Jim Nabors Was Teased for His Sexuality, Wed Partner after 38 Years — His Beloved Stayed by His Deathbed

• "The Andy Griffith Show" alum Jim Nabors crossed paths with the love of his life, Stan Cadwallader, on his birthday.
• For years, Nabors kept his personal life under wraps and established a strong bond with his beloved partner long before his eventual passing.
• Actor and director Ron Howard once disclosed that Nabors was mocked by his co-stars for his sexuality.

Jim Nabors, an American actor, singer, and comedian, rose to national prominence for his portrayal of a comical gas station attendant in "The Andy Griffith Show" from 1962 to 1964. This success led to the creation of his own sitcom, "Gomer Pyle, USMC," where he took on the lead role from 1964 to 1969.

In addition to his television work, Nabors was a frequent guest on "The Carol Burnett Show" and hosted various variety and talk shows throughout the 1970s. He was highly regarded for his deep baritone voice and showcased his musical talents in theater productions across Florida, Nevada, and Hawaii. Notably, Nabors headlined the annual spectacle "A Merry Christmas With Friends and Nabors" at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu for a decade.

In addition to Nabors' fame, his sexual orientation drew significant attention from the media and the public. While Nabors wasn't openly forthcoming about his sexuality at the time, some members of his crew on "The Andy Griffith Show" were aware of it.

They cherished their quiet life away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood.

According to Ron Howard, who portrayed the child star Opie Taylor in the beloved sitcom of the '60s, Nabors was subject to teasing and derogatory remarks such as "homo" from his co-stars behind his back. Sadly, he did not receive the same level of empathy and kindness that Howard experienced.

Nabors faced further challenges to his public image and career due to his alleged romantic involvement with Rock Hudson. This association troubled Nabors, especially since his homosexuality was not widely known then.

These rumors were detrimental to Nabors' reputation and professional trajectory. He struggled to be taken seriously, and any stories that ridiculed him only undermined his credibility as an actor. Unfortunately, he became typecast as a "bumbler" due to his iconic role as Pyle, which made it difficult for him to be considered for other diverse roles.

The audience's unwillingness to accept Nabors in roles that deviated from the Pyle archetype significantly affected his career. Following the circulation of the rumor, he made limited appearances on prime-time TV and ultimately shifted his focus away from television work. Instead, Nabors primarily engaged in nightclub performances, concert tours, and ventures within musical theater.

How Did Jim Nabors Meet the Love of His Life?

Nabors crossed paths with his partner, Stan Cadwallader, in 1975 when the latter approached him at the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and asked if he was Jim Nabors. After saying yes, Nabors mentioned that it was his birthday and that he was carrying a large bottle of Dom Perignon he had just been given.

The two decided to dine together and discovered they had much in common. They were both island transplants from far away. Cadwallader hailed from a small town in Michigan, while Nabors was born in Sylacauga, Alabama.

When they met, Cadwallader worked as a Honolulu firefighter and lived on his boat, while Nabors had built his career as a Hollywood celebrity. As fate would have it, Nabors, who had been vacationing in Hawaii since the '60s, decided to move there permanently from Bel Air, California, in 1976. Had Nabors not moved to Hawaii, his and Cadwallader's paths might have never intertwined.

It didn't take long for a romance to ensue between Nabors and Cadwallader. They later renovated a dilapidated Diamond Head home that Nabors had purchased. After Nabors moved to California, he and Cadwallader started running a macadamia nut farm in Maui, becoming not only romantic partners but also business associates.

The pair described themselves as best friends and partners in business and life. They cherished their quiet life away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood.

The Couple's Wedding & Their Life Afterward

Nabors married his longtime partner Cadwallader in Seattle, Washington, on January 15, 2013. The duo had been together for 38 years before publicly acknowledging their relationship. They chose to marry after realizing their lack of legal rights as a couple. The ceremony took place in their hotel room at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, with a judge officiating and a few close friends as witnesses.

"The Lost Saucer" actor was open about his homosexuality with co-workers and friends during his time in Hollywood but had never discussed it publicly until then. He emphasized that while it was personal, he wasn't ashamed of people knowing. He didn't consider himself an activist but expressed happiness and gratitude for his long-lasting partnership with Cadwallader.

In addition to his blossoming love life, Nabors faced various health challenges throughout his life, including severe asthma, hepatitis B, liver failure, a liver transplant, knee reconstruction, a pacemaker implant, and a new heart valve.

On December 30, 2017, Nabors passed away peacefully at his home in Hawaii at 87. Cadwallader, his husband, was by his side during his final moments. Cadwallader mentioned that Nabors had undergone tests but was ultimately brought home from the hospital. The news of Nabors' passing left a void, and Cadwallader described him as a wonderful man who would be dearly missed.

Nabors and Cadwallader had taken part in a civil union ceremony in Honolulu in 2012 before their marriage a year later. They chose to keep their relationship relatively private, likely influenced by the era they grew up in.

They had lived together in their Diamond Head home in Hawaii for 40 years and enjoyed spending time on their patio overlooking the pool and the stunning Pacific Ocean view. Due to Nabors' health issues, however, including the need for a liver transplant, the couple had decided to stay in Hawaii and not travel extensively.

Reflecting on their lives in May 2014, Nabors expressed no regrets and only gratitude for their time together. He considered Cadwallader his best friend, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive companion.

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