The sitcom, which ran for eight seasons, followed the sheriff of Mayberry, Andy Taylor (Griffith). At five 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.

Ron Howard, who played Opie on "The Andy Griffith Show" as a child, said he recently found out that he and former co-star Don Knotts are distant cousins.