‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Cast and Characters: A Complete Guide

Character bio: Briscoe Darling is the patriarch of the Darling family, known for his mountain wisdom and musical talent. He often visits Mayberry with his family, causing comedic mayhem.

Actor bio: Denver Pyle appeared in numerous television series and films, including Bonanza, Gunsmoke and The Dukes of Hazzard, where he played Uncle Jesse. He was also a World War II veteran.

Charlene Darling (Maggie Peterson, 1941–2022)

Character bio: Charlene Darling is Briscoe’s flirtatious daughter who often pines for Andy and causes mayhem with her family’s antics.

Actor bio: Maggie Peterson began her career as a singer with The Ja-Da Quartet before transitioning to acting. After her acting career, Peterson worked in location scouting for films.

Clara Edwards (Hope Summers, 1896–1979)

Character bio: Clara Edwards is Aunt Bee’s best friend and a prominent member of the Mayberry community. She is known for her choir directing, civic involvement, and occasional rivalries with Aunt Bee.

Actor bio: Hope Summers was a prolific character actress, appearing in films like Inherit the Wind (1960) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Best known for her work on The Andy Griffith Show, she often portrayed no-nonsense, motherly figures. Summers also had a recurring role on Petticoat Junction.

Ellie Walker (Elinor Donahue, born 1937)

Character bio: Ellie Walker is the new Mayberry pharmacist who becomes Andy’s girlfriend during the first season. She’s portrayed as intelligent, independent and progressive, often challenging the traditional norms of the town.

Actor bio: Elinor Donahue’s career has panned over seven decades. Born in Tacoma, Washington, she began performing at a young age, appearing in vaudeville and as a child star in films such as Mister Big (1943). Donahue gained widespread recognition as Betty “Princess” Anderson on the classic family sitcom Father Knows Best (1954–1960). Following her time on The Andy Griffith Show, she appeared in numerous other television series, including the original Star Trek, The Odd Couple (as Miriam Welby), Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless.

Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman, 1904–1973)

Character bio: Emmett is the friendly fix-it shop owner who becomes a mainstay in Mayberry in later seasons. Practical and unassuming, he provides mechanical help and advice to the townsfolk.

Actor bio: Paul Hartman was a dancer and comedic performer who achieved fame in vaudeville and Broadway before transitioning to television. He won a Tony Award for Angel in the Wings (1947). His portrayal of Emmett Clark in the later seasons of The Andy Griffith Show added warmth to the series. He’s also a character on the spinoff, Mayberry R.F.D.

Ernest T. Bass (Howard Morris, 1919–2005)

Character bio: Ernest T. Bass is a mischievous and eccentric hillbilly with a penchant for throwing rocks and causing chaos. Despite his troublemaking, he is a lovable figure with a good heart.

Actor bio: Howard Morris was best known for his comedic work on Your Show of Shows. His role as the eccentric Ernest T. Bass showcased his knack for physical comedy. Morris also directed episodes of television shows, including The Andy Griffith Show, and provided voice work for animated series like The Jetsons.

Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear, 1905–1969)

Character bio: Floyd the Barber is Mayberry’s talkative and absent-minded barber, providing comic relief with his quirky observations and antics.

Actor bio: Howard McNear was a skilled radio performer before his television fame, best known as Doc Adams on the radio version of Gunsmoke. After suffering a stroke during The Andy Griffith Show, he continued acting with accommodations to his limitations.

Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors, 1930–2017)

Character bio: Gomer Pyle is the naive and lovable mechanic at Wally’s Filling Station. His good-natured personality and bumbling ways earned him his own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Actor bio: Jim Nabors began his career as a nightclub singer before being discovered by Andy Griffith. His portrayal of Gomer Pyle, with his iconic catchphrases and singing voice, led to his own successful spin-off, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Nabors was also a beloved singer.

Goober Pyle (George Lindsey, 1928–2012)

Character bio: Goober Pyle is Gomer’s cousin and the cheerful, slightly dimwitted mechanic at Wally’s Filling Station. Known for his comedic antics and signature hat, Goober takes over the station after Gomer leaves Mayberry. He’s also a character in the spinoff series, Mayberry R.F.D.

Actor bio: George Lindsey was a comedian and actor who joined The Andy Griffith Show as Goober Pyle, bringing humor and energy to the role. He continued portraying Goober in Mayberry R.F.D. and on the variety show Hee Haw. Lindsey was also a humanitarian, raising funds for the Alabama Special Olympics.

Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut, 1933–1995)

Character bio: Helen Crump is a schoolteacher in Mayberry and Andy’s eventual love interest. Smart and independent, she forms a deep connection with Andy and becomes his fiancée in later seasons.

Actor bio: Aneta Corsaut was a film and television actress who debuted alongside Steve McQueen in The Blob (1958). After The Andy Griffith Show, she appeared in television series like Columbo and Matlock.

Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson, 1931–1994)

(Mayberry R.F.D. character)

Character bio: Howard Sprague is the mild-mannered and meticulous county clerk. Often caught between his overbearing mother and his desire for adventure, Howard provides both humor and heart to the series. He also appeared on Mayberry R.F.D.

Actor bio: Jack Dodson was a stage actor before joining The Andy Griffith Show as Howard Sprague. His portrayal of the mild-mannered county clerk showcased his comedic and dramatic range. Dodson continued to work with Andy Griffith on Matlock and appeared in other series like Hogan’s Heroes.

Malcolm Merriweather (Bernard Fox, 1927–2016)

Character bio: Malcolm Merriweather is a proper and eccentric Englishman whose visits to Mayberry often result in cultural clashes and humorous situations.

