Who is Don O. Knowlton?

Don O. Knowlton was an American commercial actor who rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. He is widely recognized for his memorable performances in a series of television commercials for Chevrolet, where he played a dorky, middle-aged man who was still trying to impress his wife and neighbors with the latest trends of the time.

Born on June 5, 1930, in Delano, Minnesota, Knowlton started his career in the entertainment industry as a backup dancer and occasional extra in Hollywood. However, it was his talent as a character actor that ultimately landed him his first commercial gig for Chevrolet in the early 1970s.

In the commercials, Knowlton portrayed a lovable but somewhat clueless husband who was always eager to show off his new Chevy car to his wife and neighbors. His signature phrase, "Hey neighbor...nice car!" became an instant catchphrase and made him a household name.

Knowlton appeared in numerous Chevrolet commercials over the years, and his popularity continued to rise through the 1980s. He even starred in a few acting roles outside of commercials, including a cameo in the popular TV show, "Cheers."

Sadly, Don O. Knowlton passed away on June 23, 1997, at the age of 67 due to complications from lung cancer. However, his legacy as one of the top commercial actors of his time remains, and his memorable performances in the Chevrolet commercials will always be remembered fondly by fans of the era.