Because I will not have my computer available early next week, I decided to post this tribute to Don Knotts a bit early
It will be exactly one year ago next Monday that the entertainment industry and fans of comedy everywhere lost one of its all time great artists. Over the years many new comedians have come onto the scene in Hollywood, but one thing remains certain. Don Knotts has to take a back seat to no one when it comes to true talent and class. Comedy has undergone tremendous changes over the years, but because of Don Knott's portrayal of Barney Fife, some of the greatest comedy of all times has been preserved forever. Without ever using a four letter word, a sexual innuendo or an off color joke, Don Knotts was able to bring laughter into the homes of millions of people around the world. And the wonderful thing is that after more than 47 years since he first appeared as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, he continues to bring that same laughter in homes everywhere. Families continue to gather in livings rooms across our great land to spend special times with Barney Fife and all his friends in Mayberry. Fan clubs have emerged everywhere, websites are dedicated to his memory, and people gather in churches to study their bibles through the laughter of Don Knotts. I challenge anyone to name one other comedian that has attained that status. Don Knotts was more than a comedian. He was an outstanding actor and even more importantly, he was a gentleman and a role model for everyone who ever saw him. It doesn't take talent to stand up in front of people and tell tasteless jokes. It doesn't take talent to stand up in front of people to belittle others or poke fun of our nation's president or religious leaders. It does take talent to portray characters such as Barney Fife, Jesse W. Heywood, Royal Fleming, Hollis Figg, Luther Heggs, and countless others. I will always be thankful for having experienced the talent of Don Knotts. He has brought to my life so many moments of pure joy and laughter. He has transformed some very difficult times in my life into moments where I could forget my problems and pain. Don Knotts emulates what a true artist should be. Many so called comedians in today's entertainment industry do not deserve to be called artists. They may get laughs when they perform, but that is one of the key differences between them and Don Knotts. While they simply perform, Don Knotts became the characters that he portrayed, and he did it with dignity, professionalism, and class, Don Knotts has no equal, and I doubt that he ever will. Kenneth G. Anderson 2906 May Street Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701 715-839-8470 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.mayberryreflections.com _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list WBMUTBB@wbmutbb.com http://mail.wbmutbb.com/mailman/listinfo/wbmutbb_wbmutbb.com http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/wbmutbb/
