Don Knotts, actor was 81 *

The longtime comic actor, who lived here in West Los Angeles, died of lung cancer yesterday at UCLA. Knotts was best known as Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," the role for which he won five Emmy Awards. But of course Knotts had a lengthy career before and after that hit TV series, and many comedians have cited him as their inspiration. Knotts' first credit on Imdb is the role of Wilbur Peterson on "Search for Tomorrow" from 1951-53, followed by appearances on "The Steve Allen Show." His final credit was voice work last year on Chicken Little. Knotts' Walk of Fame star is at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard.

* Also: Actor Darren McGavin, 83. His acting credits begin in 1945.

Photos: AFP/Getty Images via Yahoo (left), Internet Movie Database