We began to do little things, have little scenes where we just talked about things that had nothing to do with the plot. In fact, in the beginning, they didn't want us to do that. But as time went on, you see that in so many shows. I think we were the first to do that.

Knotts's paternal ancestors had emigrated from England to America in the 17th century originally settling in Queen Anne's County Maryland. In 1970 he would also make yet another appearance as Barney Fife in the pilot of The New Andy Griffith Show. After his appearances on Matlock ended in 1992 Knotts’ roles became sporadic including a cameo in the 1996 film Big Bully as the principal of the high school.

In 1996 TV Guide ranked him # 27 on its 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list. Jesse Donald "Don" Knotts (July 21 1924 – February 24 2006) was an American comedic actor best known for his portrayal of Barney Fife on the 1960s television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show a role which earned him five Emmy Awards.