood Memorial Park. 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Died on the same day and at the same age as Dennis Weaver. Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors' Branch). Don ceased to be a regular on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) 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. Received a special tribute as part of the Annual Memorial tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007). His last television role was a guest appearance on the animated series Dave the Barbarian (2004). 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 awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 19, 2000. In the 2003 Mayberry reunion, Knotts said, referring to their child co-star, we call him Mr. Howard now.

Kelli Lynn (Boniol) Knotts was born on September 6, 1991. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Kelli Lynn boniol.

Sylvia Rose (Davis) Knotts of Cincinnati, Ohio United States was born in Cincinnati to Green Berry Davis and Thelma Wanda (Cummings). Sylvia Knotts has siblings Edward L Davis, Cecil Bulan Davis, Raymond Travis Davis, Charlotte Ann Homer, and Dorothy Kay Berbaum. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Sylvia Rose Knotts.

Forrest J Knotts of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana was born on August 11, 1914, and died at age 58 years old in December 1972.

Ersel B Knotts of Hepzibah, Harrison County, West Virginia was born on March 31, 1918, and died at age 57 years old in April 1975.

Heyward G Knotts of North, Orangeburg County, South Carolina was born on November 15, 1916, and died at age 70 years old in May 1987.

Clifford Woodrow Knotts of Little Hocking, Washington County, Ohio was born on June 27, 1912, and died at age 98 years old on November 28, 2010.

Neil F Knotts of Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio was born on February 23, 1911, and died at age 68 years old in August 1979.

Kenneth Kline Knotts Sr Sr of Oroville, Butte County, California was born on July 9, 1928, and died at age 79 years old on October 22, 2007. Kenneth Knotts Sr was buried at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Section 2 Site 1116 5810 Midway Road, in Dixon.

Kenneth I Knotts of Muncie, Delaware County, IN was born on January 26, 1921, and died at age 73 years old on July 2, 1994.

Kenneth P Knotts of Belington, Barbour County, WV was born on November 11, 1918, and died at age 72 years old on April 21, 1991.

Everett F Knotts of Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio was born on February 28, 1920, and died at age 64 years old in September 1984.

Charlie J Knotts of Bay Springs, Jasper County, MS was born on June 7, 1918, and died at age 77 years old on September 30, 1995.

Sidney J Knotts of Bay Springs, Jasper County, MS was born on May 17, 1919, and died at age 81 years old on July 29, 2000.

Earl J Knotts of Decatur, Macon County, Illinois was born on April 29, 1912, and died at age 70 years old in February 1983.

Henry James Knotts of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas was born on March 7, 1937, and died at age 70 years old on September 18, 2007.

Andrew Lee Knotts of Houston, Harris County, TX was born on February 17, 1919, and died at age 84 years old on August 19, 2003. Andrew Knotts was buried at Houston National Cemetery Section G2 Site 1679 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, in Houston.

Richard A Knotts of Lima, Allen County, Ohio was born on August 11, 1927, and died at age 40 years old in March 1968.

Richard W Knotts of Elkins, Randolph County, WV was born on April 10, 1918, and died at age 92 years old on July 16, 2010.