Have you ever heard about Frances Yarborough? She wasn’t a big movie star or a famous name in Hollywood, but her story still touches many people — especially fans of the legendary actor and comedian Don Knotts.
Frances Yarborough was the third wife of Don Knotts, best known for his role as the funny and nervous Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. Their love story was a quiet one, but full of deep emotions, friendship, and support.
In this article, we’ll gently walk through Frances Yarborough’s life — from her early days, to how she met Don Knotts, and what their life was like together. Let’s begin by getting to know her background.
Frances Yarborough Quick Bio
|
|
| Full Name |
Frances “Francey” Yarborough |
| Birth Year |
1960s |
| Birthplace |
Oconee County, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality |
American |
| Profession |
Executive Secretary, Former Actress |
| Known For |
Wife of late actor Don Knotts |
| Movie Appearance |
The Electric Chair (1976) |
| Marital Status |
Married to Don Knotts (2002 – 2006) |
| Children |
None |
| Father |
Donald Howard Yarborough |
| Mother |
Charity O’Connell Yarborough |
| Siblings |
Jean Yarborough and others from father’s side |
| Residence |
Century City, Los Angeles, California |
| Net Worth |
About $1 million (estimated) |
| Cause of Death |
Natural causes |
| Date of Death |
October 28, 2013 |
Frances Yarborough’s Early Life
Frances Yarborough was born in Oconee County, Georgia, in the United States. She grew up in a simple Southern town surrounded by family and love. Her father was Donald Howard Yarborough, and her mother was Charity O’Connell Yarborough.
Her father wasn’t just any man. He was a Marine Corps officer who served during World War II, and later became a well-known lawyer. He even ran for governor of Texas in 1962 and supported President John F. Kennedy. He cared deeply about justice and stood up for the rights of Mexican immigrants and Black Americans, which was very rare at that time. Sadly, he passed away from Parkinson’s disease in 2009.
Frances’ family background was full of hard work, strength, and service — something she carried with her throughout her life.
Her Simple Childhood in Georgia
Frances didn’t grow up with flashing lights or red carpets. Her childhood was quiet and peaceful in Georgia. She spent most of her young years learning, playing, and enjoying life in a small-town way.
She had a sister named Jean Yarborough, and the two were close. Growing up in the South in the mid-1900s was very different from today — life was slower, family mattered a lot, and most people lived with strong values.
Though we don’t know much about her schools or favorite childhood memories, we do know she was kind, respectful, and smart — someone who loved helping others and staying humble.
What Did Frances Yarborough Do for Work?
Before becoming known as Don Knotts’ wife, Frances lived a very normal life. She worked as a secretary — more specifically, an executive secretary. This means she helped with office tasks, schedules, and behind-the-scenes work for important people and projects.
She wasn’t chasing fame or trying to become famous. She simply enjoyed her work, stayed private, and lived life quietly. One of her jobs brought her into the world of TV shows and production — and this is where her life would change forever.
Working in television introduced her to new people and new opportunities. One of those people just happened to be a well-known and loved TV actor named Don Knotts.
Frances Yarborough’s Acting Role in ‘The Electric Chair’
Even though Frances Yarborough wasn’t a full-time actress, she did appear in one movie. In 1976, she played a small role in a crime drama called The Electric Chair. Her part was as a jury member, and she shared the screen with other actors like Nita Patterson and Don Cummins.
It wasn’t a big Hollywood film, and she didn’t do any more acting after that. But it shows that she was open to trying new things — even stepping in front of the camera.
Later on, she also played a funny little role in one of Don Knotts’ comedy plays, acting as a “hippie wife” who dreamed of becoming an actress. It was more for fun than for fame, but it gave her another chance to be part of Don’s creative world.
How Did Frances Yarborough Meet Don Knotts?
This is the part where everything changes.
Frances met Don Knotts in the late 1980s. At that time, she was working as a production assistant on a show called What a Country!, which Don was part of. She helped out on the set and even played a small background role on the show.
Their meeting wasn’t a big Hollywood moment. It was simple and quiet. But something clicked between them right away.
In his biography, Don said Frances was a “kind-hearted and beautiful actress” who had come to Hollywood to try improv comedy. At first, she just helped Don memorize his lines, but their conversations kept going, and they started to enjoy each other’s company more and more.
Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts’ Unusual Love Story
Let’s be honest — their love story wasn’t typical.
When they met, Frances was in her 20s, and Don was in his 50s. That’s a big age gap. Some people thought it was strange. But to them, age didn’t matter.
They spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. Don came from a very serious and troubled background, while Frances said her family was “crazy and wild.” Somehow, they understood each other perfectly.
