Don Knotts, 81, 1924–2006

Don Knotts was renowned for his comedic timing and ability to portray the comic and pathetic aspects of his characters with equal finesse, especially for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife in the iconic sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. In that role, he would change the sitcom format by being a supporting character who is the comedic lead. Usually, it is the other way ’round.

He was quite a ladies’ man, apparently, and was married three times. He died in 2006 from complications brought on by lung cancer. In his obituaries, he was cited as a major influence on other actors.