Played the role of Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. In 1996, he was honored by TV Guide, as they ranked him 27 out of 50 in its Greatest TV Stars of All Time.
He began his career by performing Ventriloquist acts in local venues.
He played the role of Ralph Furley in the sitcom Three's Company.
He was married and divorced twice before marrying Frances Yarborough in 2002, whom he remained married to until his death in 2006. He had two children with his first wife.
He was very good friends with actor Andy Griffith.