Frances once said, “We just kept talking and talking… He was fascinated by the little things about people.”
Soon, they were going out for dinner, spending time at his condo, and growing closer. What started as a friendship became real love — the kind that feels natural and deep.
Becoming Don Knotts’ Third and Final Wife
In 2002, after many years together, Don and Frances decided to get married. It was a small, private wedding, not the big kind you see in celebrity magazines.
Frances became Don Knotts’ third wife, and many people said she was also his happiest love.
They didn’t have children together, but they shared a strong bond. Frances stayed by his side during the hardest years of his life, helping him through sickness, work, and all the ups and downs that came with aging.
They lived in Century City, Los Angeles, and stayed deeply connected until the very end.
Life with Don Knotts Before His Death
After they got married, Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts lived a quiet life in Century City, Los Angeles. Even though Don was a big TV star, they kept things simple at home. They enjoyed spending time together, talking, and sharing little moments that made their bond even stronger.
But during these years, Don’s health started to get worse. He had several serious issues. He was diagnosed with lung cancer, had macular degeneration (an eye condition that makes it hard to see), and also suffered from hypochondria, which made him worry a lot about his health.
Still, Don didn’t want anyone to know how sick he was. He asked Frances not to tell the media, not even his children or his best friend, Andy Griffith. He believed that if people knew he was sick, he might stop getting acting work. Frances respected his wishes and kept everything private.
The Death of Don Knotts
On February 24, 2006, Don Knotts passed away. It was a Friday night, and he was 81 years old.
At the time of his death, Frances Yarborough was right by his side, along with his two children, Karen and Tom Knotts. Don had told doctors not to keep him alive with machines, so when it was time, they removed the equipment.
Don died from pneumonia-related complications caused by his lung cancer. His funeral was held at Westwood Memorial Park, a famous place where stars like Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, and Truman Capote are also buried.
Frances wrote a beautiful message for his grave. She said he had the special gift of seeing the pain in people’s lives and turning it into something warm and funny.
What Happened to Frances Yarborough After Don Knotts Died?
After Don’s passing, Frances Yarborough slowly stepped away from the public eye. She didn’t give interviews, didn’t go on talk shows, and didn’t try to stay in the spotlight. She chose a peaceful and private life.
Frances never remarried. She lived quietly for several more years, away from the media. There’s not much known about what she did during this time, but many believe she focused on her family and personal healing.
She passed away on October 28, 2013, from natural causes. Even though she wasn’t a public figure, people still remember her for being the woman who stood by Don Knotts during his most vulnerable years.
Did Frances Yarborough Inherit Don Knotts’ Fortune?
At the time of his death, Don Knotts had an estimated net worth of around $20 million. He had been in many successful TV shows and movies and had earned well during his long career.
But what happened to that money? The truth is — no one really knows for sure. The Knotts family never shared public details about his will. They chose to keep it private, just like Don would’ve wanted.
However, most people believe that Frances Yarborough, as his wife, inherited a large part of his fortune. She likely lived comfortably after his death, even though she never talked about it publicly.
Final Thoughts
Even though she only acted in one film and never looked for fame, Frances Yarborough left behind a quiet but meaningful legacy.
She will always be remembered as the woman who stood beside Don Knotts when he needed someone the most. She gave him comfort, peace, and love in his final years. Their love story shows that deep connection doesn’t depend on age, fame, or money — but on kindness, respect, and trust.
Today, when fans think about Don Knotts, they often also think of Frances — the woman who helped him through life’s final chapter. She may not have been a star on screen, but in his life, she was truly a light.
So, who was Frances Yarborough? She was more than just Don Knotts’ last wife. She was a calm, caring, and loyal partner who stood by a comedy legend — not for fame, but for love. Her story is simple, touching, and reminds us that even in the shadows of fame, real love always shines through.
(FAQs)
What was the age difference between Frances Yarborough and Don Knotts?
They had a 30+ year age gap. Frances was in her 20s when they met, while Don was already in his 50s.
How old was Frances Yarborough, and when was she born?
Frances Yarborough was born in the 1960s (some sources say 1927, but this is debated). She passed away in 2013, likely in her early 70s or 80s.
Did Frances Yarborough have children with Don Knotts?
No, Frances and Don never had children together. Don’s only children were from his first marriage.
How did Frances Yarborough die?
Frances Yarborough died from natural causes on October 28, 2013, several years after Don Knotts’ death.
What was Frances Yarborough’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth was around $1 million, but she likely inherited a large portion of Don Knotts’ $20 million fortune after his passing.
