Betty Lynn appeared in a total of 26 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. She reprised her role in the 1986 made-for-tv movie, Return to Mayberry. Her role as Barney Fife’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou, would define her career. As it turned out, it influenced her retirement years, too. Lynn was so taken with Mount Airy, North Carolina, the town that inspired Mayberry, that she opted to move to the area in retirement.
Betty Lynn was an actual resident of Mount Airy, Nc
Betty Lynn was so attached to her role of Thelma Lou that she showed up in Mount Airy every year for Mayberry Days, a festival honoring The Andy Griffith Show. Lynn was a true professional during her appearances. She showed up, spoke with fans, and then returned home to California. Something was special about Mount Airy to Lynn, though. So special that she moved to stay close to the magic.
Betty Lynn was an actual resident of Mount Airy, Nc
Betty Lynn was so attached to her role of Thelma Lou that she showed up in Mount Airy every year for Mayberry Days, a festival honoring The Andy Griffith Show. Lynn was a true professional during her appearances. She showed up, spoke with fans, and then returned home to California. Something was special about Mount Airy to Lynn, though. So special that she moved to stay close to the magic.
- 7/31/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Andy Griffith Show actor Don Knotts had his daughter, Karen Knotts, in 1954 with his first wife, Kathryn Metz (they also had a son together named Thomas). While there was a lot of love between Don and Karen, they disagreed on one major thing when Karen was a young teen.
Don Knotts didn’t want daughter Karen to enter the world of show business
Karen thinks of Don as a “great father.” But they did disagree about one thing. Karen wanted to act for as long as she could remember. Don didn’t think that was a good idea.
”I always wanted to be an actress, even when I was young, but he said, ‘No, that’s not a good life for a child,’” she told the Murfreesboro Post in 2011.
But when Karen auditioned for drama class in junior high she “came alive.”
Karen Knotts | Valerie Macon/Getty Images
“I thought,...
Don Knotts didn’t want daughter Karen to enter the world of show business
Karen thinks of Don as a “great father.” But they did disagree about one thing. Karen wanted to act for as long as she could remember. Don didn’t think that was a good idea.
”I always wanted to be an actress, even when I was young, but he said, ‘No, that’s not a good life for a child,’” she told the Murfreesboro Post in 2011.
But when Karen auditioned for drama class in junior high she “came alive.”
Karen Knotts | Valerie Macon/Getty Images
“I thought,...
- 5/7/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Andy Griffith Show focused almost entirely on Andy Taylor’s interactions with the residents of the town of Mayberry. Still, the writers left a little room for romance. Over the show’s 249 episodes, Andy did a fair bit of dating, including the appearance of a few steady girlfriends and a handful of one-off dates. Eventually, Andy decided to settle down with his long-term girlfriend, Helen Crump. Do you remember everyone Andy Taylor dated?
Andy Taylor’s season 1 girlfriend, Ellie Walker, disappeared without explanation
In season 1 of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy Taylor romanced Ellie Walker. Ellie moved to Mayberry to work in her uncle’s pharmacy and quickly integrated herself into the community, but not always into the good graces of the townsfolk. The couple got together relatively early in the show’s first season and became girlfriend and boyfriend.
I love this Christmas picture of Andy, Barney, and Ellie.
Andy Taylor’s season 1 girlfriend, Ellie Walker, disappeared without explanation
In season 1 of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy Taylor romanced Ellie Walker. Ellie moved to Mayberry to work in her uncle’s pharmacy and quickly integrated herself into the community, but not always into the good graces of the townsfolk. The couple got together relatively early in the show’s first season and became girlfriend and boyfriend.
I love this Christmas picture of Andy, Barney, and Ellie.
- 4/17/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Andy Griffith Show ran for eight seasons in the 1960s. The show remains one of the most popular TV series in history. Several of the show’s characters are still popular, and just about everyone knows who Gomer Pyle is. Even now, decades after the show aired, the series remains relevant in pop culture. The Andy Griffith Show even led to several spinoffs. Some were more popular than others. There is, however, one spinoff that you’ve probably never even heard of, and it featured Goober Pyle.
Goober Pyle actually appeared in more ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ episodes than his more famous cousin
Of the Pyle family, Gomer is the most famous. The Mayberry gas station attendant appeared in 23 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show before CBS decided to cash in on the character’s cache and give Gomer a spinoff. In Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Gomer...
