<Tr> <Th> Spouse (s) </Th> <Td> Kathryn Metz (m . 1947; div. 1964) Loralee Czuchna (m . 1974; div. 1983) Frances Yarborough (m . 2002) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Children </Th> <Td> 2, including Karen Knotts </Td> </Tr> <P> Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924--February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian, best known as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, a 1960s sitcom for which he earned five Emmy Awards . He also starred in two comedic films, playing Luther Heggs in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) and Henry Limpet in The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964). He also portrayed Ralph Furley on the TV sit - com Three's Company . In 1979 TV Guide ranked him #27 on its 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list . </P> <P> Jesse Donald Knotts was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, the youngest of four sons born to farmer William Jesse Knotts and his wife, Elsie Luzetta Knotts (née Moore). His parents were married in Spraggs, Pennsylvania . His English paternal ancestors immigrated to America in the 17th century, originally settling in Queen Anne's County, Maryland . Knotts' brothers were named Willis, William, and Ralph . </P>

Who played barney on the andy griffith show