Let’s Revisit Mayberry With These Behind-The-Scenes Facts And Secrets About The Andy Griffith Show
Even the most wholesome of family shows from the past have some secrets hidden away from the general public. The Andry Griffith show delighted fans for years but there was more to the show than many fans realize.
From odd fan mail sent to Don Knotts to exploring Andy Griffith's favorite episodes, let's take a walk down the storied streets of Mayberry.
Andy Griffith Show Featured Real-Life Besties
Many viewers didn’t know that the loving relationship exhibited by Don and Andy on The Andy Griffith Show came from their real-life friendship. The two actors grew up during the Great Depression and lived in poverty, Griffith was raised in North Carolina and Knotts lived out his early years in West Virginia. They quickly formed a bond that would last a lifetime.
A Life-Long Bond
Griffith and Knotts' friendship began when they met as co-stars in the 1958 film adaptation of the Broadway play No Time for Sergeants. Andy was with Don at his bedside when Don passed away in 2006. Andy died six years later, at the age of 86. With the antics than went on while filming The Andry Griffith Show we're not surprised that a lifelong bond was formed.
A Real Jokester
Andy was really into playing pranks on his co-stars of The Andy Griffith Show. He targeted Don Knotts for a majority of his pranks. Don’s real first name was actually Jesse (which he hated) and Andy loved to tease him about it by calling him “Jess.” This was opposite to the dynamic of the show. "By the second episode, I knew that Don should be funny and I should play straight."
If The Shoe Fits
The cast pranked Andy right back, once stealing his shoes. He had to wear his big Sheriff boots home from the studio that day. The good-natured humor from the cast carried over into the TV episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, like in the "Runaway Kid" episode where Opie and his friends pranked Sheriff Taylor by moving his car in front of a fire hydrant so he would get a ticket.
Gone Fishin' On The Andy Griffith Show
If you watched the popular TV series you likely remember its famous opening credits which featured a whistled tune as Andy and little Opie head out on their way to fish. The famous scene was filmed at Franklin Canyon Park, which is located at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Trickery On The Andy Griffith Show
Actor Ron Howard was only six years old when the show's opening sequence was filmed and was not strong enough to throw the stone far enough to land in the lake. After several failed attempts, the assistant director decided to hide a prop man behind a bush. Watch the scene again and you might just notice a very subtle lag between Opie’s throw and the resulting splash.
Andy Taylor + Helen Crump = Love
Despite being married at the time of the show, it has long been rumored that Andy Griffith was having an affair with actress Aneta Corsaut. It turns out their on-screen romance wasn't all they were sharing. Griffith eventually got divorced and was married three times before he passed away. Ouch!
Caught In The Act
During one of the cast’s many pranks, a crew member dressed as a waiter and delivered a dinner to Andy’s hotel room, but he caught Andy and Aneta in a compromising position. Given the times they were living in, the affair was kept under wraps and the show continued with its wholesome image. Our next actress on the show didn't have a sense of humor at all.
Aunt Bee Couldn't Be Bothered
Frances Bavier, the actress who portrayed Aunt Bee on the show, supposedly did not have much of a sense of humor. Born into a well-to-do family in New York City, Bavier led a sophisticated life and attended Columbia University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before eventually ending up on The Andy Griffith Show. Not laughing while filming this TV classic? That sounds like a really boring way to live life.
Jim Nabors Passes Away
Jim Nabors, who played the beloved Gomer Pyle, passed away on November 30, 2017. He was 87 years old. His husband Stan Cadwallader was with him at the time. A family friend released the sad news, saying that Nabors died "after battling health issues for some time." Nabors had received a liver transplant 20 years before his passing and his health had declined after that. "Everybody knows he was a wonderful man. And that's all we can say about him. He's going to be dearly missed," Cadwallader said in his statement.
A Prickly Relationship
Andy and Frances had a rather tense relationship for much of the show, as he was a real jokester and she didn’t care for his antics. It wasn't until just before her death in 1989 that they buried the past and agreed to move forward. It was Frances Bavier who phoned Griffith only a short time before her death. He allegedly apologized for being "difficult" during the TV show's filming.
