Drafted into the US Army during WWII; served in the South Pacific

In the Army, became part of a show called "Stars and Gripes" with partner Michael Shaughnessy

Completed college degree; offered teaching fellowship (which he declined)

Moved to NYC to pursue an acting career

Started out in radio in a show entitled "Bobby Benson and the B Bar B's"

Made first TV appearances on shows including "Howdy Doody"

Appeared in a recurring role on the (initially) CBS soap opera "Search for Tomorrow"

Broadway debut, "No Time for Sergeants"; first collaboration with Andy Griffith

Made recurring appearances on "The Garry Moore Show", a CBS variety series

Appeared as a regular ensemble member on "The Steve Allen Show", an NBC comedy/variety series; moved to Hollywood with the production in the fall of 1959

Reprised role for the film version of "No Time for Sergeants"

Played Deputy Barney Fife on the popular CBS sitcom, "The Andy Griffith Show"; left to focus on film career (made occassional guest appearances through 1968)

First starring role in a film, "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"

Co-hosted first TV special, "The Andy Griffith-Don Knotts-Jim Nabors Show" on CBS

Received story credit for the feature, "How to Frame a Figg" (also starred)

Hosted and starred in "The Don Knotts Show", an NBC comedy-variety series

First feature pairing with Tim Conway, "The Apple Dumpling Gang"

Joined the cast of the hit sitcom "Three's Company" as landlord Ralph Furley

Reprised the role of Barney Fife for the hugely successful (highest rated of its season) TV-movie reunion "Return to Mayberry"

Played the recurring role of pesky neighbor Les Calhoun on the popular NBC courtroom drama, "Matlock", starring Andy Griffith

Participated in the HBO benefit special "Comic Relief"

Returned to features in the role of the school principal in "Big Bully"

Had pivotal role in "Pleasantville," as a folksy TV repairman

Honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (January 19)

Voiced Mayor Turkey Lurkey in the animated feature "Chicken Little"