For some actors, a character following them around after filming feels like a wad of gum stuck on the underside of their shoe; it's persistently annoying and nearly impossible to get rid of.

But for someone like Don Knotts, a character following him around was a blessing, like a never-ending ray of sunshine shining down on him.

During an interview with The Birmingham News, Knotts, who had departed The Andy Griffith Show a few seasons into the series, said that he took no issue with still being known by audiences as Barney Fife.

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"It's more of a compliment," said Knotts. However, the actor was quick to point out that he was also well known by audiences for many of the characters on television he had also played, like that of Ralph on the later popular sitcom, Three's Company. Knotts also starred in a series of successful films, including The Reluctant Astronaut (1967) and The Love God? (1969)

"They also think of me as Mr. Furley," said Knotts, "and lots of people talk to me about some of the movies I've made. I got scattered around pretty well, actually."

But despite the extensive ground that Knotts had covered in the entertainment industry, he maintained that he would never be too busy to return to Mayberry in any future specials, especially after the success of Return to Mayberry.

"Oh yeah, I'd do another one," said Knotts. "That was fun."