The Cast Had Favorite Episodes
Andy Griffith's favorite episode was season 3's “Barney's First Car,” in which Barney spends his life savings on an old car that doesn't end up working. Ron Howard's favorite episode was "The Ball Game," which was penned by his father, Rance Howard. Howard's dad wrote and acted in five episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.
The Pickle Switch
Don Knotts particularly loved “The Pickle Story,” which was also a favorite among many of his show's fans. In the famous episode, Aunt Bee makes a huge batch of pickles so disgusting that Barney refers to them as "kerosene cucumbers." Due to a hilarious turn of events, Andy and Barney must consume eight quarts of the nasty pickles. The episode is chock full of laugh-out-loud moments, and it was immediately clear upon first viewing that the actors loved filming the famous episode.
They Quit While They Were Ahead
The Andy Griffith Show ended while it was the top-rated show according to Nielsen's Ratings. There have only been three television shows in history to do this: The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, and Seinfeld. The show's reruns continued to be broadcast for a mind-boggling 51 years!
No Contract For Barney
Barney Fife’s character could have lasted just one episode because Don Knotts was one of many actors who showed up on the first day of filming without a firm offer. The character of Barney Fife was adored by fans and was ranked Ninth on TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time" list in 1999. Was there really any doubt he would stick around? Not if his best friend and co-star had anything to say about it.
One Of The Show's Biggest Mysteries
Opie’s mom is mentioned only one time during the series. In an episode titled "Wedding Bells for Aunt Bee," Andy becomes nostalgic and tells Opie how much he had loved the boy’s mother. Viewers never hear any more about her or even see a photograph. During an episode of (which spawned The Andy Griffith Show), Andy explains that his wife died when Opie was, "the least little speck of a baby.”
Chemistry Sells
Producers were so impressed by the chemistry between Andy and Don that they wrote up an employment contract on the spot. Knott's contract was originally set for just one year, then later for an additional five years. Griffith was quoted saying, "The second episode was called 'Manhunt' and I knew by that episode that Don should be the comic and I should play straight for him. That made all the difference."
Galaxie: The Car That Kept Changing
The iconic squad car used by Andy and Barney on the show was a Ford Galaxie. A local Ford dealership helped out the show's producers by providing a free replacement Galaxie each time a new model came out. The dealer then took the old car back, repainted and sold it. Imagine if the dealer would have held onto those cars in their original condition.
That's A Lot Of Cars
Overall, there were ten different Galaxies that were used throughout the series' eight seasons. There are plenty of replicas on the market today. The show was sponsored by Ford Motor Company at the time, which is why the squad cars were always Ford Galaxie 500 sedans. TV shows lived and died based on corporate product placements during the time of The Andy Griffith Show.
Where Are They Now?
While many of the show's cast have died,s, let's take a look at what the main actors did once The Andy Griffith Show ended its legendary run. Perhaps no other cast members post-series life will impress you as much as our first example of Hollywood excellence.
Director Ron Howard
Ron has received a slew of awards for his works, including the National Medal of Arts. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2013 and has not one, but two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I'd say Opie has done pretty well for himself as an actor, director, and producer in Hollywood.
Frances Bavier Becomes a North Carolinian
After The Andy Griffith Show, Frances Bavier opted to stay in North Carolina instead of returning to her native New York City. Moving to Siler City, North Carolina in 1972, she explained, "I fell in love with North Carolina, all the pretty roads and the trees."
Frances Bavier's Reclusive Life
Frances Bavier retired in 1972 and lived a reclusive life until her death in 1989. She lived alone in a spacious two-story home in Siler City, which she barely left. The actress spent the majority of her time in a large back room that was barely furnished, containing only a bed, desk, television, and end table stocked with black licorice and her glasses.
Jim Nabors Gets His Own Show
Mayberry's lovable buffoon Gomer Pyle was played by actor Jim Nabors. After The Andy Griffith Show ended, Jim was given a spin-off show featuring his loveable character. Nabors's spin-off was called Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. In the new TV series, Gomer joins the Marines. Jim also had a great singing voice and recorded 28 albums.
Nabors Comes Out
In 2013, Jim publicly came out as gay and married his long-time partner of 38 years. He said, "I'm 82 and he's in his 60s and so we've been together for 38 years and I'm not ashamed of people knowing, it's just that it was such a personal thing, I didn't tell anybody." How times have changed since the days of his original black & white TV series.
