The Legacy of Don Knotts in “Chicken Little”: His Final Animated Role

Don Knotts as Turkey Lurkey

Hey there, fellow animation fans! Today I wanna dive into something that’s been on my mind lately – the legendary Don Knotts and his final theatrical voice acting role as Mayor Turkey Lurkey in Disney’s “Chicken Little.” As a huge fan of both classic TV and animated films, this particular performance holds a special place in my heart, and I think it deserves way more recognition than it gets!

Who Was Don Knotts?

For those who might not be familiar (though honestly, how could ya not be?), Jesse Donald “Don” Knotts was born on July 21, 1924, and left us on February 24, 2006. He was an absolute comedy icon whose career spanned decades, delighting audiences with his unique brand of physical comedy and nervous, high-strung characters.

Most people remember him best as the unforgettable Deputy Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show” but his talent extended far beyond that role. Don had this amazing ability to make people laugh with just a nervous twitch or a wide-eyed expression. His skinny frame and expressive face made him perfect for comedy and boy, did he use those gifts well!

Don Knotts’ Journey to “Chicken Little”

By the time “Chicken Little” came around in 2005, Don Knotts was already a beloved figure in American entertainment. The film represented a significant milestone for both Knotts and Disney:

• It was one of Don’s final film appearances during his lifetime
• The film marked Disney’s first fully computer-animated feature produced in-house
• Don Knotts was part of an impressive voice cast including Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, and Garry Marshall

What’s particularly poignant is that “Chicken Little” would be Don’s last theatrical film released during his lifetime. His final film appearance was actually in “Air Buddies,” another Disney production that was released posthumously in 2006.

Mayor Turkey Lurkey: A Perfect Match for Knotts’ Comedic Style

In “Chicken Little,” Don Knotts voiced the character of Mayor Turkey Lurkey, the somewhat dimwitted but well-meaning mayor of Oakey Oaks. The character perfectly played to Knotts’ strengths as a comedian – a bit scatterbrained, easily flustered, but ultimately good-hearted.

What made Turkey Lurkey such a fun character was how well he fit into Don’s wheelhouse. Throughout his career, Knotts had perfected playing characters who were:

• Nervous and high-strung
• Well-intentioned but often in over their heads
• Prone to exaggerated reactions
• Lovable despite (or because of) their quirks

Mayor Turkey Lurkey embodies all these traits! One of my favorite scenes shows his interaction with the aliens, where he hilariously offers them:

1. The key to the city (zapped!)
2. The key to his car (zapped along with the car!)
3. And finally, a Tic Tac (before getting zapped himself!)

This scene perfectly captures the essence of both the character and Knotts’ comedic timing. Even in animated form, his distinctive voice brought the same nervous energy that made him famous.

A Legendary Cast for a Milestone Disney Film

“Chicken Little” assembled an impressive ensemble of voice talent. The film starred:

This diverse cast brought a unique energy to Disney’s venture into in-house computer animation. While the film received mixed reviews from critics (with a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), it was commercially successful, grossing over $314 million worldwide.

The Significance of “Chicken Little” in Disney’s History

“Chicken Little” holds an important place in Disney’s animation legacy. Released on November 4, 2005, it was:

• Disney’s first fully computer-animated feature produced entirely in-house (as “Dinosaur” from 2000 used a combination of live-action backgrounds and CGI)
• A transitional film that came during negotiations between Disney and Pixar
• The last Disney animated film produced under the name “Walt Disney Feature Animation” before the studio was renamed “Walt Disney Animation Studios”

The film also represented Disney’s attempt to compete in the increasingly computer-dominated animation landscape, where studios like Pixar and DreamWorks were finding tremendous success.

Don Knotts’ Legacy in Animation

While many remember Don Knotts primarily for his live-action roles, his contribution to animation shouldn’t be overlooked. Beyond “Chicken Little,” he lent his voice to:

• “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” – as himself
• “Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night” – as Gee Willikers
• Various TV cartoons and animated specials throughout his career

His distinctive voice and perfect timing made him a natural for voice acting, even if it wasn’t the primary focus of his incredible career.

The Film’s Reception and Box Office Performance

When “Chicken Little” hit theaters in 2005, it opened at #1 at the box office – the first Disney animated film to do so since “Dinosaur.” It went on to gross approximately $135.4 million domestically and $179 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $314.4 million.

This financial success was particularly important for Disney at the time, as it reversed a slump they’d been experiencing since 2000. Previous films like “Treasure Planet” and “Home on the Range” had underperformed, making “Chicken Little” a welcome hit for the studio.

Critics weren’t as kind, with many comparing it unfavorably to Pixar’s output. But for fans of Don Knotts, the film remains special as one of his final performances.

My Personal Take on Don Knotts in “Chicken Little”

I’ve probably watched “Chicken Little” at least a dozen times (don’t judge me!), and each time, I can’t help but smile whenever Mayor Turkey Lurkey appears on screen. There’s something so heartwarming about hearing Don’s voice bringing this character to life.

What makes it even more special to me is knowing that this was one of his last roles. In a way, it feels like a final gift to a new generation of viewers who might not have grown up with “The Andy Griffith Show” or his other classic performances.

When I watch the film with my nieces and nephews, I always make sure to tell them about the amazing man behind the turkey’s voice. It’s my little way of keeping Don’s legacy alive for future generations.

The Cultural Impact of “Chicken Little”

While “Chicken Little” may not be considered one of Disney’s greatest masterpieces, it certainly made its mark on pop culture:

• It was released in Disney Digital 3D in select theaters, making it one of the early films to embrace the renewed 3D trend
• The film spawned two video games
• A direct-to-video sequel titled “Chicken Little 2: The Ugly Duckling Story” was planned but ultimately cancelled
• Walt Disney Television Animation was also developing an animated series based on the film for Disney Channel

The film’s soundtrack featured artists like R.E.M., Diana Ross, and Joss Stone, further extending its cultural reach beyond just the animation world.

Final Thoughts: Remembering Don Knotts Through His Work

Don Knotts passed away on February 24, 2006, just a few months after “Chicken Little” was released. The film stands as a testament to his enduring talent and ability to make audiences laugh, even in his final years.

For me, I’ll always appreciate that Disney gave us one more chance to experience Don’s comedic genius. Every time Mayor Turkey Lurkey nervously offers those aliens a Tic Tac, I can’t help but laugh – and that’s exactly what Don Knotts spent his life doing: making people laugh.

So next time you’re browsing through Disney+, consider giving “Chicken Little” another watch. Pay special attention to that frazzled turkey mayor, and remember the incredible talent of Don Knotts, whose comedy continues to bring joy to audiences of all ages.

What’s your favorite Don Knotts role? Is it his iconic Barney Fife, his work in films like “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” or perhaps his voice work as Mayor Turkey Lurkey? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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This article is dedicated to the memory of Don Knotts (1924-2006), whose contribution to comedy and entertainment continues to bring smiles to faces around the world.

The voice actor for the titular character Chicken Little in the 2005 Disney animated film is Zach Braff. Other prominent voice actors in the film include Joan Cusack as Abby Mallard, Steve Zahn as Runt of the Litter, and Garry Marshall as Buck “Ace” Cluck.

Yes, Buck Cluck’s voice actor does change depending on the region and version of the film, primarily due to Australian comedian Mark Mitchell dubbing the role for the Australian release, whereas Garry Marshall voiced him in the original U.S. release. This variation is particularly noticeable in some online streaming versions, like on Disney+.