Knotts' Poor Health Forces Hometown Festival Cancellation

Knotts' Poor Health Forces Hometown Festival Cancellation

POSTED: 11:04 am EDT August 3, 2005
UPDATED: 11:27 am EDT August 3, 2005

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The failing health of Don Knotts is forcing his hometown of Morgantown, W. Va., to postpone a parade and film festival in his honor.

Stacey Brodak, the executive director of the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau, said a doctor for the 81-year-old Emmy-winning actor advised him not to travel across the country from his home in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Brodak cited "escalating health issues," but did not elaborate.

Knotts, who has dozens of film credits is best known as the bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show."

He also played would-be swinger landlord Ralph Furley on "Three's Company."

This fall, he'll be the voice of Turkey Mayor in the animated Disney film "Chicken Little."

Brodak said three events will go on as planned this month -- the unveiling of a sidewalk star, the first meeting of the local Don Knotts Fan Club and a display of Knotts memorabilia.

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