Remembering George Lindsey

THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW AND HEE HAW CO-STAR DEAD AT AGE 83

George Lindsey, who is fondly remembered as Goober Pyle on sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, passed away this morning after a brief illness. He was 83.

Born in Jasper, Alabama, Lindsey graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Bioscience from the University of North Alabama and was a science teacher before becoming an actor. After guest starring on numerous series like The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, Daniel Boone and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Lindsey joined the cast of Andy Griffith in 1964 as the cousin of Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors), who was leaving to star in his own spin-off, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. When Andy Griffith called it quits in 1968, Lindsey was featured into in spin-off Mayberry R.F.D. from 1968-71. One year later, he joined rural themed variety Hee Haw and remained with the series, which aired in first-run syndication after being canceled by CBS, through 1992.

Prior to joining The Andy Griffith Show, Lindsey was the first choice to play Mr. Spock on Star Trek, but he turned it down.

Said Andy Griffith in a statement: “George Lindsey was my friend. I had great respect for his talent and his human spirit. In recent years, we spoke often by telephone. Our last conversation was a few days ago. I am happy to say that as we found ourselves in our eighties, we were not afraid to say, `I love you.’ That was the last thing George and I had to say to each other. `I love you.’”

Tagged George Lindsey, george lindsey dead at 83, goober pyle, The andy griffith show