Andy Griffith hoped that he and Don Knotts would go on to star in films together after The Andy Griffith Show ended

The two actors were inseparable.

CBS Television Distribution

While many people remember Andy Griffith for his role in The Andy Griffith Show, the actor had a long and successful career that wasn't just limited to a television series.

According to an interview with The Buffalo News, Griffith hosted a television special in 1967 entitled "Andy Griffith's Uptown Downtown Show."

"I'll continue to do specials - three in three years - after next season," said Griffith. "But I won't be doing the series because I gotta make pictures for Universal and I can't do both." The special included various performances, including one by singer Tennessee Ernie Ford.

But Griffith never denied an audience what they wanted, so of course, Don Knotts had to make an appearance. The duo became well known as Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife on The Andy Griffith Show but forged a friendship off-screen. Because of that friendship, Griffith and Knotts often performed together, delighting viewers everywhere.

Of course, the combination wasn't just for the benefit of the audience. Griffith and Knotts genuinely enjoyed working together and were better because of their partnership. It seemed that the two were rarely seen without each other, and they preferred it that way.

In the interview, Griffith explained that after The Andy Griffith Show, he hoped to pursue a career in film, and he knew just who he'd like to work with.

"I hope they'll put Don Knotts and me together all the time," the actor said.

Watch The Andy Griffith Show on MeTV!

Weeknights at 8 & 8:30, Sundays at 12 & 6 PM

*available in most MeTV markets
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Close

3 Comments

Robersot 24 days ago
I've never heard why he and Don never did any movies together. They both were at the height of their careers at the time. We can only wonder what might have been. Don ended up partnering with Tim Conway
cperrynaples 24 days ago
Andy's contract was canceled after Angel In My Pocket flopped! He came back for Headmaster and then NAGS [New Andy Griffith Show]!
Runeshaper 25 days ago
Sounds like a truly beautiful friendship (-:
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?