<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 ( 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>
who played barney on the andy griffith show
who played barney on the andy griffith show
Jesse Donald Knotts
Jesse Donald Knotts