Elizabeth MacRae was often approached by fans asking her to speak as her character on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Fans will remember the Lou-Ann Poove's iconic southern drawl.
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Television is responsible for the success of countless actors, although many are unwilling to give credit where it is properly due.
Best known as the girlfriend of characters like Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke and Gomer Pyle of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Elizabeth MacRae was always thankful to television for giving her the big break her career needed. Although her appearances in Gomer Pyle were brief, her character, Lou-Ann Poovie, was a memorable one.
"I don't know where I'd be today if it weren't for the words, well, actually, and Gomer," said MacRae during an interview with the Bristol Herald Courier. "Fans always remember how I said those words with my slow, southern drawl. Everywhere I go, they'll come up to me and ask me to say, 'Actually, Gomer.' Of course, it's the way I said those words that's so funny. I pronounce Gomer like it's spelled 'Gomuh.'"
If fans weren't taken by her striking appearance and speaking voice, many were terribly entertained by her singing voice. While she was certainly lacking in talent, it certainly was fun to watch.
In fact, MacRae was honest about her own lack of musical ability as an actor and actually believed the character trait made her "perfect" for the role.
"The part called for me to be a torch singer at The Congo Club near the marine base," said MacRae. "Lou Ann had everything going for her but she was tone-deaf. So, that was perfect for me because I really can't carry a tune."
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