Aneta Corsaut Went to School While Acting
Helen Crump, portrayed by actress Aneta Corsaut, was Sheriff Andy Taylor's girlfriend on the show. She was also rumored to have really dated Andy Grittith during the show's filming. Corsaut was a student at Northwestern University, majoring in drama before she dropped out to pursue her acting career. While The Andy Griffith Show was filming, Corsaut continued her education at UCLA.
Aneta Continued Acting
Aneta returned for two reunion shows, 1986’s Return to Mayberry and 1993’s The Andy Griffith Show Reunion. Aneta also made appearances on dozens of TV shows, such as Gunsmoke; Rich Man, Poor Man; and The Runaways. She died of cancer in 1995 and is buried in Hollywood, California.
Otis Knew What Was Good For Him
Otis, played by Hal Smith, was Mayberry's resident drunk. When Otis got intoxicated, he would meander into the jail and let himself into a cell. He'd then sleep off his drunkenness in the jail's comfy bed and let himself out in the morning. However, you might recognize his voice more than his face...
Smith Lends His Voice
After The Andy Griffith Show, Hal Smith was hired for many voice-over roles for animated films and television shows, including playing the Owl in Winnie the Pooh, Uncle Tex in The Flintstones, and John Avery Whittaker in Adventures in Odyssey. After his wife Louise passed away in 1992, Smith's health quickly deteriorated and he died of a heart attack in 1994.
Floyd The Barber
Floyd the Barber was a slow thinking, absent-minded character on The Andy Griffith Show. He was played by actor Howard McNear. Sadly, McNear died of a stroke in 1969, two years after leaving the show due to health problems. His life was immortalized by a very unlikely grunge rocker...
Nirvana In Mayberry
Did you know? Iconic grunge musician Kurt Cobain wrote a song called "Floyd the Barber" for Nirvana's album Bleach. The song has a gruesome plot line; many of the residents of Mayberry (including Floyd) murder Cobain in it. Not quiet the feel-good vibe the TV series delivered to fans of the show on a weekly basis.
Gomer's Cousin Goober
George Lindsey played this bumbling cousin of Gomer Pyle, although he initially tried out for Gomer’s part. Goober was known on the show for the "Goober Dance" and his impressions of Cary Grant. His acting chops would eventually afford him roles in some very popular productions including Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, and Hee Haw, among other productions.
A Charitable Fellow
George was a very generous man. Through the George Lindsey Celebrity Weekend and Golf Tournament, he raised more than $1 million over the span of 17 years for the Alabama Special Olympics. He was 83-years-old when he died in 2012 but his legacy lives on.
Barney Fife Moves In
Although Don Knotts was best known as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, he later landed another wildly popular role as the hapless (but totally lovable) landlord Ralph Furley on Three's Company, alongside John Ritter. Much of his career outside of his most popular roles was spent serving in various cameo roles.
Friends Until The End
Andy Griffith visited Don in the hospital right before his death. Andy later recalled his final words to his dear friend: “I know that he could hear me, and we all believe that he could hear my voice," said Andy. "I told him that I loved him, and I told him...I said 'Jess [Don's real first name], breathe. You've gotta make this, you've gotta pull through. Breathe.' And you know, I saw his chest heave, and I said 'That's a boy. Keep breathing. Just keep breathing.' And his shoulder moved, so I believe he heard my voice."
Sheriff Andy Taylor Becomes A Lawyer
After The Andy Griffith Show, Andy starred in several TV shows, but none of them took off. Then, in 1986, he took the role of lawyer Ben Matlock in a series, aptly titled Matlock, that ended up being a huge hit, especially among senior citizens. The show proved that this famous actor still knew how to capture the hearts and minds of his long-time fans.
Aneta Corsaut In Matlock
Aneta Corsaut was best known for her role as Helen Crump on The Andy Griffith Show. But beyond her years spent on the show, Aneta had a prolific acting career. She rejoined forces with her former acting partner and appeared in seven episodes of Matlock as Judge Cynthia Justin.
Giving His Audience A Voice
In his later years, Andy starred in a series of public service announcements promoting the benefits of the new health care reforms to seniors, which perfectly matched up with his Matlock audience. Throughout his career, Griffith supported Democratic causes and candidates and worked to secure more rights for every American.
