Don Knotts' Failing Health Delays Festival

Yahoo News/AP ^ | 8/2/2005 | Yahoo News/AP

[Mike Bates]

Don Knotts' failing health has forced his hometown to indefinitely postpone a parade and film festival in his honor that had been scheduled for Aug. 12-14.

A doctor for the 81-year-old Emmy-winning actor advised him not to travel from Beverly Hills, Calif., said Stacey Brodak, executive director of the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"He had hoped to be here for the celebration, but escalating health issues have made it unwise for him to make the cross-country trip at this time," she said Tuesday.

Brodak did not elaborate on the nature of his ailment.

Knotts, a Morgantown native with dozens of film credits, is best known as the bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" and as would-be swinger landlord Ralph Furley on "Three's Company."

This fall, he'll be the voice of Turkey Mayor in the animated Disney film "Chicken Little."

Three events will go on as planned — the unveiling of a sidewalk star, the first meeting of the local Don Knotts Fan Club and a display of Knotts memorabilia.

[Mike Bates]

Here's hoping Barney's doing better.

[garyhope]

I hope Ol' Barn, just nips it, nips it in the bud and gets better!

[Living Free in NH]

Does anyone have a Death Pool running?

[lunarbicep]

prayers for a man who has brought countless hours of entertainment

[Brainhose]

CITIZEN'S ARREST, CITIZEN'S ARREST!!!
I hope Don Knotts gets better(unlikely) but at least lets hope he has a peaceful passing.
He should have hung in on the Andy Griffith show for 2 or 3 more years.
He was such a huge part of the show.
It just went into the dumper when Ken Berry started all his weepy crap like when Alan alda took over MASH.
I just feel that maybe his timing may have been off a little bit.
I liked the Ghost and Mr, Chicken and The Reluctant Astraunaut and The Amazing Mr. Limpet.
I sure hope he is well! I for one shall miss Don Knotts.
Here is a link to the IMDB Don Knotts

[Mike Bates]

It just went into the dumper when Ken Berry started all his weepy crap like when Alan alda took over MASH.

Before Ken showed up, Warren did. And that killed the show for me. A new deputy wasn't a good idea.

[Brainhose]

Yeah, I was thinking that myself. It is a very fine line as to when that show actually Sh*t the bed.
It all seemed to happen at once.
Too bad because that was probably one of the finest, well crafted shows of all time.
As many of the shows in the early 60's they didn't have to resort to base potty humor to get a laugh.
Best wishes to Don Knotts!

[HeadOn]

Psst. Over here!

Doesn't sound good.

[stainlessbanner]

mayberryping

[billbears]

This is absolutely sad. I knew they have to grow old one day but you never want them to. It's almost, no it is exactly, as if a close family member is sick.

Ernest T. gone, Aunt Bea too, man prayers are with Mr. Knotts

[Hi Heels]

Just Damn.

Barney: she sweet talked me Andy.

Andy: sweet talked ya? What did she say?

Barney: she said "Barney ...Honey....Sugar....Creeeeeeeeampuuuuff"

I love that guy.

Get well soon....