Don Knotts' expert advice on how to deal with bullies

To quote Singin' in the Rain, "Make 'em laugh!"

November 5, 2024, 3:41PM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

If you've never had the misfortune of dealing with a bully, count yourself lucky. For those of you that have, just know that you're in good company. Even the funniest, most lovable people have had their bouts with tormentors. What's even better, they came out of those experiences much stronger than they were before.

In an interview with The Chicago Tribune, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts weren't embarrassed to admit that they'd dealt with their fair share of bullies when they were younger. The two stars of The Andy Griffith Show didn't hold back.

"Want to know something personal?" asked Griffith. "When I was a young 'un, I was real skinny. Oh my, yes. They used to call me Andy Gump I was so skinny. Boy, if you aren't good-lookin' or don't play tennis, life can sure be miserable for a young fella."

By contrast, Knotts learned that he was able to fight back against those judging him with his weaponry: humor.

"The thing is, for the kidding not to hurt, you have to say something funny back to people," said Knotts. "I used my skinniness out of self-defense. I'd clown around, and make people laugh at me. That's how I got into this show business."

As time went on, Knotts was no longer judged for his looks but rather recognized for his comedic material.

"Time was, people would say to me, 'Are you nervous?'" said Knotts. "That's on account of what I used to do on the Steve Allen Show, making out like I was so nervous. 'Are you nervous? Nope!' Folks remember that one. But now they say, 'Barney, how you gettin' along down to Mayberry!'"

But more importantly, the two actors found one another through comedy. Not only did these trials and tribulations make them better as artists, but it also led them to each other and reminded them that they weren't alone.

"I'll tell you about Don Knotts," said Griffith. "He has a good role, know it? But what he does with it makes it into a great characterization. I don't mind telling you that I used to work as a single, but now I proudly consider myself part of a team. And you stop squirming there, Don Knotts, it's the truth."