Ron Howard reveals shocking revelation about ‘Andy Griffith Show’ co-star Don Knotts

nypost.com:

Ron Howard is taking a trip down memory lane.On Feb. 15, the 70-year-old posted a picture to Instagram of his “The Andy Griffith Show” co-stars Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, visiting him on set in the ’90s.“A fun photo of the day in ‘97 when #AndyGriffith and #DonKnotts surprised me with a visit to the set of #Ransom in #Queens,” Howard captioned the image of the three men smiling. “It was recently confirmed that Don and I were actually distant cousins!”The sitcom, which ran for eight seasons, followed the sheriff of Mayberry, Andy Taylor (Griffith).

At 5 years old, Howard played Opie during the duration of the series from 1960 to 1968.Knotts was known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife — which won him five Emmys.Reflecting on working with Griffith, Howard told People in 1986, “Andy was like a wonderful uncle to me.

He created an atmosphere of hard work and fun that I try to bring to my movies.”That same year, the cast reunited for the made-for-TV movie “Return to Mayberry.”The film followed Opie becoming a father and Barney deciding to run for sheriff but ultimately realizing Andy’s made for the job.Howard went on to star in “Happy Days,” but ended up behind the camera.

The director worked on a series of classics, including “Apollo 13” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”Knotts passed away in 2006 at 81, followed by Griffith in 2012 at 86.