Karen Knotts, Daughter of Don Knotts

Karen Knotts father was the top notch, first rate, five time Emmy winner, comedic actor known around the world as Deputy Barney Fife, Leader of the Apple Dumpling Gang, The Incredible Mr. Limpet and Three’s Company Mr. Furley, yep Karen’s father is actor Don Knotts.

My friend and writer / director of the documentary “The Mayberry Effect” connected me with Karen and Dixie Griffith (Episode #51) telling me what a wonderful person Karen truly is and how I should make sure to get her on the show.

After a few hiccups we were finally able to connect and make it happen.

Karen was a Librarian for most of her career, I know it sounds like a setup for an “Andy Griffith Show” set-up. She now is a standup comic, actress and loves sharing stories about her father and her career path. We did chat a lot about her family life growing up, and what her one woman show is about. We also reflected on Don and his career in film and tv, what a great father he was and just how good of an actor he really was.

Karen loves being a part of the Mayberry Family, meeting fans of the Andy Griffith Show and hearing how her father and the show touched their lives. It has had a lasting impact on my life. She is also thrilled when his Three’s Company fan base shares stories and their love for her dad with her.

I have watched clips of Karen’s comedy and show and I have to say if she is playing in a town near you, get tickets and check out her show.

So I’m going to “Nip it in bud” and end these show notes here so you can jump right into Karen’s episode.

Episode 43 – Justin Lloyd (Jim Varney – Nephew)

“Hey Vern, check out my Nephew Justin is on Relatively Famous podcast”… The character of Ernest with his trademark “Hey Vern”, portrayed by actor Jim Varney was a national advertising phenomenon and loved comedy movie star. His films Ernest goes to camp and Ernest saves Christmas are still great family friendly movies in a world of violent action films.

Justin Lloyd, is Jim’s nephew and remembers growing up with this really cool uncle who just happen to be famous. It was the 80s and Jim would pick up Justin in his Deloren for drives around town. Like what could have been a scene in the movie Back to the Future they would pull up to the gas station blaring classical music, open the two gullwing doors and Jim would exit the Deloren as if he were Doc Brown.

Now there is a resurgence of “Ernest” commercials popping up and a renewed interest in Justin’s book “The Importance of Being Ernest: The Life of Actor Jim Varney”. There’s talks of a documentary and maybe even a bio pic.

Justin has great respect and love for his Uncle Jim and enjoys talking about his life with him, his memories of Jim and possible new ventures highlighting Jim’s life and career. Funny thing is after we recorded our episode Justin found a New York Daily News article by Liz Smith from 1987 reporting that Jim had asked Vanna to be in his next film. I had a great time talking with Justin and hope you’ll get a kick out this episode. Share the joy of Ernest with Justin and go buy his book.

https://www.facebook.com/beingernestbook
https://a.co/d/1E0Gsfy