The Broadway Cast Andy Griffith and Don Knotts Were Part of Before the Classic Series Began
Before Andy Griffith and Don Knotts became household names on The Andy Griffith Show, their paths crossed on a Broadway stage in a production that would change their careers forever. While many fans know them as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, few realize that their chemistry began long before they arrived in Mayberry. This article dives into the Broadway show that first united the duo and set the stage for one of television’s most iconic partnerships.
Andy Griffith’s Rise to Fame
From Small-Town Roots to the Big Time
Andy Griffith wasn’t always a star. Born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina, he had a passion for storytelling, music, and humor from a young age. Initially, he pursued a career as a teacher, but his talent for comedy and acting soon took him in a different direction.
‘What It Was, Was Football’—The Comedy Hit That Launched Him
Before Broadway, Griffith gained national attention with his hit comedy monologue What It Was, Was Football. This routine, in which he humorously describes a football game from the perspective of a country boy who has no idea what’s happening, became a sensation. It helped him land acting roles, leading to his big break on Broadway.
Don Knotts’ Journey to the Stage
A Comedic Genius in the Making
Don Knotts, known for his nervous, twitchy comedic style, had a very different road to fame. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, Knotts had a talent for ventriloquism and comedy early on. He honed his skills entertaining troops during World War II before breaking into radio and television.
Early Television Success
Before meeting Andy Griffith, Knotts was already making a name for himself on The Steve Allen Show, where his nervous character persona became a hit. But it wasn’t until Broadway that his path truly crossed with Griffith’s.
The Broadway Play That United Andy Griffith and Don Knotts
‘No Time for Sergeants’—The Military Comedy That Started It All
The play that brought Griffith and Knotts together was No Time for Sergeants, a Broadway comedy about a naive, good-hearted country boy named Will Stockdale, played by Andy Griffith, who is drafted into the Air Force.
The production was a massive success, running from 1955 to 1957. It was based on Mac Hyman’s novel of the same name, and Griffith’s performance was so well received that it led to both a television adaptation and a feature film.
Don Knotts Joins the Cast
Don Knotts played Corporal Manual Dexterity, a high-strung and by-the-book officer who clashes hilariously with Griffith’s laid-back character. This was the first time the two worked together, and their comedic chemistry was undeniable.
How ‘No Time for Sergeants’ Paved the Way for ‘The Andy Griffith Show’
A Bond Formed on Stage
While working on Broadway, Griffith and Knotts quickly became friends. Knotts was impressed by Griffith’s ability to ad-lib and keep an audience engaged, while Griffith appreciated Knotts’ natural comedic timing.
The Transition to Television
Griffith’s performance in No Time for Sergeants led to him being cast in the 1958 film version, and soon after, he was offered his own television show. When The Andy Griffith Show was being developed in 1960, Griffith knew exactly who he wanted to play his nervous, bumbling deputy—his old Broadway pal Don Knotts.
‘No Time for Sergeants’ Movie and TV Adaptation
The Film Version Brings More Success
Due to the Broadway show’s popularity, Hollywood took notice. In 1958, the play was turned into a film, once again starring Andy Griffith in the lead role. Don Knotts also reprised his role, and their chemistry on-screen was just as strong as it had been on stage.
A Pilot That Didn’t Quite Take Off
Before The Andy Griffith Show, there was even an attempt to turn No Time for Sergeants into a television series in 1964. However, it didn’t achieve the same level of success as Griffith’s Mayberry-based sitcom.
The Lasting Impact of Their Broadway Collaboration
Defining Their Comedic Styles
Their time together in No Time for Sergeants helped define the comedic styles that made them famous. Griffith’s cool, confident delivery paired perfectly with Knotts’ jittery, nervous energy, a dynamic that would become legendary in The Andy Griffith Show.
An Enduring Friendship
Off-screen, Griffith and Knotts remained close friends for decades. Their Broadway connection laid the foundation for a partnership that lasted well beyond The Andy Griffith Show.
Conclusion
Andy Griffith and Don Knotts’ partnership didn’t start in Mayberry—it started on Broadway. No Time for Sergeants not only launched Griffith’s career but also introduced him to Don Knotts, setting the stage for one of television’s greatest comedic duos. Their chemistry, honed on the stage, became the heart of The Andy Griffith Show, proving that sometimes, the best TV magic starts long before the cameras roll.
FAQs
1. What was the Broadway play that Andy Griffith and Don Knotts starred in together?
They starred in No Time for Sergeants, a comedy about a country boy drafted into the Air Force.
2. Did Don Knotts and Andy Griffith meet before ‘The Andy Griffith Show’?
Yes, they first worked together on Broadway in No Time for Sergeants, which solidified their comedic partnership.
3. Was ‘No Time for Sergeants’ turned into a movie?
Yes, it was adapted into a 1958 film, with Griffith and Knotts reprising their roles.
4. How did ‘No Time for Sergeants’ influence ‘The Andy Griffith Show’?
The Broadway play introduced Griffith and Knotts to each other, leading to their iconic roles in The Andy Griffith Show.
5. Were Andy Griffith and Don Knotts friends in real life?
Yes, they remained close friends for decades, with their bond starting on Broadway and lasting long after their time in Mayberry.
