He Used to Be A Chicken Plucker
Before becoming the amazing and famous actor that he was, the late Don Knotts worked as a chicken plucker. It was one of his jobs before establishing a career in the entertainment industry. You might be wondering – what did he do as a chicken plucker? Such a job required Don Knotts to take and pull out feathers coming from a dead bird. Well, with that, the late actor did not really expect that his time as a successful actor would eventually come later in his life. Everyone has a story, we all start somewhere and this just happened to be his very humble beginning. Oh boy, did his luck change.
He Used To Be A Chicken Plucker
Ventriloquism Was A Part of His Life
Having the great acting and entertainment skills that led him to have a successful career, Don Knotts used to be a ventriloquist. Before being the big-time actor, Knotts performed a lot of gigs in different places all over his town and he did that for a living. He was known to be working with his puppet, who had the name Danny Matador – his dummy had a nickname “Hooch”. A few years after doing ventriloquism, Knotts eventually stopped performing acts as he realized that it was not the one for him.
Ventriloquism Was A Part Of His Life
A Part Of The U.S. Military
From 1943 up to 1946, Don Knotts worked for the military of the U.S. However, his specific task wasn’t really confirmed except for the fact that he used to be an entertainer in the military. The thing that wasn’t confirmed was that Knotts served in the Marine Corps of the U.S. It has always been a rumor since he passed away in 2006 and up until now, it is not confirmed. Well, real or not, he was still a part of the U.S. Military as an entertainer.
A Part Of The U.S. Military
A Remarkable Service In The Military
Being one of the entertainers that worked for the military of the United States, Don Knotts used to be well-known as an amazing non-combatant way back to the 1940s when he served the U.S. military. For your information, a non-combatant is a person in the military who does not engage in a war or any physical fight. Throughout his service from 1943 up to 1946, Knotts earned several medals, proving that he really did a great job in entertaining everyone in the military.
A Remarkable Service In The Military
His Very First Experience In The Acting Industry
As soon as he got discharged from the military of the United States as an entertainer, Don Knotts was given the offer to be a part of a soap opera that had the title Search for Tomorrow. Being his very first experience in the industry, it could be said that his role in the soap opera was a huge success. After that, he realized that he was more into comedy rather than taking serious roles. That was how he got into starring in various variety shows such as The Steve Allen Show.
His Very First Experience In The Acting Industry
Almost Got Fired After Andy Griffith Show’s 1st Episode
When he began starring in variety shows, being a part of the Steve Allen Show was his first. His role was a big success and people loved his humor, acting skills, naturality – in short, people loved everything about him. That success led him to star in the Andy Griffith Show. A fun fact about his experience there was that he was supposed to be cut off the show because he didn’t happen to sign a contract. Well, thanks to the show’s producer, he let Knotts still go with the show.
Almost Got Fired After Andy Griffith Show’s 1st Episode
Knotts Had The Greatest Lines In The Show
Having the title to be The Andy Griffith Show, it was expected that Griffith would have the major lines. Well, just because of Don Knotts’s amazing humor and talent, it made Griffith give him all the greatest lines in the show as he realized that it was what the great actor deserved. Aside from that, the two had established a deep relationship with each other. On and off the cameras, Don Knotts and Andy Griffith were really close friends.
Knotts Had The Greatest Lines In The Show
Andy Griffith’s Favorite Victim
Just like any other people who treat each other as friends, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts had a crazy friendship. By “crazy, what I meant was a lot of pranks and jokes were involved in their friendship. As the title says, Don Knotts was Andy Griffith’s favorite victim when it came to pranks. It was said that during the set of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy would always make fun of his friend. He also mocked Don Knott’s first name “Jesse” a lot of times.
Andy Griffith’s Favorite Victim
No More Appearances In The Andy Griffith Show
No one expected The Andy Griffith Show to be that successful to the point that it extended until eight seasons. Well, years after being a part of the famous sitcom, Knotts had come to a decision to say goodbye to the whole cast as he chose to sign a contract with Universal Pictures. It was very hard for everyone. It was difficult for the cast because they lost one of the show’s greatest characters and of course, it was not easy for Knotts as he loved everything about the show.
