First impressions can be deceiving. At first glance, viewers might just assume that a character like Gomer Pyle is nothing more than a simple goof. However, avid viewers of The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. were smart enough to know better. While Gomer could be a bit dimwitted at times, he had a good heart, and the ability to think outside of the box. More importantly, he was a good friend and someone you'd be lucky to have on your side.

If Gomer Pyle is a good man, Jim Nabors is even better. While Nabors was largely known for his talent as a performer, those who worked with him were quick to point out the actor's virtues as a human being.

"Most people think of Gomer Pyle as a bumbling stupid guy, and in that sense, Jim isn't at all like him," said Duke Vincent, one of Gomer Pyle's writers, during an interview with the Toronto Daily Star. "He's a very bright, aware guy who knows what's going on around him, even though he rejects the dishonesty he sees."

It's a credit to Nabors that nearly all who worked with him had nothing but good things to say.

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Jim Nabors was as much of a fan of Gomer Pyle as viewers were

"But no matter how much we laugh at him, Gomer Pyle is also a pretty wonderful person," said Vincent. "In that sense, Jim Nabors is Gomer Pyle. I think Jim lives his life the way Gomer would if Gomer were very bright."

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