It’s been more than 60 years since The Andy Griffith Show first premiered, but its appeal remains intact. With its perfect combination of familiar characters like Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, Miss Bee and little Opie, along with a peaceful village atmosphere and gentle humor, the show has become an icon of American television.
However, besides the main characters, an indispensable part of the show’s longevity comes from the surprise guests – famous actors, sometimes familiar faces, sometimes future stars, who only appeared briefly but left a strong impression.
Here are 10 of the most memorable guests who visited Mayberry, each bringing their own color to the picture of this lovely small town.
1. Buddy Ebsen
Episode: “Opie’s Hobo Friend” (Season 2, Episode 6)
Playing Dave Browne, a free-spirited wanderer, Buddy Ebsen charms Opie with his stories of a life without strings attached. Andy is forced to intervene skillfully to help his son understand responsibility without demeaning Dave.
Further information: Ebsen later became famous for his role as Jed Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies.
2. Alan Hale Jr.
Episode: “The Farmer Takes a Wife” (Season 2, Episode 13)
Jeff Pruitt, an honest farmer, comes to Mayberry to… find a wife. With Barney’s enthusiastic but clumsy help, Jeff repeatedly proposes to the girls in town, causing countless humorous situations.
Further information: Three years later, Hale becomes “Skipper” on Gilligan’s Island.
3. Sterling Holloway
Episode: “The Merchant of Mayberry” (Season 2, Episode 22)
Bert Miller, a gentle traveling salesman, is helped by Andy and Barney to set up a roadside stand. The small but heartwarming story makes for one of the series’ most heartwarming moments.
FYI: Holloway is the iconic voice of many Disney characters including Winnie the Pooh, Kaa, and the Cheshire Cat.
4. Barbara Eden
Episode: “The Manicurist” (Season 2, Episode 16)
Eden plays Ellen Brown, a charming and independent manicurist who fascinates the Mayberry gentlemen and worries the wives. Andy must intervene to get her to be seen with respect.
FYI: Three years later, Eden would star in I Dream of Jeannie.
5. Denver Pyle
Episode: Multiple episodes from Season 3 to Season 5
As Briscoe Darling, the strict but loving father of the Darling musical family. He brings chaos and traditional mountain music with him every time he appears.
Further Info: Pyle later became famous as Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard.
6. Ellen Corby
Episode: “Barney’s First Car” (Season 3, Episode 27)
Corby plays Myrt Lesh, the sweet old lady who sells Barney a crappy car, only to turn out to be a con artist.
Further Info: Corby would go on to become the iconic grandmother on The Waltons, a role that earned her three Emmy Awards.
7. Don Rickles
Episode: “The Luck of Newton Monroe” (Season 5, Episode 29)
Rickles plays Newton Monroe, a fast-talking drug dealer who is “reformed” by Andy by forcing him to do real work. The result is a series of hilarious situations.
FYI: This is one of the rare roles where Rickles plays a clumsy but well-intentioned character.
8. Ruta Lee
Episode: “Andy on Trial” (Season 2, Episode 29) and “The Hollywood Party” (Season 5, Episode 19)
Ruta Lee plays a tough reporter in one episode and a Hollywood actress in another – each time bringing a different flair and style.
FYI: Off-screen, Ruta Lee is an active mental health activist.
9. Jerry Van Dyke
Episode: “Banjo-Playing Deputy” (Season 5, Episode 32)
Jerry Miller – a banjo player who is abandoned by the circus, is taken in by Andy and helped. This is one of the rare episodes that focuses on kindness in a simple way.
FYI: This episode was also the last one shot in black and white before the series switched to color.
10. Jack Nicholson
Episode: “Opie Finds a Baby” (Season 7, Episode 10) and “Aunt Bee, the Juror” (Season 8, Episode 7)
Nicholson appeared in two different roles – a father looking for his son and a misunderstood defendant. Both roles showed his early acting talent.
FYI: This was one of Nicholson’s first television roles, before he became a movie legend.
As Sheriff Andy Taylor once said, “Sit down and tell me a story.” In Mayberry, even if you’re just a visitor, you can become part of the family.