No More Appearances In The Andy Griffith Show
He Had A Chance To Stay
Out of a lot of people’s knowledge, Don Knotts came up with a deal that he hoped to make with Andy Griffith. He told his co-star slash friend that he could stay in the show as a part of the production team. In that way, Knotts could still be affiliated with The Andy Griffith Show and at the same time, he could also work with Universal Pictures. Well, with no confirmed reasons, Griffith refused to take Don Knotts’ offer. With that, everyone had to move on.
He Had A Chance To Stay
Don’s Very First Film
After leaving The Andy Griffith Show with a heavy heart, he had the chance to grab an opportunity to make his very first film with Universal Pictures which had the title The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. The film was released in the cinemas in the middle of 1966. Well, it seemed like the producers of that movie were huge fans of Andy Knotts in The Andy Griffith Show to the point that the actor’s character in the film was inspired by his character in the sitcom that he previously left.
Don’s Very First Film
His First Starring Role
Don Knotts got his very first starring role in the film, The Incredible Mr. Limpet. It was also one of his greatest movies as he was very well-known for his hilarious portrayal of his character, Mr. Limpet. The movie was released in the cinemas in the middle of 1964 and it had a mix of animation and fantasy. Well, the movie’s success proved the whole world that Don Knotts could perform well in any form – give him a film or a show, he could stir it all up.
His First Starring Role
His Iconic Style Of Fashion And Appearance
Off the cameras, Don Knotts was adored by people for having a pleasing sense of style. He was well-known for going out with a simple combination of a coat accompanied by a hat. In addition to his style, he also always flashed a smile whenever he would pass by someone and that made him a remarkable artist, comedian, and actor. His smile was something that people had always wanted to see and a lot of people loved seeing his smile – on cameras and off cameras.
His Iconic Style Of Fashion And Appearance
He Was A Lady Magnet
You might not have expected this but yes, Don Knotts was a lady magnet back in the days, especially when he was at the peak of his career. Well, it might be surprising but it is reasonable – maybe his good sense of humor attracted all the ladies that he dated and married. This information is given with no offense against the late actor – in fact, his daughter was the one who shared how his father was fond of ladies when he was still alive. Well, he had three wives.
He Was A Lady Magnet
Don Knotts’ Married Life
Speaking of his wives, let me brief you about his marriage to a total of three women. His first wife was Kathryn Metz, whom he had his children with – Thomas Knotts and Karen Knotts. His second wife was Loralee Czuchna. Their marriage could have lasted longer, but they filed for divorce in 1983. Several years later, the actor got married to his third wife, Frances Yarborough. She also happened to be Knotts’ last wife as he died in the middle of their married life.
Don Knotts’ Married Life
Coming Back To Television Shows
Years after leaving the TV show industry as he focused more on making films, Don Knotts came up with a decision to star in a TV show once again. The show had the title Three’s Company. It was Knotts’ second TV show after The Andy Griffith Show. In the Three’s Company, the actor played the characterization of Ralph Furley – a fictional character who is the landlord of a Santa Monica apartment building that is now owned by his brother. As expected, Knotts’ performance turned out great.
Coming Back To Television Shows
Don Was A Show Saver
One of Knotts’ co-star in Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers, had a problem with the producers of the show as they didn’t agree to increase the salary that the actress had always been asking for. With that being said, the actress did a little “boycott” and did not show up for a long time during the show’s filming. Well, thanks to Don Knotts, he volunteered to recite the actress’ lines whenever her appearance was needed – that was how the show went on until the producers came into an agreement with Somers.
Don Was A Show Saver
Never Before Revealed Story About Pleasantville
Pleasantville is a comedy movie that was aired in the cinemas in 1998. It featured a lot of great comedians including Don Knotts. Well, everything has a backstory, and Knotts had one with this movie. Did you know that the role of the TV repairman, which was portrayed by Knotts, was actually supposed to be played by Dick Van Dyke? Well, due to unconfirmed reasons, the role was given to Knotts. That just proved that everything truly happens for a reason – the movie turned out great despite that sudden happening.
