Ron Howard Drops Bombshell On His True Familial Ties To ‘Andy Griffith Show’ Co-Star Don Knotts

Mar 07, 2025 by apost team

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On Feb. 15, 2025, actor and director Ron Howard, 70, posted a heartwarming throwback photo on social media, capturing a special moment from years ago when his “The Andy Griffith Show” co-stars, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, visited him on set. Howard, who got his start in showbusiness on the iconic series at just 5 years old, shared the screen with the beloved duo throughout the show’s run. 

Howard portrayed Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960 to 1968, landing the role as the son of Andy Taylor, the cherished sheriff of Mayberry, played by Griffith. Moreover, Knotts brought unforgettable humor to the series as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, a performance that earned him five Emmy Awards. Knotts passed away in February 2006 at the age of 81, while Griffith passed in July 2012 at 86. Though they are no longer here, their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans everywhere.

After his role as Opie, Howard found further success starring in the iconic 70’s TV series, “Happy Days,” before transitioning to a celebrated career in directing. Howard made his directorial debut in 1978 with the comedy “Grand Theft Auto.” He went on to helm critically acclaimed films such as “Splash” in 1984, “Apollo 13” in 1995, and “A Beautiful Mind” in 2001.

In a 1986 interview with PEOPLE magazine, Howard said that back on “The Andy Griffith Show,” he told his co-stars and the producers that he wanted to be a “writer-producer-director” one day, and they bought him his first camera. Howard reflected on his relationship with Griffith.

“Andy was like a wonderful uncle to me,” he said, adding he “created an atmosphere of hard work and fun that I try to bring to my movies.”

In his Instagram post, Howard wrote:

“A fun photo of the day in ’97 when #AndyGriffith and #DonKnotts surprised me with a visit to the set of #Ransom in #Queens. It was recently confirmed that Don and I were actually distant cousins!” 

Howard may have misremembered the timing, as “Ransom,” starring Mel Gibson and Rene Russo, hit theaters in 1996. Still, the nostalgic photo was a treat for fans as Howard also dropped the surprising bombshell that he and Knotts are related! In 1986, Howard reunited with Griffith, Knotts, and other cast members from “The Andy Griffith Show” for the TV movie “Return to Mayberry.” 

Howard has always held his first TV show and co-stars close to his heart. Reflecting on its success in a June 2024 conversation with Conan O’Brien, he credited Griffith and the show, saying:

“It was so much a function of kind of a singular creative voice.”

Though Griffith wasn’t officially a producer, Howard noted that it “was his show, it was tailored to his sensibility.”

He also recalled Griffith’s approach to humor, explaining:

“Andy used to kill jokes if they were too broad. He just kept saying: ‘The South is plenty funny on its own.’”

Some of the show’s most memorable scenes – featuring Griffith and Knotts in casual, wandering conversations – came about when episodes ran short. The two actors would decide on a topic and improvise. Howard reflected on how special it was to be part of such a creative environment:

“How lucky was I to grow up in that situation where the actors were set up ... to participate, make suggestions?” 

Even as a child, he felt comfortable pitching ideas, though early on, they “never went anywhere.” One moment, however, stood out. While filming season two’s second episode at age 7, Howard suggested a more natural-sounding line for his character. The director let him use it, and Howard described the unforgettable moment:

“I just felt this surge of being involved in something.”

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The legacy of these iconic actors will be celebrated forever. Which Ron Howard-directed movie is your favorite? Let us know, and then pass this along to fellow fans to keep the magic of Mayberry alive!