Goober Pyle actually appeared in more ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ episodes than his more famous cousin
Of the Pyle family, Gomer is the most famous. The Mayberry gas station attendant appeared in 23 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show before CBS decided to cash in on the character’s cache and give Gomer a spinoff. In Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Gomer...
- 4/4/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Maggie Peterson, an actress who made a lasting impression as the sweet-natured, occasionally flirtatious mountain girl Charlene Darling on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s, died Sunday, May 15, in Colorado, her family has announced.
“It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon,” the family posted on Facebook today. “She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”
Although she appeared on only five episodes of the classic rural sitcom in the Charlene role, Peterson was among the show’s most familiar and memorable recurring cast members, often joining her onscreen family The Darlings in singalongs.
Peterson developed a catchphrase with her repeated entreaties about the sentimental impact of outrageously titled song suggestions, as in an the following exchange with Pyle’s character:
Briscoe: “How...
“It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon,” the family posted on Facebook today. “She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”
Although she appeared on only five episodes of the classic rural sitcom in the Charlene role, Peterson was among the show’s most familiar and memorable recurring cast members, often joining her onscreen family The Darlings in singalongs.
Peterson developed a catchphrase with her repeated entreaties about the sentimental impact of outrageously titled song suggestions, as in an the following exchange with Pyle’s character:
Briscoe: “How...
- 5/16/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Who says you can’t go home again? Nearly 20 years after The Andy Griffith Show put out a gone fishin’ sign in 1968, NBC brought back the denizens of America’s favorite small town for the reunion movie, Return to Mayberry. Among the 1986 returnees: former sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), ex-deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), cousins/gas pump jockeys Gomer (Jim Nabors) and Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), and Andy’s son Opie. (Credit: © Viacom/courtesy Everett Collection) In the movie, Andy has been in Cleveland but comes back to you-know-where, North Carolina, because Opie — now the newspaper editor — is about to become a first-time father. Andy wants to run for sheriff again but learns that longtime loyal lieutenant Barney has announced his own candidacy. And at Myers Lake, Gomer and Goober have spotted a Loch Ness–type monster rising from the waters! During filming in Los ...
- 5/1/2022
- TV Insider
Betty Lynn, a veteran actress who was best known as the girlfriend of bumbling sheriff’s deputy Barney Fife on television classic The Andy Griffith Show, has died at age 95. She passed on Saturday in Culver City, Calif. of an undisclosed but brief illness, according to the Andy Griffith Museum.
Lynn appeared in 26 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show over a span of five years from 1961 to 1966.
Before that Lynn enjoyed a Broadway career, and was discovered by Daryl F. Zanuck in one of several plays. During the 1940s and 1950s, she appeared in many films, including Sitting Pretty (1948), June Bride (1948) the original Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) and Meet Me In Las Vegas (1956).
She then segued to television, appearing on the Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, The Gale Storm Show, Sugarfoot and Markham.
In 1986, she reprised the role of Thelma Lou in the reunion television movie Return to Mayberry, in which...
Lynn appeared in 26 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show over a span of five years from 1961 to 1966.
Before that Lynn enjoyed a Broadway career, and was discovered by Daryl F. Zanuck in one of several plays. During the 1940s and 1950s, she appeared in many films, including Sitting Pretty (1948), June Bride (1948) the original Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) and Meet Me In Las Vegas (1956).
She then segued to television, appearing on the Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, The Gale Storm Show, Sugarfoot and Markham.
In 1986, she reprised the role of Thelma Lou in the reunion television movie Return to Mayberry, in which...
- 10/17/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
When a classic television series goes off the air they rarely ever ride into the sunset thanks to the nostalgia channels that rerun the show, streaming services and DVD and Blu-Ray box sets. They are also often rebooted or turn up as a TV movie such as “Return to Mayberry,” “Return from the Man from U.N.C.L.E” and “Still the Beaver.” And networks also have mined ratings gold bringing back the casts of TV series often on a notable anniversary of the show for reminisces, tears and a plethora of clips.
This year, HBO Max scored with its much ballyhooed and at times surprisingly emotional “Friends: The Reunion,” It just received an Emmy nomination for Best Variety Special (pre-taped), as did “A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote,” which found the cast of the multi-Emmy Award-winning NBC series reuniting to encourage people to vote...