Never Before Revealed Story About Pleasantville
Knotts Got Impersonated
Another fun fact about Pleasantville is that almost 50 percent of Don Knotts lines in the said movie was just recited and read by an impersonator. Given that the actor was already old at that time and he had difficulty traveling from one place to another at a speed, the additional lines, which were needed by the production staff to be recorded by Don Knotts, were recorded by a great impersonator, Craig Shoemaker. Well, props to the impersonator as he really sounded exactly like Don Knotts.
Knotts Got Impersonated
‘Til Death Do Us Part
Don Knotts passed away with the company of the man he was very close to. It was none other than Andy Griffith, the person who had always been there since the very start of his career. After his friend’s passing, Griffith was interviewed about how he stayed by Knotts’ side all the way. He narrated how he simply held his hand and told him how much he adored him as a person – both in the professional world and in real life even when there were no cameras present.
‘Til Death Do Us Part
He Died At The Age Of 81
Don Knotts passed away on the 24th of February 2006. He died when he was 81 years old. It was revealed to the public that he passed away due to different complications that attacked his respiratory system – lung cancer and pneumonia. His body was placed in the Westwood Memorial Park. His family, friends, and other loved ones just recently commemorated Don Knotts’ 14th death anniversary last February. That just proved that no matter how years have passed already after his death, he was never forgotten and he would never be.
He Died At The Age Of 81
Don Knotts’ Barney Fife Statue
Millions of people loved the character that he played in the famous sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show, to the point that Tom Hellebrand, a talented artist, made a statue of Barney Fife. However, it had to be immediately taken down after Paramount Studio did not allow the artist to make a figure of a fictional character that was used in one of its television shows. Well, just look at the picture and see the masterpiece that the world could have had if only the making of the statue got finished.
Don Knotts’ Barney Fife Statue
Like Father Like Daughter
Don Knotts had a total of two children – Thomas Knotts and Karen Knotts. The latter has now established a career in the entertainment industry, following the steps of her late father. A lot of people are expecting a lot from Karen Knotts, knowing that she, most likely, inherited her father’s great skills and talents as an actor. In several interviews, Karen shared how much she looks up to his father every single time as an inspiration in anything and everything she would do.
Like Father Like Daughter
Tied Up In Knotts
Tied Up in Knotts is a show that stars the one and only Karen Knotts. Being the comedic person that she has always been, she worked with an entertainment company that helped her establish her very own television show. Tied Up in Knotts features a lot of acts that commemorate Don Knotts’ legacy. Inheriting her father’s love and passion for comedy, Karen does a lot of stand-up comedy gigs all over the United States.
Tied Up In Knotts
There Would Always Be Laughter
In an interview, Karen Knotts had the opportunity to share the last moments she shared with her father before he passed away. She said that as she and her stepmother were by Don Knotts’s side, her father broke the devastating silence by cracking a joke that made all of them laugh so hard. She thought of it as a very funny experience because they still laughed even at a time of sadness. Well, with Don Knotts’s presence, there would always be laughter and happiness.
There Would Always Be Laughter
The Greatest Theme Song
Let’s now reminisce and look back to one of Don Knotts’ greatest TV shows, The Andy Griffith Show. Did you know that the show’s opening theme song had an interesting fun fact? Its composers, Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer managed to write its lyrics for only 15 minutes – can you believe it? Well, despite the fact that it was made in a rush, Fishin’ Hole turned out to be one of the greatest theme songs of all time. If you have the time, check the TV show out right now!
The Greatest Theme Song
Best Friends Forever
Going back to Don Knotts and Andy Griffith’s friendship, the two had already been good friends ever since, even before the creation of The Andy Griffith Show. Don and Andy met for the first time in the streets of New York City. They both appeared in No Time for Sergeants, a well-known Broadway play. Since then, they had established a good relationship that really ended up being one of the strongest relationships a couple of friends or a group of friends could ever have.
Best Friends Forever
Griffith Was Never Fond Of Romance On Cameras
Let us talk a little about Don Knotts’ best friend, Andy Griffith. Despite Andy’s proven professionalism whenever he would be on set or whenever he would be filming, he admitted that he had never been fond of being affectionate towards other people, especially the ladies, in front of cameras. Well, he never stated a reason for it but that was what he said during an interview. That was also confirmed by a lady co-star that worked with him – she shared her experience of sensing Griffith’s discomfort during a romantic scene.
