Ron Howard took to Instagram to share a throwback photo, a behind-the-scenes snap of him alongside Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. The award-winning director reflected on a special day in 1997 on which Griffith and Knotts surprised him. They showed up unannounced to the set of Ransom in Queens.
Howard reminisced about his progress from the show to becoming a Hollywood icon. His friendship with his co-stars on The Andy Griffith Show did not end after the finale. Howard, Griffith, and Knotts reunited for the TV movie Return to Mayberry in 1986.
Ron Howard and Don Knotts are actually cousins
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Howard noted in his throwback post that he and Knotts are not just friends but also distant cousins. He spent his formative years on set with Griffith and Knotts, the latter playing the bumbling yet lovable Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, while Howard was Opie Taylor.
Howard often credits his co-stars on The Andy Griffith Show for laying the groundwork for his career in the entertainment industry. In a 1986 interview, he detailed how Knotts and Griffith encouraged his aspirations of becoming a director and how they gifted him his first camera after learning of his dreams to become one.
Fans react to Ron Howard’s throwback Instagram post
As Howard’s post went up, fans of The Andy Griffith Show flooded his comments with excitement. “Wow, some incredible findings that you linked! I love your work — there has always been something more real about it, and it shows! Wishing you all the best with all your future projects!” a supportive follower remarked.
Another admitted to re-watching The Andy Griffith Show every night on MeTV, adding it was and still is a fine show. “They don’t make ’em like that anymore!” they exclaimed, while a third person said they also binge the series. “This made me cry… It makes me feel safe,” they explained.