Sometimes, a friendship becomes so strong that the two of you become one. Separately, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts were pretty darn funny. But together, the two united to become a well-oiled comedic machine.

During an interview with the Archive of American Television, Knotts explained that the roots of his relationship with Griffith were planted years before The Andy Griffith Show began.

"We became friends in No Time For Sergeants," said Knotts, referencing a Broadway play he and Griffith appeared in together. No Time For Sergeants was later adapted into a film, also starring Griffith and Knotts. That time together obviously helped the two actors prepare to act together on The Andy Griffith Show, where their chemistry was obvious. Not only were Knotts and Griffith friends during their time on the series, but they were also incredibly compatible as actors.

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"From the very beginning of The Andy Griffith Show, we worked hand in glove," said Knotts. "Our timing was alike; I could almost tell when Andy was going to come in, and he said he could do the same with me. And Andy found Barney funny. I think that helped too."

In fact, Knotts' desire to make his costar laugh actually fueled him comedically. "I could see sometimes in Andy's eyes he was trying to keep from laughing, which would help me try to be even funnier," said Knotts. "Andy was the ultimate straight man. He was the best you could imagine. His sense of timing was incredible. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience."