Don Knotts

Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, earning five Emmy Awards. Knotts also played Ralph Furley on the sitcom Three's Company from 1979 to 1984. He starred in leading comedic roles in films like The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964) and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966). In 2004, TV Guide ranked him number 27 on its 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list. Knotts began his career as a ventriloquist and comedian during his service in the United States Army in WWII. He got his first major TV break on Search for Tomorrow.