Stories

6 things you can do in the 'real-life' Mayberry There is the show-version of Mayberry, the Mayberry in Virginia and Mount Airy... the 'real-life' Mayberry! Here's what you can do there! September 20, 2022, 4:56PM
Only three shows went out on the top of the ratings, and The Andy Griffith Show is one of them The final season of the show resulted in the highest Nielsen ranking possible. September 7, 2022, 2:15PM
Hollywood keeps trying to reboot this classic Don Knotts movie One potential director described it as ''the most horrifying thing he'd ever seen''. August 3, 2022, 11:59AM
Maggie Peterson originally auditioned for the part of Ellie Walker We'll never know if the Darling girl would've made a better Ellie. July 15, 2022, 10:20AM
The Andy Griffith Show helped a family reunite with their long-lost pet How a toe-tappin' tune was able to reconnect a family with their pet after three years apart. June 29, 2022, 11:23AM
Of course Andy Griffith was the perfect high school boyfriend Kids used to swoon over the future TV star’s teen romance in the halls. June 14, 2022, 11:49AM
The actor behind Barney's cousin Virgil became one of Mayberry's biggest movie stars Michael J. Pollard got nominated for an Oscar seven years after playing Don Knotts' awkward cousin. May 27, 2022, 1:19PM
R.I.P. Maggie Peterson, beloved singer Charlene Darling on The Andy Griffith Show She also appeared on the big screen with both Andy and Don Knotts. May 17, 2022, 10:57AM
Ernest T. Bass actor Howard Morris predicted Ron Howard would be a director Morris observed little Ronny’s curiosity on the Mayberry set and knew the young star was destined for great things behind the camera. May 16, 2022, 12:36PM
This Mayberry moonshiner started acting after retiring Charity Grace went from teaching high school kids to acting with Andy Griffith. April 28, 2022, 3:40PM
This Mayberry charity drive organizer was composer John Williams' mother-in-law Lurene Tuttle was "The First Lady of Radio" before her son-in-law composer wrote the Star Wars soundtrack. April 26, 2022, 11:39AM
Doug Jones was inspired to start acting by Barney Fife The awkward deputy was a welcome sight to an awkward kid. April 13, 2022, 2:51PM
Frances Bavier was the greatest actor on The Andy Griffith Show The accomplished actor brought so much into her performance as Aunt Bee. April 5, 2022, 3:58PM
The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club helped keep Mayberry alive for future generations What started in a fraternity house led to a reunion movie. February 17, 2022, 11:02AM
10 actors who appeared in both Mayberry and M*A*S*H Over 7,000 miles apart, you could spot some familiar faces. January 24, 2022, 3:50PM
Andy Griffith explained why they called him Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show It had to do with his love life, yuh see? January 5, 2022, 2:17PM
Even Opie throwing that rock into the pond took a little Hollywood magic They only had three tries — and there was one big problem. Ron Howard could not throw that far. December 8, 2021, 2:53PM
The first Benji movie was the final screen role for three beloved classic TV stars, including the dog Francis Bavier and Edgar Buchanan would never be seen again. The same goes for Higgins the dog. November 29, 2021, 2:36PM
Mary Lansing played more Mayberry characters than any other actress Before she was Martha Clark, she was Mrs. Lukens, Mrs. Rodenbach and many more. November 15, 2021, 3:37PM
The creators of The Andy Griffith Show debated how Andy should punish Opie To spank or not to spank? That was the question after season two. November 10, 2021, 5:18PM
Thelma Lou almost took this job in Mayberry after Barney Fife left the show Producers offered Betty Lynn a new storyline to stay on The Andy Griffith Show after Don Knotts departed. This is the story they offered her and why she said no. November 4, 2021, 4:07PM
Beverly Tyler quit acting shortly after Barney Fife rejected her The Hollywood beauty had a Cinderella story start to acting, which ended when she met her prince in the real world. November 1, 2021, 4:17PM
This old man of Mayberry had been playing an ''old man'' since his 20s! Andy Clyde literally grew into the character he played in silent films. November 1, 2021, 2:08PM
R.I.P. Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife's love Thelma Lou She toured Asia during USO shows, became fast friends with Bette Davis, and retired to the real-life Mayberry. October 18, 2021, 9:03AM
People kept giving Don Knotts bullets The deputy's single bullet was such a beloved running joke that fans gave him hundreds of single bullets. September 23, 2021, 4:24PM
Andy Griffith once owned a dog named Lemley Gilbert named after a distant cousin Andy's cousin Lemley Gilbert is referenced in The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Here's his rarely told story. September 21, 2021, 11:50AM
How Goober Pyle saved a life George Lindsey saved the life of an Oscar winner, and didn't know until years later. September 20, 2021, 4:47PM
