| Real Name: | Frances Yarborough |
| Birthday: | N/A |
| Net Worth: | $20 million |
| Height: | N/A |
| Occupation: | American Actress, Executive Secretary, Widow of Don Knotts |
Frances Yarborough, also known as Francey Yarborough, gained recognition as the wife of the late renowned actor and comedian Don Knotts. Knotts was a five-time Emmy-winning actor, best known for his portrayal of Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the popular 1960s sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. Yarborough was Knotts’ third and last wife before his passing in 2006.
Although not as famous as her late husband, Frances Yarborough also dabbled in the world of acting. She appeared in the 1976 movie The Electric Chair, showcasing her skills as an actress. Despite her short foray into acting, her life took another route when she met and married Knotts in 2002. Together, they created a loving bond and partnership that lasted until Knotts’ death in 2006.
Story Stages
Frances Yarborough’s Personal Life
Marriage to Don Knotts
Frances Yarborough, also known as Francey Yarborough, is best known for her marriage to the late American actor and comedian, Don Knotts. Don Knotts was a five-time Emmy-winning actor, renowned for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the 1960s sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. The couple was together until Don’s death in 2006.
Family Background
Frances was born in Georgia, United States of America, to Donald Howard Yarborough and Charity O’Connell Yarborough. Her father, Donald, was a liberal Texas Democrat who ran for the position of governor in 1962, and he also supported John F. Kennedy in his political endeavors. Frances has two siblings, Cecil Yarborough and Jean Yarborough.
Professional Life
Acting Career
Frances Yarborough was not only an American executive secretary but also had a short-lived career as an actress. Although her acting career was brief, she gained some attention for appearing on screen. Frances’ acting career is not as well-documented as her other professional endeavors, but her association with the entertainment industry through her marriage to a notable comedian and actor brought her some recognition.
Executive Secretary
In addition to her brief acting stint, Frances Yarborough worked as an executive secretary. This line of work required her to utilize strong organizational and communication skills. As an executive secretary, she played a vital role in managing the day-to-day operations and correspondence of the business or organizations she worked for.
Throughout her professional life, Frances was able to achieve a balance between her acting career and her executive secretary role, demonstrating resilience and versatility. Her endeavors in these fields allowed her to make a name for herself beyond her association with her late husband, Don Knotts.
Connection to Don Knotts
Marriage and Shared Life
Frances Yarborough, also known as Francey Yarborough, was the third wife of the late Emmy-winning actor and comedian Don Knotts. The couple got married in 2002, enjoying the deep connection they had built over the years. Francey had a positive impact on Don’s life, helping him overcome some of his bad habits. They shared a life together until Don’s passing in 2006.
Heritage and Inheritance
After Don Knotts’ death, Frances inherited a significant portion of his estate, including properties and a considerable net worth estimated to be around $20 million. Since Don Knotts’ acting career brought immense joy to people worldwide, this inheritance truly reflects the success of his work throughout his life.
Don Knotts was previously married to Kathryn Metz and had two children, Thomas Knotts and Karen Knotts. Frances Yarborough’s life with Don Knotts and her role in his later years highlights their shared bond and how she continued to support him both privately and professionally. The couple lived in beautiful Oconee County, Georgia, adding to their legacy and the loving relationship they shared during their marriage.
Frances Yarborough’s Later Life
Residence
Frances Yarborough, the widow of the late actor and comedian Don Knotts, resided in Oconee County, Georgia. The couple had spent their married life there since their wedding in 2002, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the area.
Death of Don Knotts
Tragically, on February 24, 2006, Don Knotts passed away from complications related to lung cancer. He was 81 years old at the time of his death. Despite the loss of her husband, Frances has carried on with her life, honoring their love and the memory of her beloved late spouse.
During their time together, Frances and Don’s relationship was filled with love and mutual respect. They had known each other since the 1980s and took their time to develop a deep connection before tying the knot. Frances Yarborough’s strength and resilience in coping with the loss of her husband, at the age they were and given the circumstances, are truly admirable.
In memory of her husband, Frances Yarborough carries on the legacy of Don Knotts and the many lives he touched with his talents. Additionally, she remains connected to her family, including her relatives such as her mother, Emmie Tippet Yarborough.
Legacy
Influence
Frances Yarborough was intricately involved in the life and career of her late husband, Don Knotts, an iconic American actor known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife in “The Andy Griffith Show.” The couple first met during the late 1980s while Yarborough was working as a production assistant on the syndicated comedy show “What a Country!” Their connection blossomed and they eventually married in 2002.
Don Knotts, born Jesse Donald Knotts, was a renowned Hollywood actor who enjoyed an illustrious career spanning several decades. Among his many accolades were five Emmy Awards, all for his portrayal of the beloved character Barney Fife. Knotts was also honored on the TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list.
Frances was a constant support throughout Knotts’ professional journey, undoubtedly playing a role in molding his legacy within the Tv industry. Through their relationship, they shared a mutual passion for the arts and a singular American nationality, holding firmly onto their white ethnicity.
Remembering Frances Yarborough
Frances’ influence on Don Knotts’ life and career has left an indelible mark on the actor’s personal history and legacy. Through their enduring relationship, she played a crucial role in shaping his career. In turn, Knotts’ massive success on “The Andy Griffith Show” as the lovable Deputy Barney Fife has endeared him to generations of fans across American households.
Though Yarborough herself did not attain the same level of fame or public recognition as her husband, her devotion and support to Knotts cannot be understated. Despite her behind-the-scenes position, Frances Yarborough remains an essential figure in Don Knotts’ journey throughout the Hollywood landscape, earning her a place in the rich tapestry of American television history.
