R.I.P. Arlene Golonka, love interest to both Howard and Sam in Mayberry

The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D. actress was 85.

The 1967 film Thoroughly Modern Millie told the tale of a small-town girl living in New York City and hoping to marry for money. That same year, another Millie was working in a Mayberry bakery, and she was content to stay in her small town and settle for the humble Howard Sprague, thank you very much.

Arlene Golonka played Millie Hutchins in two episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. Her role evolved into Millie Swanson on Mayberry R.F.D., which was essentially the same character. Remember, Mayberry names, from "Goober Beasley" to Barney's middle initial, were known to be rather fluid. In the spin-off, the bubbly blonde was still working the counter in the bakery, only she was now dating Sam Jones.

Golonka began her career in serious stage dramas. She studied under titans of theater such as Lee Strasberg, Uta Hagen and Sanford Meisner, some of the pioneers of "method acting." A member of The Actors Studio, Golonka acted in productions alongside Kirk Douglas (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and Jackie Gleason (Take Me Along). She starred in Neil Simon's first play, Come Blow Your Horn.

The Chicago native also excelled at comedy. In 1965, Golonka appeared as an ensemble performer on the hit comedy album You Don't Have to Be Jewish. The title was a nod to a marketing slogan for Levy's Rye Bread — "You Don't Have to be Jewish to love Levy's!"

You Don't Have to Be Jewish climbed the Billboard charts all the way to No. 9, thanks to skits like "A Call From Long Island" and "The Luncheon." Both prominently featured Golonka.

At the time, Golonka happened to be living with a rather talented roommate — Valerie Harper. Golonka helped her roomie land a gig on both the You Don't Have to Be Jewish sequel album and with the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago.

Golonka made the move to television and found the most success and screen time in Mayberry. She did later appear as a nurse on M*A*S*H, Nurse Edwina 'Eddie' Ferguson, in "Edwina."

In the 1990s, Golonka reunited with her old Mayberry pal Andy Griffith for two episodes of Matlock. She played a character named Jackie in both — but just like Millie, they had different names.

On May 31, Golonka passed away in West Hollywood, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 85.

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33 Comments

MaryHelen 40 months ago
she played a prostitute with clint eastwood on hang them hihg
figoha7883 41 months ago
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42 months ago
I always had a problem with actresses that used a "little girl" voice and seemingly channeled Marilyn Monroe's childlike woman. It worked for Marilyn, but not so much for the others who attempted to copy her "ditzy/dumb blonde" personna. Producers found this adorable, endearing. I found it off-putting & annoying. Loved Judy Holliday, who could play this kind of character, but let you know that she was sharp as a tack.
Henry30 42 months ago
It's hard to believe that so much time has passed since shows like those graced by the presence of actresses like Arlene Golonka and that so many of them are no longer with us. This serves as a reminder that life goes by quickly and that we should all take the time to remain happy while enjoying it. My condolences to her surviving family members as well as to those who loved and admired her. Rest in peace, sister.
Mark091 42 months ago
Millie Hutchins was a wonderful
Girlfriend for Howard Sprague (Jack
Dodson) and as Millie Swanson was
A fantastic. Girlfriend for San Jones
On Mayberry RFD and Arlene Golonka
Did a great acting job as Millie Hutchins and Millie Swanson.
Millie didn't get mad at Sam Jones
On Mayberry RFD as many times
As Ellie Walker Elinor Donahue
Peggy Macmillan Joanna Moore
And Helen Crump Aneta Corsair
Got mad at Andy Taylor on TAGS.
I believe that Arlene Golonka s
Personality was very similar to
Millie Hutchins-Swanson.
RIP ARLENE GOLONKA and
JACK BURNS (Warren Ferguson on
The Andy Griffith Show).
When Arlene Golonka and Jack Burns
Arrived In Heaven then Heaven
Gained two wonderful persons .
Mark091 Mark091 42 months ago
ANETA CORSAUT played
Helen Crump on The Andy Griffith Show.
Mark091 40 months ago
Couldn't stand her!
jacko3 42 months ago
GOD Bless the Soul of Arlene Golonka ....
JERRY6 42 months ago
So sad reading about all these "old" actors dying off I remember watching them in the 60's most were not much older than i was at the time ,they were and still are so entertaining . I'd rather watch these old shows than 90% of the new crap they are putting out .
Just wish Me tv would rotate a few more shows into the lineup most the shows i've seen 2 or 3 times this year . time to expand the library , if possible
JERRY6 42 months ago
This comment has been removed.
TVFF 42 months ago
Arlene was one of my secret crushes. Very beautiful and very talented.
MaryHelen 42 months ago
she was a favorite of mine-- missed the news of her death; i remember to my suprise, she played with clint eastwood in one of his westerns-- small role-- in bed with him as a prostitute!!
BrittReid MaryHelen 42 months ago
That would be 'Hang Em High'. She was a cutie with a super special voice. R.I.P. Arlene.
teire 42 months ago
She was a sweetheart, came across as very down to earth. Great voice. Thoughts and thank yous.
Lojagu 42 months ago
RIP! I had a crush on her for many years. Dear MeTV, you didn’t show a Mayberry RFD marathon in tribute to Ken Berry when he died recently, nor did you hardly include that show in this year’s namesake “Month of Mayberry” which just ended last week. Please do the right thing and show an appropriate and touching tribute to dear Millie by airing a significant Mayberry RFD marathon in honor of her. Why own the rights to that show but never show it?
Sway 42 months ago
Distinctive voice and nice smile, easily recognizable in whatever part she played. RIP Arlene Golonka.
Barry22 42 months ago
RIP. Always liked her. Millie was better off with Sam than Howard.
Tlor 42 months ago
I liked Millie, she was such a sweetheart, both guys she was with in the shows were worthy of her :)
CurleyGirl1018 42 months ago
I remember her on All in the Family as a call girl
Don’t forget her voice role as Debbie on Speed Buggy.
retired2019 42 months ago
RIP in that big bakery in the sky.
Andybandit 42 months ago
How sad that she passed away. She was a good actress.
Peter_Falk_Fan 42 months ago
I was so sad to hear about her death. She was such a joy to watch on TV and in movies. RIP
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