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
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