A Sad Time For Fans
In 1983, Andy became ill with Guillain-Barre Syndrome but made a full recovery. Later in 2000, he underwent quadruple heart-bypass surgery. In 2012, he died after a heart attack. Griffith was buried on his beloved Roanoke Island, located in North Carolina.
Andy Griffith’s Legacy
Andy Griffith received multiple awards over his lifetime, including an induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1991 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He remains one of the most beloved stars of his generation. If you visit North Carolina there's even an Andy Griffith Museum that houses the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia.
Don Knotts Left The Show By Accident
When Andy Griffith originally agreed to the show, he told Don Knotts that he only wanted to keep the show on the air for five years. Both men signed five-year contracts and the show got underway. Knotts eventually signed a three-year deal with Universal Pictures. Griffith decided to stay but Knotts wasn’t able to remain on the show because of a major conflict of interest.
Andy And Barney’s Relationship Secrets
Pay attention in the first few episodes of the show, and you will learn about Andy and Barney being cousins. The idea was to joke about the stereotypical southern relationships that helped people land small town jobs in local government. The reference was made several times in the first season. The family-based backstory was quickly dropped and they became “friends” since childhood.
The Mysterious Man And The Unknown Actor
You may have noticed a man named "Mister Schwamp" who would occasionally appear in random episodes. He was a middle-aged man with dark hair that appeared to be a toupee. He was usually found sitting on a park bench or in crowd scenes. Andy or Barney would acknowledge him with "Hello, Mister Schwamp” at which point he nodded and smiled. He also appeared in two episodes of the spin-off Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. To this very day, nobody knows who played Mr. Schwamp although it's a hotly debated topic among fans. The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club even staged an April Fools' Day prank in 2012 claiming that the actor was a man named Patch S. Wimmers.
Andy's No Hulk
During production on the second season of the show, Andy Griffith punched a wall out of anger and broke his hand. The injury required his hand to be heavily bandaged during filming. To explain the injury, the show’s producers said that Sheriff Taylor had been hurt while apprehending some criminals. That's apparently how plotlines are born.
Why Helen Crump Has An Ugly Name
When Helen Crump appeared on the show she was given a horrible name because it was supposed to be a one-off appearance. Actress Aneta Corsaut ended up giving a great performance and developed a rapport with Andy Griffith. That was good enough to turn her into a regular character on the TV series. The show's producers have said they would have chosen a more suitable name if they knew her character would be sticking around for the long haul.
Don Knotts Finds What Suits Him
Did you ever notice that Barney Fife regularly appeared in a white straw fedora with a salt-n-pepper pattern coat and a red bow tie? A little-known fact is that Don Knotts loved that suit so much that he wore it in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, and How to Frame a Figg. This guy really knew how to brand himself with a trademark look.
Andy Griffith Doesn't Like Relationships
Elinor Donahue decided to call it quits after a single season on the show because she didn’t feel any on-screen chemistry with Andy Griffith. The actor would later admit that he always had a hard time showing affection during filming. Their relationship, for that reason, didn’t feel real so they called it quits after a single season. Griffith was always cognizant that allowing an uncomfortable relationship to continue would sour audiences on the show's loveable appeal.
Ron's Real-Life Father
Ron Howard followed in his dad’s footsteps to become an actor and he had a great relationship with his dad. Howard revealed that Andy and Opie’s relationship was built from the influence that his dad had on his real life. We know that Howard was a fan of bringing his family together and he would work with his father whenever given the chance.
The Only Speaking Role
There were many African-Americans who appeared in the background scenes of The Andy Griffith Show but they were featured in non-speaking roles. However, Rockne Tarkington broke that streak when he appeared on the episode titled “Opie’s Piano Lesson.” He spoke lines on the show, becoming the only black actor to do so during its entire series run on TV.
A Stroke And A Solution
Floyd the Barber was played by actor Howard McNear, who suffered a stroke. He was having trouble standing after his medical emergency and the show’s creators came up with a solution. When he wasn’t seen sitting in a barber chair, they used props to make it look like he was standing. In other scenes, he leaned against something to keep his strength.
