Everyone wanted to be a part of The Andy Griffith Show, and although it wasn't possible for all, those who were involved always praised the series.

Richard Crenna is an actor known for starring in The Real McCoys and his early radio work. Still, many did not know that he also directed several episodes of Andy Griffith's hit show during its 1963-1964 season.

In an interview with the Television Academy, Crenna revealed how he got the opportunity and what it was like to direct one of the most beloved shows in television history.

"When I left the McCoys, I said, 'Well, I'm going to take a little [time off from acting]. I don't want to get into anything else at the moment,'" he began. "I think I'll direct a little bit."

See More

Mayberry

Frances Bavier was the greatest actor on The Andy Griffith Show

At the end of the second year of The Andy Griffith Show, one of its directors decided to leave to start his own production. Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas, who both worked on the series, asked the actor if he could direct some of the episodes in the third season.

"At the beginning of the third year, they came to me and said, 'We would like for you to direct some of the Griffith shows,'" he said. "I said I would be pleased and proud because we had been on the same lot, so we felt like a family."

Crenna already knew Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, which made the experience even more fulfilling.

"I knew everybody. I knew Andy Griffith, and I knew Don Knotts. I knew all of them," he went on. "So going in there was anything but uncomfortable. I mean, I just fit in like a glove."

The actor felt like a lot of the show's concept was similar to his work on The Real McCoys, making it easier for him to ease into the position.

"It was very straightforward. [Andy and Don] didn't try to be funny," Crenna said while describing The Andy Griffith Show's environment. "You can't make Don Knotts not funny. But he didn't have to try to be funny. It was a natural kind of progress for me to go into that show and direct quite a number of the third season." 

Some of the episodes Crenna directed include "Opie the Birdman" and "The Sermon for Today." 

Watch The Andy Griffith Show on MeTV!

Weeknights at 8 & 8:30, Sundays at 6 & 6:30 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

 Add to Favorites  Remind Me