1. Howard McNear (Floyd Lawson – Barber of Mayberry)
Floyd Lawson was the town’s only barber, known for his absent-mindedness, illogical stories, and habit of gossiping. The character was played by Howard McNear, and he quickly became one of the most beloved supporting characters.
Behind the scenes:
In 1963, Howard McNear suffered a stroke and lost movement on one side of his body. To help him continue his role, the crew arranged for the character Floyd to only appear while sitting or leaning on something.
Sometimes, he couldn’t remember his lines due to the effects of the stroke, so his co-stars (especially Andy Griffith) often tried to lead the story to help him act smoothly.
After season 7, Howard McNear’s health worsened, and he was forced to leave the show.
2. Hope Summers (Clara Edwards – Aunt Bee’s best friend)
Clara Edwards is one of the most frequently appearing female characters, with a tough personality but also very caring for the community. She often participates in town events, especially in episodes with Aunt Bee.
Interesting background:
Hope Summers appeared in a total of 32 episodes, making Clara an important supporting character of Mayberry.
Although initially just a nameless supporting character, she later became an indispensable part of the town.
3. Hal Smith (Otis Campbell – Mayberry’s “happy” alcoholic)
Otis Campbell is a character that brings a lot of laughter to the audience. He is always drunk and often goes to jail and locks himself up. This character is portrayed in a humorous and friendly way, helping to lighten the negative effects of alcoholism.
Fun Behind the Scenes:
In real life, Hal Smith did not drink and was a very serious person.
After leaving The Andy Griffith Show, he became a famous voice actor, voicing many Disney animated films, including the character Owl in Winnie the Pooh.
As American television regulations changed to avoid “whitewashing” the image of alcohol abuse, the character of Otis gradually appeared less in the later seasons of the show.
4. Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou – Barney Fife’s girlfriend)
Thelma Lou was Barney Fife’s official girlfriend. She was sweet, gentle, and always patient with Barney’s clumsy actions.
Fun Behind the Scenes:
Betty Lynn was on the show from 1961 to 1966, appearing in 26 episodes.
When Don Knotts left the show after season 5, the character of Thelma Lou disappeared. However, in the special Return to Mayberry (1986), Barney and Thelma Lou eventually got married.
In real life, Betty Lynn loved Mayberry so much that she moved to Mount Airy, North Carolina (the real-life hometown of Andy Griffith, and the inspiration for Mayberry).
5. Aneta Corsaut (Helen Crump – Andy Taylor’s girlfriend)
Helen Crump initially appeared as Opie’s strict teacher, but later became Andy Taylor’s love interest.
Fun behind the scenes:
Initially, the character Helen only appeared in a single episode, but due to positive audience response, she became an official character.
Helen and Andy were married in the spin-off Return to Mayberry.
Aneta Corsaut is not only an actress but also co-authored an acting textbook.
6. Jack Dodson (Howard Sprague – Mayberry City Official)
Howard Sprague is a clumsy but likable city official.
Funny Behind the Scenes:
Jack Dodson was cast by Andy Griffith himself after seeing him on Broadway.
Howard Sprague became one of the central characters in Mayberry R.F.D., a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show.
7. George Lindsey (Goober Pyle – Town Garage)
Goober Pyle is the cousin of Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors), and takes over the Mayberry garage after Gomer leaves. He provides a lot of comedy with his simple and somewhat goofy personality.
Funny Behind the Scenes:
George Lindsey originally auditioned for the role of Gomer Pyle, but the role went to Jim Nabors. However, when Gomer left, the producers created the character Goober specifically for Lindsey.
George Lindsey played the role for many years, even appearing on Hee Haw, a popular comedy show.
8. Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle – The Funny Soldier of Mayberry)
Gomer Pyle was one of the show’s funniest characters, with his famous catchphrase “Gollllllly!” and distinctive voice.
Behind the scenes:
Jim Nabors was not only an actor but also a singer with a strong baritone voice.
The character Gomer left The Andy Griffith Show to have his own show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., where he joined the Marine Corps.
In real life, Jim Nabors was a very friendly person and was well-liked by his co-workers.