The Whistling Theme Song
The Andy Griffith Show theme song is titled "The Fishin’ Hole." The lyrical version of the song was written by Everett Sloane. However, the show’s producers decided that whistling the tune was a better idea, so the theme song was performed by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer. You can still find a version of Andy Griffith singing the lyrics on YouTube and you can even purchase the song with lyrics on iTunes.
A Real-Life Nickname
Have you ever noticed that Barney regularly uses the name “Ange” when talking to Andy on the show? That was actually the real-life name that he gave to Andy Griffith. The nickname was the result of combining “Andy” and “Griffith” to “Ange.” The nickname stuck and he decided to use it regularly during filming.
From Mayberry To Mount Airy
Andy Griffith long denied that the fictional town of Mayberry was based on his hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. In the episode titled "A Black Day for Mayberry," Barney picks up a phone book from the Sheriff’s desk and starts flipping through its pages. You can plainly see that the words “Mount Airy” appear on the phone book’s front cover. Maybe that was just another one of Andy Griffith's famous on-set pranks.
Andy And Opie’s Debut
The Andy Griffith Show didn’t debut until October 1960, however, the characters of Andy and Opie first showed up on Make Room For Daddy in February 1960. Both shows were produced by Danny Thomas. The show was a spin-off that was quickly thrown together and turned into a full-blown iconic TV series loved by millions of fans. In the end, it was perfect timing for the show.
The Operator Never Slept On The Job
There’s a character on the show who wasn't given their own last name and we have to assume she was a robot because she worked 24 hours a day. Her name was Sarah and she was the telephone operator on the show. Her last name was never revealed and she appeared to always be on duty. She was also never seen on camera, but her voice was incredibly distinct.
Andy’s Address Remains A Mystery
Several addresses were given for the location of Griffith's TV home. While the Taylors never moved, in one episode, Aunt Bee tells someone that their address is 332 Maple Road while in a different episode Barney tells an investigator that Andy's address is 24 Elm Street. Maybe Aunt Bee was just losing or her mind or perhaps Barney was just being a bumbling idiot once again. This fact remains a mystery to this very day.
An Old Southern Phrase
Here’s a fun history lesson: There’s an old southern phrase, “that’s the time,” which is used on various occasions by Andy on the show. It is an old phrase that has some general meanings, including “good!” and “okay” and “that’s the right thing to do.” If you watch the show now you will likely derive which of those meanings he was aiming for with the term. Griffith used the term to interject his southern upbringing into the show.
Andy's Got The Rights
Andy was focusing on film and not TV when the concept for his show was created by Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas. He had just finished A Face in the Crowd and No Time for Sergeants and decided he would give it a shot — but only if he was given rights to 50% of the show. They agreed, and he ended up owning half of the series' revenue. At the time of his death, Andy Griffith was estimated to have a personal fortune of $35 million.
One Of The Show's Directors Was Blacklisted in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Coby Ruskin was charged with being a Communist sympathizer and he was banned from Hollywood. That accusation was made by the later-discredited "Red Channels" publication which fed on American fears caused by the Cold War. Ruskin had to work in England to make a living during the blacklist period. He soon returned to the US and restarted his once-thriving career as a principal producer on the TV show. He also worked for the Dick Van Dyke Show and Gomer Pyle.
Just Hours After Passing Away
It was a sad day for fans in 2012 when the 86-year-old Andy Griffith passed away but they didn’t have much time to grieve. His family made a request that his body be immediately buried on Roanoke Island, just off the coast of North Carolina. It only took hours after his death for the famous movie and TV star to be interred. Memorials were given but only after he had already been laid to rest.
From Sheriff to Southern Gospel Singer
Andy Griffith studied music so it might not surprise many of his fans to learn that he was a southern gospel singer. He realized his love of singing when his tonal abilities were put to the test in several acting roles, most notably while starring in A Face in the Crowd. He continued with his love of southern gospel singing for many years.
Andy Griffith Sued Andy Griffith
The actor Andy Griffith sued another man named Andy Griffith in 2006. The man, originally named William Harold Fenrick, changed his name in an effort to win an election to become the sheriff of Grant County, Wisconsin. The show's rights holders claimed the move was a clear violation of the Andy Griffith trademark. We have to hand it to Fenrick for trying to pull off a pretty funny election win.