This year, HBO Max scored with its much ballyhooed and at times surprisingly emotional “Friends: The Reunion,” It just received an Emmy nomination for Best Variety Special (pre-taped), as did “A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote,” which found the cast of the multi-Emmy Award-winning NBC series reuniting to encourage people to vote...
- 7/15/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
A little over 17 years since the series finale of Friends aired, the cast is finally reuniting for a special appearing today on HBO Max. But this isn’t like Return to Mayberry or A Very Brady Christmas where he cast appears in character and has a new zany adventure. It’s instead in the style of the recent Fresh Prince of Bel-Air special where everyone returns to the set to share memories, visit with surprise guests, and make a boatload of money promoting the show’s arrival on a new streaming platform.
- 5/27/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton in "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C".
By Lee Pfeiffer
Jim Nabors, who epitomized the image of a friendly country boy, has died at age 87 at his home in Hawaii. Nabors was plucked from obscurity when Andy Griffith caught his nightclub act in L.A. in the early 1960s and cast him in the role of Gomer Pyle, the affable but simple-minded filling station attendant in "The Andy Griffith Show". The program was always among the top shows in the ratings and Nabors' exposure on the show gained him instant fame. The character of Gomer became as iconic as Griffith's Sheriff Andy Taylor and Don Knotts' deputy Barney Fife. Nabors' popularity extended into a second career as a pop singer. When he first sang on an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show", many viewers thought his operatic baritone voice was dubbed. However, they soon...
By Lee Pfeiffer
Jim Nabors, who epitomized the image of a friendly country boy, has died at age 87 at his home in Hawaii. Nabors was plucked from obscurity when Andy Griffith caught his nightclub act in L.A. in the early 1960s and cast him in the role of Gomer Pyle, the affable but simple-minded filling station attendant in "The Andy Griffith Show". The program was always among the top shows in the ratings and Nabors' exposure on the show gained him instant fame. The character of Gomer became as iconic as Griffith's Sheriff Andy Taylor and Don Knotts' deputy Barney Fife. Nabors' popularity extended into a second career as a pop singer. When he first sang on an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show", many viewers thought his operatic baritone voice was dubbed. However, they soon...
- 11/30/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Jim Nabors, who starred as Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and its spinoff Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., has died. He was 87.
Nabors passed away on Thursday morning, according to Hawaii News Now. A cause of death has not been reported.
Nabors made his first appearance as Gomer Pyle in Andy Griffith‘s Season 3 episode “The Bank Job.” What was initially meant to be a one-off guest spot turned into a recurring role which spanned 23 episodes. In the Season 4 finale, the character enlisted in the Marines, paving the way for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which...
Nabors passed away on Thursday morning, according to Hawaii News Now. A cause of death has not been reported.
Nabors made his first appearance as Gomer Pyle in Andy Griffith‘s Season 3 episode “The Bank Job.” What was initially meant to be a one-off guest spot turned into a recurring role which spanned 23 episodes. In the Season 4 finale, the character enlisted in the Marines, paving the way for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which...
- 11/30/2017
- TVLine.com
When I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to bask in the cool glow of my father’s love. What child doesn’t want acceptance and approval from one’s father or mother? As I hit an age where I had more and more of a choice about what sort of tennis shoes and shirts I could wear (goodbye to Velcro shoe “laces” and collared polo shirts with tiny alligators, thank you very much!), what sorts of things I could read (hello to gaudy comic books, Peanuts, Stephen King and Ray Bradbury and fare thee well – never to look back
A Return to Mayberry: Remembering “The Andy Griffith Show”...
A Return to Mayberry: Remembering “The Andy Griffith Show”...
- 3/17/2016
- by Ryan Vandergriff
- TVovermind.com
Brian Williams and Ron Howard. (Event photos copyright Giacomo Selloni. All rights reserved.)
Earlier this month, Cinema Retro was invited to cover Tribeca Talks, a new live interview series that took place as part of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. We sent our "Man About Manhattan", Giacomo Selloni to cover the initial event at which Ron Howard was interviewed by NBC newsman Brian Williams. Here is his report:
By Giacomo Selloni
Ron Howard is an articulate film director. So it should come as no surprise that he is also an articulate speaker. He also has a way with anecdotes, as one might expect, given the length and diversity of his career.