Actor bio: Bernard Fox was a Welsh actor best known for his comedic roles, including Dr. Bombay on Bewitched. Fox also appeared in films such as Titanic (1997) and The Mummy (1999).

Mayor Pike (Dick Elliott, 1886–1961)

Character bio: Mayor Pike is the kind-hearted but easily flustered mayor of Mayberry during the early seasons. He often defers to Andy for guidance in managing the town.

Actor bio: Dick Elliott was a veteran character actor, appearing in over 240 films, including It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). His portrayal of the kindly but flustered Mayor Pike on The Andy Griffith Show was one of his final roles before his death in 1961.

Mayor Roy Stoner (Parley Baer, 1914–2002)

Character bio: Mayor Roy Stoner replaces Mayor Pike in later seasons. He is stricter and more bureaucratic, often clashing with Andy’s relaxed approach to law enforcement.

Actor bio: Parley Baer was a prolific actor in radio, television, and film. Known for his role as Chester on the radio version of Gunsmoke, Baer brought a bureaucratic edge to Mayor Roy Stoner on The Andy Griffith Show. He also appeared in series like The Addams Family and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Opie Taylor (Ron Howard, born 1954)

Character bio: Opie is Andy’s young son, known for his wide-eyed curiosity, good heart, and mischievous nature. As the series progresses, Opie grows into a thoughtful young man, learning valuable life lessons from his father.

Actor bio: Ron Howard began acting as a child, earning acclaim as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. He transitioned into an adult performer with 1973’s American Graffiti and as Richie Cunningham on the TV series Happy Days. From there he moved into a successful directing career, helming films such as Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001) and The Da Vinci Code (2006). Howard remains one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.

Otis Campbell (Hal Smith, 1916–1994)

Character bio: Otis Campbell is the lovable town drunk who voluntarily locks himself in jail to sober up. Despite his drinking, Otis is good-natured and offers occasional wisdom.

Actor bio: Hal Smith was a versatile voice actor and performer. While best known as Otis Campbell (aka Otis the Drunk), he also voiced characters like Owl in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh films. Smith appeared in countless television series and films throughout his career.

Thelma Lou (Betty Lynn, 1926–2021)

Character bio: Thelma Lou is Barney Fife’s sweet and patient girlfriend. While their relationship is often tested by Barney’s antics, Thelma Lou remains supportive and understanding.

Actor bio: Betty Lynn began her career in Hollywood films before becoming beloved as Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show. Known for her sweet demeanor, Lynn retired to Mount Airy, North Carolina, where she became a cherished part of the community, attending fan events and celebrating Mayberry’s legacy.

The Fun Girls (Jean Carson, 1923–2005, and Joyce Jameson, 1932–1987)

Character bio: Daphne (Jean Carson) and Skippy (Joyce Jameson), collectively known as “The Fun Girls,” are flirtatious, zany women who occasionally visit Mayberry, causing humorous disruptions in Andy and Barney’s lives. Their exaggerated personalities and antics often lead to comedic misunderstandings.

Actor bio: Jean Carson was a stage and screen actress best known for her recurring role as Daphne, one of “The Fun Girls.” She also appeared in shows like Perry Mason and The Twilight Zone.

Actor bio: Joyce Jameson was a character actress who excelled in comedic roles, including Skippy, one of “The Fun Girls.” Known for her bubbly personality, she also appeared in films like The Apartment (1960) and television series such as The Twilight Zone. Jameson’s ability to balance charm and hilarity made her a fan favorite.

The Morrison Sisters (Dorothy Neumann, 1914–1994, and Cheerio Meredith, 1890–1964)

Character bio: Clarabelle and Jennifer Morrison are eccentric sisters known for their secret moonshining operation, hidden under the guise of genteel respectability. Their comedic exchanges with Andy and Barney provide some of the series’ funniest moments.

Actor bio: Dorothy Neumann was a prolific character actress who appeared in films such as The Ten Commandments (1956) and numerous television shows, including The Andy Griffith Show.

Actor bio: Cheerio Meredith was a veteran stage actress who transitioned to film and television in her later years.

Rafe Hollister (Jack Prince, 1920–1994)

Character bio: Rafe Hollister is a farmer and part-time singer in Mayberry. Though rough around the edges, he has a beautiful singing voice that surprises everyone in town.

Actor bio: Jack Prince was a talented singer and actor who began his career performing on Broadway and in nightclubs. His deep, resonant voice became a key feature of his character, Rafe Hollister, on The Andy Griffith Show. Prince appeared in a handful of episodes, often showcasing his impressive vocal talents.

Sam Jones (Ken Berry, 1933–2018)

Character bio: Sam Jones is a widowed farmer and the central character of Mayberry R.F.D. following Andy’s departure. Sam is a dedicated father to his son, Mike, and an upstanding member of the Mayberry community. Sam was the lead character in Mayberry R.F.D.

Actor bio: Ken Berry was a skilled dancer, actor, and comedian who started his career in musicals before transitioning to television. Best known for his work on F Troop, Mama’s Family, and Mayberry R.F.D. On the latter,  Berry brought warmth and charm to his role as widowed farmer Sam Jones. He continued acting well into the 1990s.

Warren Ferguson (Jack Burns, 1933–2020)

Character bio: Warren Ferguson is Barney Fife’s replacement as deputy sheriff during Season 6. Overzealous and overly analytical, Warren often creates comedic complications in his attempts to enforce the law.

Actor bio: Jack Burns was a comedian, writer, and actor who gained prominence as part of the comedy duo Burns and Schreiber. His brief stint as Warren Ferguson on The Andy Griffith Show was followed by a successful career in voice work and television writing, including contributions to The Muppet Show and Hee Haw.