Griffith Was Never Fond Of Romance On Cameras
Ron Howard Was Not The One Who Threw The Rock
We’re now on the fun facts about The Andy Griffith Show. Ron Howard played the characterization of Opie Taylor. For the opening scene of the TV show, he and Griffith were in a fishing setting and there was a scene that required Howard to throw a rock. However, being the little and gentle kid, Howard failed to throw the rock the way the producers wanted him to do. That was why one of the staff just hid in the bushes as he was the one who truly threw the rock.
Ron Howard Was Not The One Who Threw The Rock
Reason Why Knotts Left The Show
No one really expected The Andy Griffith Show to be very successful to the point that it would be extended after a total of five seasons. As the production staff and the management offered Don Knotts a renewal of his contract so that he could continue filming for the show, he was offered to work with the Universal Pictures. It was a very tough decision for the actor to make, but he chose to sign the contract with Universal Pictures and that cost him to leave The Andy Griffith Show.
Reason Why Knotts Left The Show
Fans Gifted Him Bullets
If you already watched The Andy Griffith Show, you surely know some of its inside jokes. One of them is the fact that Barney Fife (Don Knotts) has always been scared of bringing a gun with him – so his gun only has a single bullet every time. With that, a lot of fans found it hilarious and that was why Don Knotts received a bunch of mail that contained several bullets. The thought might be scary and creepy, but it was a way how fans played around with their idol.
Fans Gifted Him Bullets
Mistakes Obviously Seen In The Show
Knowing that The Andy Griffith Show was made when technology was still beginning to evolve, it’s not surprising to see mistakes caught on cameras. In the show, you could see tape marks, distractive reflection, and other mistakes that should never be seen on aired episodes. Well, despite all of those, the show’s still one of the best series of all time. Also, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt of having no enough funds while filming, so they didn’t have the capability to reshoot and edit all the time.
Mistakes Obviously Seen In The Show
Andy Griffith VS Frances Bavier
It was revealed that during the filming of the show and even off the cameras after the final set of The Andy Griffith Show, Griffith and Bavier had never been fond of each other. The two knew that it was because of their opposite personalities, that was why they didn’t get along – Frances was the very serious type of a person as Andy had always been a playful one. Well, years after the final episode of the show, the two had a heart-to-heart confrontation and ended up being good friends.
Andy Griffith VS Frances Bavier
Who Was The Person Behind Mr. Schwump?
Mr. Schwump had always been a very mysterious character ever since he appeared in the latter part of the show. It was because no one knew who he truly was off the cameras – Andy, Don, and other casts just called him “Mr. Schwump” on the show because it was the name written on the screen, but other than that, they did not know who he exactly was in real life. Well, years after the final episode of the show, it was revealed that Mr. Schwump was portrayed by Griffith’s friend.
Who Was The Person Behind Mr. Schwump?
The Show Was Sponsored By Ford
Yes, you are reading the title right – The Andy Griffith Show was really sponsored by the well-known automaker company, Ford. That is actually the reason why a lot of Ford vehicles were present in the show. In an interview, it was shared by some casts that every single time Ford would be releasing a new car model when the show was still on-going, the latest model would immediately appear in the show. Wow! To all the people who already watched the show, did you notice that?
The Show Was Sponsored By Ford
Mount Airy Was The Inspiration In Making Mayberry
For those who do not know, Mayberry is a fictional place that was made famous by The Andy Griffith Show. Even though the casts did their best to deny the theories made by the fans saying that Mayberry is actually Mount Airy in real life, it was revealed that the show was truly filmed on the streets of Mount Airy because in one episode, “Mount Airy” could be seen written on a desk of a trooper. Besides, the place looks very similar to the setting of Mayberry.
Mount Airy Was The Inspiration In Making Mayberry
Something About “The Pickle Story”
The Pickle Story is an episode title in The Andy Griffith Show. Don Knotts said that it was his favorite out of all the episodes in the series. He shared how much he enjoyed filming the scene wherein he and Andy Griffith had to eat all the awful pickles that Aunt Bee had prepared – they could not stop eating despite its taste because both of them were scared of how Aunt Bee would react. Well, it is actually a great and hilarious episode – no wonder why it was Knotts’ favorite.