"I think it's wrong to think of what I'm in as the movie business," Howard says. "It's the moving image business. I think it's necessary to work in all different mediums." He also says it's hard...
Earlier this month, Cinema Retro was invited to cover Tribeca Talks, a new live interview series that took place as part of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. We sent our "Man About Manhattan", Giacomo Selloni to cover the initial event at which Ron Howard was interviewed by NBC newsman Brian Williams. Here is his report:
By Giacomo Selloni
Ron Howard is an articulate film director. So it should come as no surprise that he is also an articulate speaker. He also has a way with anecdotes, as one might expect, given the length and diversity of his career.
"I think it's wrong to think of what I'm in as the movie business," Howard says. "It's the moving image business. I think it's necessary to work in all different mediums." He also says it's hard...
- 5/18/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Andy Griffith has left behind quite a TV legacy. The star of "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock" passed away at the age of 86, but he'll be remembered fondly by fans thanks to his legendary TV roles.
Griffith starred in "The Andy Griffith Show" from 1960-1968, but got his start in the 1955's "No Time For Sergeants." In 1960 he appeared in an episode of "Make Room for Daddy" as a county sheriff. The episode served as a backdoor pilot for his self-titled show. Griffith left the series in 1968 and it became "Mayberry R.F.D." The late actor made his final appearance as the iconic Andy Taylor in the 1986 TV movie "Return to Mayberry."
That was the same year Griffith assumed the role of "Matlock," a country lawyer from Atlanta. The series ran for nine seasons and produced 195 episodes. "Matlock" aired on NBC from 1986–1992 before jumping to ABC where it ended in...
Griffith starred in "The Andy Griffith Show" from 1960-1968, but got his start in the 1955's "No Time For Sergeants." In 1960 he appeared in an episode of "Make Room for Daddy" as a county sheriff. The episode served as a backdoor pilot for his self-titled show. Griffith left the series in 1968 and it became "Mayberry R.F.D." The late actor made his final appearance as the iconic Andy Taylor in the 1986 TV movie "Return to Mayberry."
That was the same year Griffith assumed the role of "Matlock," a country lawyer from Atlanta. The series ran for nine seasons and produced 195 episodes. "Matlock" aired on NBC from 1986–1992 before jumping to ABC where it ended in...
- 7/3/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Fred Weekend Shopping Guide - your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Louis Ck proves yet again why he’s one of the finest practitioners of stand-up today with Hilarious (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$16.99 Srp), a feature-length exploration of life after 40, newly-divorced with a pair of young daughters, in a world of increasing frustration. Get this disc. Get it now.
I love desktop gadgets, if only because they provide a welcome - and inherently evil - distraction...
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Louis Ck proves yet again why he’s one of the finest practitioners of stand-up today with Hilarious (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$16.99 Srp), a feature-length exploration of life after 40, newly-divorced with a pair of young daughters, in a world of increasing frustration. Get this disc. Get it now.
I love desktop gadgets, if only because they provide a welcome - and inherently evil - distraction...
- 1/14/2011
- by UncaScroogeMcD
There are many shows which are described as "beloved" but only a few which truly deserve that description. The Andy Griffith Show is one of those precious few. The long running series, which inspired two spin-offs (Gomer Pyle Usmc; Mayberry Rfd), has been rerun consistently since its initial run (1960-1968), always on the air somewhere. The series celebrated it's 50th anniversary in 2010. While it's true that many shows are still remembered decades after they aired, how many are remembered as fondly as the Andy Griffith Show?
The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary: The Best of Mayberry collects 17 of the most popular episodes of the series, as well as several other bonus treats. One of the best extras in the set is "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", an episode of the popular 1950s series Make Room for Daddy (Aka The Danny Thomas Show) which served as the prototype for Griffith's own show.
The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary: The Best of Mayberry collects 17 of the most popular episodes of the series, as well as several other bonus treats. One of the best extras in the set is "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", an episode of the popular 1950s series Make Room for Daddy (Aka The Danny Thomas Show) which served as the prototype for Griffith's own show.
