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What Was Don Knotts’ Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2006, Don Knotts, the celebrated American comedian and actor, had a net worth of $3 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades in television and film, marked by iconic roles and consistent work in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jesse John Knotts, born on July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, West Virginia, faced a challenging early life. His father’s struggle with alcoholism and schizophrenia, combined with the economic hardships of the time, created a difficult environment. While specific financial details regarding his family’s income are not available, the fact that his mother operated a boarding house suggests a reliance on that income to support the family. After a brief stint in New York City after high school, Don enrolled at West Virginia University but his studies were cut short by being drafted into the Army in 1943.
Knotts’ career began to take shape after graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in education. He returned to New York City and leveraged connections from his military service to break into show business. His first major television role came in 1953 on the soap opera “Searching for Tomorrow.” While the exact salary for this role isn’t specified, it marked an important step in his professional trajectory. His appearances on Steve Allen’s variety show in the 1959-1960 season further boosted his recognition as a comedian, laying the groundwork for his future success.
A pivotal moment in Knotts’ early career was his leading role in the Broadway play “No Time for Sergeants.” This production not only provided him with significant exposure but also led to his acquaintance with Andy Griffith. The play’s adaptation into a film, starring both Griffith and Knotts, further solidified their professional relationship and set the stage for their iconic collaboration on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Specific financial details regarding his earnings from the play and film are unavailable.
“The Andy Griffith Show” Fame and Salary Details
Don Knotts’ portrayal of Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show” (1960-1968) catapulted him to national fame. His comedic timing and memorable character earned him five Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as a comedic icon. When Knotts agreed to do “The Andy Griffith Show,” Don at first accepted a one-year contract. Ahead of the second season, he signed an extension that paid him $1,250 per episode. Roughly $35,000 per season. After adjusting for inflation, that’s the same as earning $13,200 per episode today, roughly $370,000 per year today. The show’s success also opened doors for him in film.
However, tension arose from Don’s impression that the series would end after the fifth season, and he agreed to the contract after all, so he mostly let it go. He even signed a five-film movie deal with Universal Studios ahead of the fifth season’s conclusion. Despite the show’s popularity, Knotts’ salary remained a point of contention. Although unconfirmed, it is said that he apparently requested a share of the show’s backend ownership, which was wholly owned by Andy, and the two producers Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas. His request was denied. The exact details of his contract are not fully public, but it is known that he initially accepted a one-year contract, followed by an extension that paid him $1,250 per episode, totaling approximately $35,000 per season. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to roughly $13,200 per episode or $370,000 per year today. While this was a substantial sum at the time, it was relatively low compared to the show’s immense success, and it created some tension between Knotts and Andy Griffith, who reportedly denied Knotts’ request for a share of the show’s backend ownership.
Film Career and “Three’s Company” Success
Following his departure from “The Andy Griffith Show,” Knotts pursued a film career, signing a five-film contract with Universal Studios. His first leading film role was in 1964’s “The Incredible Mr. Limpet.” Other notable films from this period include “The Reluctant Astronaut” and “The Shakiest Gun in the West,” which were both box office successes. While specific salary details for these films are unavailable, they contributed significantly to his overall income and net worth during the 1960s. After his contract ended, he was offered his own variety show on NBC. “The Don Knotts Show” premiered in 1970, but it suffered from poor ratings and low viewership.
Although the 1970s saw Knotts working consistently, he did not achieve the same level of success as he had in the previous decade. He mainly took on guest appearances on television. However, in 1979, he joined the cast of the incredibly popular sitcom “Three’s Company.” His portrayal of landlord Ralph Furley became a fan favorite, and he remained on the show for five seasons until its conclusion in 1984. While specific salary details for his role on “Three’s Company” are not publicly available, it is likely that he earned a substantial amount per episode, given the show’s popularity and his established status as a comedic actor.
His television roles on both sitcoms marked the peaks of his acting career and cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. In 1986, he reunited with his former “Andy Griffith Show” castmates for the TV movie “Return to Mayberry.” Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, his work was more sporadic, and he primarily took parts as a guest star on television or minor character in film.
Personal Life, Real Estate, and Final Years
Don Knotts was married three times. His first marriage to Kathryn Metz lasted from 1947 to 1964, and they had two children together. His second marriage to Loralee Czuchna lasted from 1974 to 1983. In 2002, he married Francey Yarborough, and they remained together until his death in 2006. No specific details regarding the financial aspects of his divorces are publicly available.
Throughout his life, Knotts battled depression, anxiety, and hypochondria. He was diagnosed with macular degeneration in his late 50s and later with lung cancer. Despite these health challenges, he continued to work until his condition worsened. His final film role was as a voice actor in Disney’s “Chicken Little.” He died in 2006 at the age of 81 from complications related to his cancer. He bought the unit in August 1983 for $338,170. His estate sold the unit in October 2007 for $1.23 million.
At the time of his death, Don Knotts’ primary residence was a condo near Beverly Hills. He purchased the unit in August 1983 for $338,170. His estate sold the property in October 2007 for $1.23 million, generating a significant profit. This real estate investment contributed to his overall net worth. There is no available information about any other real estate holdings, private planes, or luxury cars owned by Don Knotts.