Something About “The Pickle Story”
A Taste Of Andy’s Own Medicine
Andy Griffith was well-known for being a very playful person both on cameras and off cameras who had always pulled off a lot of pranks to other people, especially his closest friend, Don Knotts. Well, it seemed like the staff working behind his very own show already had enough of his pranks as they all brainstormed some ideas to prank their boss. They ended up stealing and hiding Andy’s shoes. Because of that, the actor had no choice but to go home, barefoot. The whole crew laughed so hard.
A Taste Of Andy’s Own Medicine
Andy Had A Nickname Given By Don
When The Andy Griffith Show began filming, Andy and Don had lots of time to bond with each other. That led them to be closer than ever and that also led Don Knotts to give his friend an iconic nickname. It was “Ange” – Don combined Andy’s first and last name. I don’t know about you, but I personally think that calling someone by a nickname is cute. Well, something even cuter is the fact that Don didn’t only use it during the filming, he also used it in real life.
Andy Had A Nickname Given By Don
A Special Assistance During The Set
The whole production staff of The Andy Griffith Show had to pull off extra efforts because of a sudden happening – Howard McNear suffered from a stroke in the middle of the show’s filming dates. Howard played the role of Floyd the Barber and everyone did their best to make him comfortable after his return to shoot his episodes. A lot of customized objects such as chairs and stands were made to assist the actor. Props to everyone who did a thoughtful gesture for Howard McNear.
A Special Assistance During The Set
The Favorite Outfit Of Don Knotts
Don Knotts had one favorite outfit and that was the suit that could be seen in the picture. There are a lot of reasons why that suit is considered to be his favorite, but I’d give one. Watching The Andy Griffith Show, you would see Knotts wearing that exact same suit in several episodes. After the show’s final episode, it was revealed to fans that the actor really wore that suit lots of times in the show – that confirmed that it was truly the suit that Don loved the most.
The Favorite Outfit Of Don Knotts
Andy Had A Fling During The Filming
I already said that Andy Griffith had always found being affectionate on camera very difficult. However, it seemed like things were different when he did some romantic gestures with Aneta Corsaut, who played the role of Helen Crump in the show. Well, it was rumored that their relationship became more than friends as they became affectionate towards each other. Well, the chemistry was on point – the only issue was that Andy was a married man during that time. What are your thoughts about this?
Andy Had A Fling During The Filming
February Had No End For Floyd
Played by Howard McNear, Floyd the Barber owns a barbershop in the show that has something very mysterious. Take note that it is nothing scary or creepy, it is actually kind of funny. In all the episodes that feature Floyd’s barbershop, the calendar always says “February”. It might be a mistake that the staff did not notice, but it might also be an ironic stunt that emphasizes how forgetful Floyd is to the point that he always forgets to turn his calendar at the right time. What do you think?
February Had No End For Floyd
Things Behind The Pilot Show
Planning the show’s very first episode, its producers hired Arthur Stander to write everything the episode was going to be. When he was already thinking of a guy who would fit well in the role, the first person who came to his mind was Andy Griffith. The producers immediately contacted the actor and he received an offer to have half of the show’s earnings in exchange for agreeing to be the show’s main character. He agreed and that was how he became the famous Andy Griffith that we all knew.
Things Behind The Pilot Show
Short-Tempered Griffith
Despite being the playful person a lot of people mostly had seen, there was still this scary side of Andy Griffith wherein he could not handle his anger anymore so he would just explode. This happened once in the middle of the set of the show. He was so stressed about filming that he punched a wall during the set. Such a gesture left his hand injured as he broke a wall – if you’re not convinced, a proof of this could be seen in the photo attached to this topic.
Short Tempered Griffith
Knotts’ Presence Almost Lasted For Only A Day
The presence I am talking about here was his role in The Andy Griffith Show. Yes, it was already planned that he would be there for the first episode, but he filmed it without any contract. In the entertainment industry, contracts should always be present. That happening could have led to Don being only in the first episode. Well, thanks to the producers of the show, they immediately worked on the actor’s contract as soon as they saw how talented and skillful of an actor he was.
