American character actor primarily of Western "sidekick" roles. Born John Forest Knight in Fairmont, West Virginia, Knight joined a traveling minstrel show as a musician at age 15. He attended The University of West Virginia as a law student, supporting himself as the drummer in his own band. Finding music more rewarding, he left school and played on the vaudeville and cabaret circuits. He appeared in Earl Carroll's Vanities of 1927 and on Broadway as a musical performer in "Here's Howe" and "Ned Wayburn's Gambols." He also played drums for the 'Irving Aaronson' at Valhalla Memorial Park in Burbank, California.
Got into show business on his musicianship, appearing on vaudeville and in stage musicals, and once even led his own band. He broke solidly into films after Mae West caught his act and put him in a couple of her vehicles -- She Done Him Wrong and My Little Chickadee .
Provided sidekick comedy relief in scores of late 30s and 40s "B" westerns opposite sagebrush stars Tex Ritter and Johnny Mack Brown.
