George Lindsey's daughter began referring to him as ''Goober Daddy''

"I wouldn't have done it any other way."

September 23, 2024, 3:56PM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

Has an actor ever played a character a little too well? While we commend dedication to the craft, we often ignore the fact that there are downsides to being a great actor, like your work following you home.

While you may not know George Lindsey, you probably know Gomer Pyle, the dimwitted, cap-wearing character on The Andy Griffith Show.

"There may be more Goober in me than I'm willing to admit," said Lindsey during an interview with the Associated Press. "I may be Goober disguised as George Lindsey. He and I both missed adulthood. I've never worn a snap-brim felt hat."

Lindsey acknowledged that the similarities didn't end on set. He revealed that back at home, his daughter had begun to refer to him as "Goober Daddy."

"I've been on television every week for twenty-one years," he said. "America has grown up with me. Goober is Everyman; everyone finds something to like about ol' Goober."

Still, Lindsey said that being so closely associated with a character "can be an albatross as far as your career growing."

"You get locked into that character," he said. "Producers won't hire you for things. But I wouldn't have done it any other way."

Lindsey commended the work done on The Andy Griffith Show and credited the success of the series to Griffith specifically.

"It was honest and simple," he said. "At that time, we were the best acting ensemble on television. The scripts were terrific. Andy is the best script constructionist I've ever been involved with. And you have to lift your acting level up to his. He's awfully good."

Still, Lindsey's portrayal of Goober Pyle was a credit to the series, and it's not praise that the actor takes lightly. "There's a residual effect of knowing I've made America laugh. I'm not the only one, but I've contributed something."