Knotts’ Presence Almost Lasted For Only A Day
Howard McNeal’s Retirement
At this point, I’m expecting that you already know about the stroke that actor Howard McNeal suffered from in the middle of The Andy Griffith Show’s shooting date. That led the whole crew to adjust in order to favor the actor’s comfort as Floyd the Barber. Things kept going that way until the seventh season when he announced his departure from the series and his retirement in the entertainment industry. He realized that it was already the right time to take a rest out of everything he had already done.
Howard McNeal’s Retirement
Cousins Or Childhood Friends?
During the first few episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) were originally introduced to the world as cousins. Well, that was actually intended by the producers to be a mockery against politicians who run the government with other officials who happen to be their relatives as well. Well, after some episodes, the writers of the show did their best to shift Andy and Don’s relationship into simply childhood best friends.
Cousins Or Childhood Friends?
The Funny One Was Supposed To Be Andy
In the original script made by the writers, producers, and directors of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy Taylor was the role which was supposed to be the very hilarious one. However, after filming the first episode of the show, Andy realized that Don’s humor was one of a kind and that led him to make his co-star take the spotlight of being the funny one. The whole crew also agreed that Knotts should take the comic role and Andy should take the more serious one.
The Funny One Was Supposed To Be Andy
Star Trek And The Andy Griffith Show In One
As you all know, back in the days when The Andy Griffith Show was still filming, the directors and producers did not have a huge amount of funds with them to make the series so flawless. One of the craziest things that the crew did just to finish a season was the moment when they used a setting of Mayberry that was originally used in Star Trek. This was confirmed because a couple of Star Trek’s cast could be seen walking in the set of The Andy Griffith Show.
Star Trek And The Andy Griffith Show In One
A Continuation Of The Show
After The Andy Griffith Show ended having a total of eight seasons, CBS produced a new TV show that is a descendant of The Andy Griffith Show – it is titled Mayberry R.F.D. Well, the series was introduced with a lot of characters that also appeared in the recent TV show – in fact, Griffith appeared in a few episodes and made some cameos. The plot also projected that it is truly a continuation of The Andy Griffith Show.
A Continuation Of The Show
The Truth Why The Show Ended
There’s no controversial issue as to why The Andy Griffith Show ended. The reason was actually kind of thoughtful – because the management didn’t want to overwork the staff and the actors who had been working hard for the show, they came up with a decision to simply end the show. With the series’ huge success, the actors and the whole crew almost had no time to rest. That was what the management took into consideration, and their situation was the reason why The Andy Griffith Show came to an end.
The Truth Why The Show Ended
Andy Was A Proud Southern Person
There are a lot of phrases and words that Southern people use, and those really are a huge part of their identity. Well, being the proud Southern person that he had always been, Andy Griffith did not hesitate to use phrases such as “Tick a lock”, “Nary a thing”, and “That’s the time” in the show. Lots of his supporters loved that about him because by saying those phrases, he succeeded in promoting his culture to the world.
Andy Was A Proud Southern Person
Writers Kept On Clashing
Yes, two (or even more) brains are truly better than one, but sometimes, when a lot of people are working for a single project, it is not avoidable to keep away from crashing ideas altogether. A great example is a thing that happened in The Andy Griffith Show – Barney Fife had different middle names all throughout the whole show. There would be no one else to blame but the writers. Maybe because the show had different writers, they accidentally mixed the names up or just forgot what they originally were.
Writers Kept On Clashing
The Opening Scene’s Backstory
The Andy Griffith Show’s opening scene showcases Andy Taylor, portrayed by Andy Griffith himself, shaking his son, Opie Taylor’s head as a sign of approval. In an interview, it was revealed that Griffith really wanted to make the opening scene like that in order to remember his father and how he used to shake Andy’s head when he was at Opie’s age. That is really a touching fact, isn’t it?