Mayberry had no psychiatrists, but the Andy Griffith Show cast were into mental health Don Knotts and Andy Griffith saw psychiatrists — and even ribbed Don's doctor on the sitcom. September 16, 2021, 11:53AM
Did you know Andy Griffith cut out some love scenes between Andy and Helen? We loved their love, but the TV sheriff once even nixed Andy and Helen's first near-kiss, writing it out of the script. August 16, 2021, 1:43PM
You can thank Grape-Nuts for the existence of The Andy Griffith Show Post wanted a rural comedy to push its wholesome cereal. August 12, 2021, 5:00PM
Yes, Virginia, there is a real Mayberry… and it is in Virginia Ever wonder how the TV town of Mayberry got its name? Look a bit north, and into Andy Griffith's roots. August 11, 2021, 1:46PM
Meet the many different faces of Wally's Filling Station Which Wally is your favorite? August 10, 2021, 3:45PM
Don Knotts was not the only Don Knotts in his high school The other Don Knotts caused confusion amongst his classmates years later. August 5, 2021, 5:02PM
Parley Baer was a dedicated circus man, even when he was Mayberry's mayor Lions and tigers and Baer… oh my! He even had a horse in his wedding. August 3, 2021, 11:52AM
Andy Griffith bombed on The Ed Sullivan Show Even the famous Andy Griffith had a few stumbles along the way. August 2, 2021, 11:54AM
Andy changed Aunt Bee's name at the very first rehearsal of The Andy Griffith Show The TV star stopped writers just in time from calling Aunt Bee by the wrong name. July 27, 2021, 11:21AM
Quick! Someone tell everyone in Floyd's Barber Shop that Barbara Eden loved shy guys The blonde TV bombshell appeared in Mayberry as a crushworthy manicurist. She claimed all men fit into one of these 5 categories. July 20, 2021, 1:06PM
Former child stars explained why it was so complicated growing up famous "Parents of a child actor must be prepared to devote 100 percent of their time to the child." July 20, 2021, 10:21AM
Unfortunately, Annie Oakley star Gail Davis performed her last role ever as Sheriff Andy's sweetheart The Andy Griffith Show cast her as ''the perfect female,'' but most directors believed the Western star ''was always going to be Annie Oakley.'' So she retired. July 15, 2021, 9:00AM
Andy Griffith was against adding this character to the show He disagreed over a technical detail. July 8, 2021, 10:49AM
Andy Griffith explained why it mattered that Don Knotts really was a worrier Plus: Revisiting this very excitable Don Knotts interview will make your day. July 6, 2021, 3:39PM
Mayberry's ''new doctor'' once shared advice on how to be a popular teen The actor George Nader recommended tuning out "worthless opinions" in a teen etiquette column. July 2, 2021, 11:05AM
A rare look at Andy's family life when The Andy Griffith Show premiered "I'm the best old man in the world," Andy boasted in 1960. June 16, 2021, 8:48AM
A much more mellow Don Rickles got invited to visit Mayberry The insult comic got married the same year he appeared on The Andy Griffith Show, and he said his wife helped keep the sting in his nightclub act. June 14, 2021, 1:48PM
Barney Fife's bank robbery episodes reflected a real rise in heists in America In 1965, the deputy found $250,000 from a bank heist. That year, bank robbery losses hit the highest levels yet recorded: $3.9 million. June 10, 2021, 12:40PM
Nobody predicted the crazy bidding war for Aunt Bee's dusty 1966 Studebaker Frances Bavier didn't learn to drive until the age of 50. After that, she only drove Studebakers. June 8, 2021, 9:17AM
Don Knotts met a real Barney Fife once directing a parade in his hometown The Andy Griffith Show star even shared a funny exchange with the local sheriff who had to deal with the deputy. June 1, 2021, 8:40AM
Hal Smith's happy home life was the complete opposite of Otis Campbell's Mayberry marriage Married for more than 50 years, soulmates Hal and Louise Smith are all the proof we need that the saying is true: happy wife, happy life! May 24, 2021, 9:13AM
Don Knotts found the inspiration for his comedic persona at an awkward 1950s dinner banquet How a "violently and hilariously nervous" speaker brought Knotts back to being a funnyman. May 10, 2021, 11:37AM
Even celebrities couldn't resist doing impressions of Barney Fife Guess which TV stars grew up doing Barney Fife impressions. Hint: One was later his costar. May 10, 2021, 8:52AM
13 familiar Mayberry faces (besides Don Knotts) that pop up in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken Look for all these Andy Griffith Show actors in the spooky comedy! April 30, 2021, 10:33AM
Andy Griffith hid a sweet tribute to his wife in the episode where Opie loves Helen When Andy tells Opie about his first crush, he's really describing his first wife! April 29, 2021, 8:55AM
Stories from Andy Griffith's makeup artist inspired many hilarious events in Mayberry "He was a wild, wonderful man," Andy once said. April 27, 2021, 12:21PM
Ever wonder what the ''T'' in Ernest T. Bass stands for? The Mayberry hillbilly's name has surprising connections to Hitchcock and the TV movie Brian's Song. April 20, 2021, 8:40AM
