[Mr 5 0]

Don Knotts was a shrewd and talented actor who was clever enough to capitalize on his geeky appearance and - when excited, which was often - his high-pitched voice. Don Knotts was very much in the tradition of pioneers such as Buston Keaton, a legendry 'everyman' actor who Don Knotts was occasionally compared to, even though Knotts came to the public's attention long after the silent movie comedian's fame has passed.

Indeed, we did laugh with Don, not really at him, as we realized that he was portraying the 'everyman' and reflected a lot of people who are sincere and well-meaning but socially handicapped by their appearance and/or lack of confidence. Human traits that Don Knotts played to his - and our - advantage, most memorably on the Andy Griffith Show in the unforgettable character of the hapless Deputy, Barney Fife.

He will be missed - but long remembered.