logo
Wikimedia Commons/ CBS Television (PD)
Wikimedia Commons/ CBS Television (PD)

George Lindsey Died Eight Years Ago — Life and Death of 'The Andy Griffith Show' Star

Manuela Cardiga
May 16, 2020
11:30 A.M.

In 2012, the world of comedy became a little sadder when the death of comedian George Lindsey was announced.

Advertisement

George Lindsey, who has trained to become a biology teacher at the Florence State Teacher's College, but he fell in love with acting, and became one of the most beloved characters in the popular "The Andy Griffith Show."

For years, Lindsey made America laugh as Goober Pyle, and fans were shocked at the announcement of his death at the age of 83 from heart failure.

Lindsey's philanthropy was not limited to the Special Olympics, and he was also committed to raising funds for the Alabama Association of Retarded Citizens

George Lindsey as Goober Pyle in "The Andy Griffith Show" | Source: Wikimedia

George Lindsey as Goober Pyle in "The Andy Griffith Show" | Source: Wikimedia

REMEMBERING GEORGE LINDSEY

As the news of the actor's death spread around the world, tributes and condolences flooded in. Among them was Andy Griffith, long-time friend, and colleague, who had spoken to Lindsey just days before his passing. He revealed:

Advertisement

“Our last conversation was a few days ago. We would talk about our health, how much we missed our friends who passed before us and usually about something funny."

To the very last, Griffin revealed, Lindsey kept his sense of humor and his irrepressible joy in life, and his love of comedy.

Poster for the "Andy Griffith Show" | Source: Shutterstock

Poster for the "Andy Griffith Show" | Source: Shutterstock

AN ACCIDENTAL COMEDIAN

But Lindsey didn't set out to become a comedian. He quit teaching to study acting at the American Theater Wing in New York and made his acting debut on Broadway in "Wonderful Town" and "All American."

The cast of "The Andy Griffith Show" in 1963 | Source: Getty Images

The cast of "The Andy Griffith Show" in 1963 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

In 1962 Lindsey moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career, and landed guest spots on several TV hit westerns: "Gunsmoke", "The Rifleman", and "Daniel Boone;" followed by a foray into the fantastic with "The Twilight Zone," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour."

However, his breakthrough came when he was cast as Goober Pyle in the rural sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show," where his comedic talent had audiences in stitches. Goober Pyle was to define Lindsey as an actor and he would reprise the role in CBS’s "Hee Haw."

Advertisement

GOOBER PYLE AGAIN

CBS's variety show "Hee Haw" focused on country music, country living, and was a perfect setting for Lindsey's country bumpkin character Goober Pyle. Lindsey was to play Goober on "Hee Haw" from 1972, to 1992 and is forever identified with the role.

George Lindsey in the 1973 television special "The Orange Blossom Special" | Source: Wikimedia

George Lindsey in the 1973 television special "The Orange Blossom Special" | Source: Wikimedia

Advertisement

In an interview with Oprah, Lindsey revealed that even his daughter had started calling him "Goober Daddy." Lindsey quipped:

"And then even my mother started calling me [Goober], and I know she knew my name..."

Leonard Nimoy as Spock in "Star Trek: The Original Series" | Source: Wikimedia

Leonard Nimoy as Spock in "Star Trek: The Original Series" | Source: Wikimedia

ALMOST SPOCK

Both Leonard Nimoy and Ernest Borgnine would reveal that when "Star Trek" was being cast, Gene Roddenberry's first choice for Spock was George Lindsey -- who turned down the iconic role of the pointy-eared Vulcan who never laughed.

Advertisement

VOICING FOR DISNEY

Lindsey would lend his comedic genius to the Walt Disney Studios as a voice actor in three of their animation features: "The Aristocats" as Lafayette, "Robin Hood" as Trigger, the Vulture; and "The Rescuers" as Deadeye, The Rabbit.

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Lindsey used his fame to raise $1 million for the Alabama Special Olympics, hosting the George Lindsey Celebrity Weekend and Golf Tournament. Lindsey participated in the Minnesota Special Olympics National Competition as Head Coach for the Winter Games.

George Lindsey in 1982 in "Hee Haw" | Source: Wikimedia

George Lindsey in 1982 in "Hee Haw" | Source: Wikimedia

Advertisement

Lindsey's philanthropy was not limited to the Special Olympics, and he was also committed to raising funds for the Alabama Association of Retarded Citizens and created the George Lindsey Academic Scholarships at the University of North Alabama to provide tuition for underprivileged students.

GOODBYE TO GOOBER

Lindsey married Joyanne Herbert, with whom he shared son George Lindsey, Jr., daughter Camden Jo in 1955. The marriage ended in divorce in 1992, and Lindsey never remarried but maintained a life-long relationship with companion Anne Wilson.

Lindsey is survived by his two children, Wilson, and his grandsons Carson Cole Gardner and Andrew Liam Gardner.

He left behind him a rich enduring legacy of laughter, and compassion, a legacy any man would be proud of.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Melanie Griffith & Don Johnson’s Baby Was ‘God’s Plan’ — Now They’re Proud Parents of an ‘Extraordinary’ Daughter

November 24, 2023

Exes Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas Steal the Spotlight in Stylish Outfits on a Rare Public Outing

January 29, 2024

Fans Amazed by Andy Cohen's Curly-Haired Daughter Who Is 'Literal Doll' & Already 'So Big' — Photo

November 28, 2023

Is Sha'Carri Richardson Trans? The Famous Sprinter Came Out as Bisexual in 2015

November 15, 2023

Robert De Niro Raised 6 Biracial Kids, Including Autistic Son, in a 6-Bedroom Home He Owns since the 90s

November 11, 2023

My Wife's Son, Given Up for Adoption, Returns Home – I Overheard His Vicious Plan

February 29, 2024

Andy Cohen Never Thought He'd Become a Dad – Now He Has 2 Kids, One of Whom 'Looks Just Like' Him

January 11, 2024

How 5 Beloved Celebrities Would Look without Plastic Surgery — Photos via AI

February 28, 2024

5 Celebrities Who Revealed They Raise Children with Special Needs

January 26, 2024

How Melanie Griffith Would Look Today If She Never Underwent Plastic Surgery: Photos via AI

December 14, 2023

How Melanie Griffith Might Look Now If She Never Underwent Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Cancer Removal: Photos via AI

December 10, 2023

Melanie Griffith Spotted Enjoying the Sun and Sea during Beach Vacation

January 16, 2024

Man Who Grew up Knowing Nothing about His Father Is Stunned When His Mom Opened Up

February 15, 2024

Layla Kiffin Is Lane Kiffin's Wife Who Gave Birth to His 3 Children

January 12, 2024