9 times Parley Baer played a mayor on TV His roles on The Andy Griffith Show and The Addams Family were just two of his many TV terms in office! April 19, 2021, 1:28PM
The former home of Aunt Bee is for sale in North Carolina Frances Bavier lived her later years in Siler City, NC. April 19, 2021, 11:18AM
Just once Denver Pyle wanted to play the guy who gets the girl Aunt Bee was just another in a long line of ladies who rejected the veteran character actor onscreen. April 14, 2021, 8:31AM
Bernard Fox wanted Malcolm Merriweather to replace Barney Fife The actor who played Andy's English valet once shared his dream of what happened after Malcolm left Mayberry. April 8, 2021, 8:38AM
Andy Griffith got his start earning $35 and performing at banks The actor returned to North Carolina for a hero's welcome in 1958. April 6, 2021, 10:56AM
Rance Howard won baby Ron Howard his debut movie role by jumping off a balcony Here's a father who would do anything to see his son succeed. It took a tomahawk to get baby Ron to cry on cue. March 31, 2021, 9:29AM
The Andy Griffith Show appears in the Looney Tunes animated universe So that's what a cartoon Mayberry looks like. March 29, 2021, 9:41AM
The Mayberry farmer was a Perry Mason medical examiner and Star Trek pioneer Jon Lormer can be seen all over classic TV. March 25, 2021, 10:13AM
R.I.P. Kim Tyler, former child star of 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies' and 'The Andy Griffith Show' He played Opie's chum Billy Gray. March 23, 2021, 4:03PM
Ron Howard made an exit plan to grow out of kiddie roles He said The Andy Griffith Show had his back early on, helping him go much further than the average child star. March 23, 2021, 10:31AM
Here's a peek into Andy Griffith's backyard wedding to a Seventies ''flower child'' Ken Berry said the bride and groom made the most unlikely couple he ever saw. March 23, 2021, 9:33AM
Julie Adams saw the simple life as a thing of beauty Sheriff Andy's one-time sweetheart was a beauty queen who grew up loving all things wholesome. March 16, 2021, 1:22PM
Andy Griffith snuck a nod to his musical hero into an episode of The Andy Griffith Show A jazz legend is hidden in "Sheriff Barney." March 8, 2021, 2:26PM
You could say this trip to Mayberry made a big impact on Bill Bixby After appearing on The Andy Griffith Show, Bixby played "himself" on a show about a widowed father bonding with his 6-year-old son. March 8, 2021, 10:14AM
Don Knotts lived the story at the heart of ''Opie's Hobo Friend'' As a boy, Knotts befriended passers-through at his mother's boarding house. March 3, 2021, 9:04AM
Andy Griffith's ''Woman Speeder'' essentially recycled the plot to its pilot episode And there was another connection to The Danny Thomas Show right under your nose. March 1, 2021, 11:20AM
The farmer Rafe Hollister passed on a chance to be one of Mayberry's biggest breakout stars Jack Prince turned down a chance to be a series regular but said he was proud to be a small part of The Andy Griffith Show. February 16, 2021, 9:29AM
14 revealing and rollicking behind-the-scenes photos from The Andy Griffith Show See Andy hanging with his costars, wife and manager on the set of Mayberry. February 3, 2021, 11:20AM
Mayberry's Joyce Jameson was the most ''Fun Girl'' Robert Vaughn ever met The Man from U.N.C.L.E. star thought his friend deserved to be the next Carol Burnett, but she was typecast. February 1, 2021, 9:28AM
All of Mayberry's money talk revolved around sharing one's good fortune Howard McNear's son Kit got emotional describing Andy Griffith's "big heart" and generous spirit. January 29, 2021, 2:53PM
Is this the most mysterious lovely lady we ever met in Mayberry? Josie Lloyd emerged from her father Norman Lloyd's shadow on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, but later she just disappeared. January 28, 2021, 5:23PM
You never saw Barney Fife faint for a reason Don Knotts had a real problem feeling faint in big life moments. January 22, 2021, 8:54AM
Betty Lynn hid her secret crush on Andy Griffith so she wouldn't ''hurt anyone's feelings'' Andy once wrote to Betty Lynn, ''You were Don's girl, but you should’ve been mine.'' January 13, 2021, 10:21AM
Frank Sutton was ''the perfect sergeant for Gomer'' A secret intellectual, the Sergeant Carter actor ''had a built-in sense of comedy and timing.'' January 12, 2021, 10:52AM
Joining Opie's boy gang was the ultimate fun for these child actors Plus: Ron Howard described what it was like to be in the boy gang on Dennis the Menace. January 11, 2021, 9:54AM
Allan Melvin quietly became ''one of TV's most recognizable faces'' The actor appeared regularly on major sitcoms from the 1950s to the 1980s, but he called his popularity ''a cult thing.'' January 6, 2021, 9:17AM
Did you know Rambo's mentor once rescued The Andy Griffith Show? Richard Crenna saved the day in 1963. He also brought a new perspective to Mayberry — and rethought the front door. Did you notice? December 29, 2020, 11:36AM