The Opening Scene’s Backstory
A Secret That Andy Had Kept
When he was torn between choosing either staying in The Andy Griffith Show or signing a contract with Universal Pictures, Don Knotts offered Andy Griffith a deal saying that he would stay if he would give him a cut and a slot in the production team wherein half of the earnings were Andy’s. However, Griffith rejected him. Well, it turned out that Andy was actually getting more than half of the show’s earnings and that was why he didn’t want anyone to take away some of that money from him.
A Secret That Andy Had Kept`
Comic Boys No More
In The Andy Griffith Show, Don Knotts and Andy Griffith had the chance to show the world their hilarious and playful characters. However, in real life, without all the cameras placed in front of their faces, Knotts and Griffith were both actually the serious type of people. Well, that just proved how great their acting skills were because they managed to live up to their characters in different shows and films that were clearly different from their true personalities in real life.
Comic Boys No More
The Truth About Opie’s Mother
The show started with the plot revolving around a widower, Andy Taylor and his son, who has never had the chance to meet his mother. It’s kind of strange that none of the episodes talked about the mother’s story except for the “Wedding Bells for Aunt Bee” episode as Andy Taylor talked with his son about his mother. All he said was she died when Opie was still young, and he also talked about how much he loved her. After that episode, the mother never became the topic ever again.
The Truth About Opie’s Mother
Andy Griffith Was All-Around
When I said that Andy Griffith was all-around, I am talking about his job as a professional. Aside from his job as an actor and a comedian, Andy was also well-known for being a skilled writer, TV producer, and spiritual singer. Another thing that people should know about him aside from his success in The Andy Griffith Show is his appearances on several Broadway plays because he did well in every single one of them.
Andy Griffith Was All Around
How Are The Characters Doing Right Now?
As the title says, we would be talking about the people who worked hard behind The Andy Griffith Show and how they have been doing lately. Starting with the person who made everything possible, Ron Howard. He is the director of the show, and aside from directing TV shows, he also used to be an actor and a comedian who appeared in different movies and series such as The Music Man and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.
How Are The Characters Doing Right Now
Frances Bavier Didn’t Come Back
Do not panic! When I said she did not come back, what I meant was she enjoyed living in North Carolina, and that was why she chose to stay there after finishing the filming of The Andy Griffith Show. She spent most of her time enjoying the nature that North Carolina gave her and she also focused on herself. Well, she grew old as the Aunt Bee the world would never forget. Living up to her character, she did not have any husband or children.
Frances Bavier Didn’t Come Back
Jim Nabors Came Out Of The Closet
After appearing in the successful TV show as Gomer Pyle, Nabors received a lot of offers coming from producers and directors asking his appearance in their shows and films. The actor was allowed to star in a descendant show to The Andy Griffith Show which has the title, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. In the middle of 2013, the actor made an announcement saying that he is gay and he has a partner. It was very courageous of him to come out, and fans gladly accepted him.
Jim Nabors Came Out Of The Closet
Aneta Corsaut’s Career Kept Striving
Known as one of the ladies who shared some romantic scenes with Andy Griffith in the show, Aneta Corsaut did not stop acting when the show came to an end. In fact, her performance in The Andy Griffith Show opened a lot of opportunities for her to star in other TV series that eventually became successful as well. The Blue Knight, Adam-12, House Calls, and Matlock were some of the shows she starred in. In 1995, Aneta left a lot of loved ones and supporters devastated because of her death.
Aneta Corsaut’s Career Kept Striving
Hal Smith Focused On Doing Voice-Overs
Known and loved by many as Otis Campbell in the show, Hal Smith moved forward with his life after The Andy Griffith Show came to an end by doing voice-over jobs. He realized that he could simply focus on voice work more compared to actual acting and that led him to star in different animated films and shows such as Davey and Goliath, DuckTales, The Flintstones, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Winnie the Pooh.
Hal Smith Focused On Doing Voice Overs
George Lindsey Helped A Lot Of People
George Lindsey was known for being related to Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) as his cousin. After being a part of The Andy Griffith Show, George became a charitable man by raising a lot of money for the people in Alabama Special Olympics by doing different fund-raising activities. With that, he received a lot of awards and trophies, rewarding his attitude of being generous to the people in need. In the middle of 2012, thousands of his supporters and his loved ones were devastated to see him pass away.
George Lindsey Helped A Lot Of People