- 1/11/2011
- by Rob Young
- JustPressPlay.net
There are many shows which are described as "beloved" but only a few which truly deserve that description. The Andy Griffith Show is one of those precious few. The long running series, which inspired two spin-offs (Gomer Pyle Usmc; Mayberry Rfd), has been rerun consistently since its initial run (1960-1968), always on the air somewhere. The series celebrated it's 50th anniversary in 2010. While it's true that many shows are still remembered decades after they aired, how many are remembered as fondly as the Andy Griffith Show?
The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary: The Best of Mayberry collects 17 of the most popular episodes of the series, as well as several other bonus treats. One of the best extras in the set is "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", an episode of the popular 1950s series Make Room for Daddy (Aka The Danny Thomas Show) which served as the prototype for Griffith's own show.
The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary: The Best of Mayberry collects 17 of the most popular episodes of the series, as well as several other bonus treats. One of the best extras in the set is "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", an episode of the popular 1950s series Make Room for Daddy (Aka The Danny Thomas Show) which served as the prototype for Griffith's own show.
- 1/11/2011
- by Rob Young
- JustPressPlay.net
Pasadena - Forget the AFI Top 10 list of Best TV shows. Why should care about TV since they are the American Film Institute? This is kind like the American Diabetic Prevention Society’s Top 10 Favorite Sugary Candy Bars list. Or Bravo’s Top 10 Hunting Shows. Or Madd’s Best 10 Drinks to Mess You Up. Or Charlie Sheen’s Top 10 Things You Can Do Without Involving Hookers and Blow. If they care about TV that much, shouldn’t they be the Aftvi? But they are a pack of List Whores over at AFI with their 100 Years a 100 Stupid Lists press releases.
Why does critic or critic group have to tell you the Best or Worst of the Year? Party Favors is proud to announce the Meh Awards for the 10 TV shows that didn’t work for me in 2010. They weren’t the most pathetic things on TV, but made me lose interest in watching them.
Why does critic or critic group have to tell you the Best or Worst of the Year? Party Favors is proud to announce the Meh Awards for the 10 TV shows that didn’t work for me in 2010. They weren’t the most pathetic things on TV, but made me lose interest in watching them.
- 12/24/2010
- by UncaScroogeMcD
It looks like there actually might be a chance that the TV series Twin Peaks could be resurrected, if they could figure out a way to do it right. I love the original Twin Peaks series! That show was just whacked out and twisted in the craziest of ways! If you haven't seen it then you should most definitely check it out. It's out on DVD so you shouldn't have a problem.
Today Moviehole did an interview with Twin Peaks co-producer and writer Bob Engels who says there’s a chance the show could return one day. Apparently once every few months he gets a call from an executive who is interested in bring it back to life.
I think if we could figure out a way to do it, I think everybody would have fun going back. You just don't want to do Return to Mayberry. It'd be a...
Today Moviehole did an interview with Twin Peaks co-producer and writer Bob Engels who says there’s a chance the show could return one day. Apparently once every few months he gets a call from an executive who is interested in bring it back to life.
I think if we could figure out a way to do it, I think everybody would have fun going back. You just don't want to do Return to Mayberry. It'd be a...
- 6/22/2010
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
There's no doubt the television show "Twin Peaks" spawned a huge and faithful fanbase during its initial run many moons ago, and just like with any classic show it continues to grow even now -- over a decade since we found out who killed Laura Palmer.
Over on Moviehole our mate Clint Morris caught up with "Twin Peaks" co-producer and writer Bob Engels, who teased fans with the following tidbit of info:
"It's a funny thing... I think if we could figure out a way to do it, I think everybody would have fun going back," Engels tells the site. "You just don't want to do Return to Mayberry. It'd be a miracle to get the whole group back together again, but I think, all things being equal, they'd say ‘I'm in'. I certainly would. I get a call once every six months or so from someone asking, ‘What do...
Over on Moviehole our mate Clint Morris caught up with "Twin Peaks" co-producer and writer Bob Engels, who teased fans with the following tidbit of info:
"It's a funny thing... I think if we could figure out a way to do it, I think everybody would have fun going back," Engels tells the site. "You just don't want to do Return to Mayberry. It'd be a miracle to get the whole group back together again, but I think, all things being equal, they'd say ‘I'm in'. I certainly would. I get a call once every six months or so from someone asking, ‘What do...
- 6/22/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.