Continuity Errors Abound
Re-filming is expensive and many TV shows at the time didn’t employ full-time continuity supervisors. A great example can be found in season 3, episode 3. While Jess is up in a tree the new mayor is nearly attacked by a bear, so he starts climbing up the same tree. In the shot of the bear rushing toward the camera, the animal's trainer can clearly be seen releasing the animal. The scene was left in place even after the massive error was discovered.
From Andy's Real-Life Father
At the beginning of the show, as we watch Andy and Opie walking down the road together, we first see Opie throwing a rock and then Andy gives him a nod of his head in acknowledgment. Andy’s own father was known to shake his head in the same manner. He used that gesture to tell his son,"nice work" or "good job." He thought it was the perfect subtle tribute to his dad and it added a nice touching moment to the start of every episode.
Andy Thought He Was The Funny One
The original concept for the show was for Andy to be the resident comic. He was going to be the Will Rogers-type and comment and make jokes at the expense of the show's other characters. One episode into filming, Andy watched Don Knotts perform and he immediately knew Barney would be the "funny man" to his straight man. The quick decision worked out perfectly.
Frozen In Time
If you pay close attention inside Floyd's barber shop you’ll notice that the scene is stuck in time. The calendar on Floyd’s wall is stuck in February for the entire run of the show. We don’t know if this was an oversight by the show’s directors and producers, or if they chose that small detail for some reason. We're going to claim this decision was made because they knew the TV series would become a timeless classic.
Lots Of Single Bullets
Barney was only allowed to carry a single bullet in his gun because Andy didn’t trust him with a full barrel. Fans of the show apparently felt bad for his character because they sent Don Knotts bullets from all over the country. Given the cost of ammo these days the actor might have appreciated the gesture more in the 21st century.
Make Way For A New Man And His Son
The final episode was called “Mayberry R.F.D.” and it aired on September 23, 1968. The episode set up the premise for a spin-off show called Mayberry R.F.D. (R.F.D. stands for Rural Free Delivery) that aired from 1968-1971. The TV series proved to be a springboard for many of its resident actors and actresses.
What's In A Name?
The name "Opie" has a historical reference rooted in music. Opie Cates was a prominent bandleader in the 1930s and 1940s. Andy Griffith and the show's producer, Sheldon Leonard, were big fans of Cates’ music so they decided to honor him. Ron Howard is now forever known as both Opie Taylor and Richie Cunningham, the character from his Happy Days run.
Floyd The Barber's Retirement
Actor Howard McNear’s health was worsening as the show continued to march on. In the final episode of the seventh season, Floyd retired after earning enough money from his barber business. He was replaced by fix-it-man Emmett Clark, played by actor Paul Hartman, who turned the barbershop into his fix-it shop.
Star Trek Visits Mayberry
When Star Trek first debuted, the show was so underfunded that the set of Mayberry was used to film several different scenes. You can see Mayberry in the episodes "Miri" and "City on the Edge of Forever." You can actually see Floyd's Barber Shop in the background of scenes where Captain Kirk is walking with Edith Keeler. Also visible are the Mayberry Courthouse, Walkers Drugstore, and several other major landmarks.
Barney's First Car
In one of the most memorable episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, Barney decides to buy his first car. He finds what he believes he's looking for in an ad in the paper and meets the little old lady who is selling it. He soon finds himself wrapped around her finger and even overpays for the car that turns out to be a lemon.
Frances Bavier's Husband
Aunt Bee was a somewhat mysterious individual off-screen. When she passed away, she had been living a very reclusive life with 14 cats. Although alone, Frances Bavier was married in her earlier life. She was wed in 1928 to Russell Carpenter, a military man, but the two split up five years later because of conflicting career ambitions.
The Andy Griffith Theme Song And Earle Hagen
If there is one thing everyone can recall about The Andy Griffith Show it is the infectious theme song. The tune in the opening credits has been called the show's most notable legacy. Although many thought Andy Griffith whistled the iconic song, it was actually Earle Hagen who carried the tune.
Mending Rifts Many Years Later
In 1998, Andy Griffith said that Frances had called him shortly before her death and that she'd apologized for "being 'difficult' during the series' run." She died at age 86, just eight days shy of her 87th birthday due to congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and other ailments.
