What happened to the cast of The Andy Griffith Show – 66 years after its premiere

Andy Griffith starred as Sheriff Andy Taylor on his self-titled show, managing the goings on of sleepy Mayberry town. Crime rates might be low, but he’s kept busy by his son, aunt, and cousin, all combining into the perfect sitcom.

After the show wrapped up, Andy worked on spin-offs like Mayberry R.F.D., Gomer Pyle – USMC, and went on to star in Matlock. The singer, comedian, and actor passed away in 2012, leaving behind his third wife, Cindi Knight, and his two children.

Actor and director Ron Howard started out as the adorable Opie Taylor, giving his father Andy plenty of trouble and setting himself up for a successful showbiz career.

Ron took home two Oscar wins in 2002 for Best Picture and Best Director for his work on biographical drama A Beautiful Mind. His daughter Bryce Dallas Howard is continuing his legacy in entertainment with roles in Spider-Man 3, Twilight and Jurassic World. 

A sheriff is nothing without his deputy; fortunately, Don Knotts was at the ready as Andy’s on-screen backup. Don is still best known as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, a role that won him five Emmy Awards. 

He returned to the franchise with Return to Mayberry, starred in the sitcom Three’s Company, and joined everyone’s favorite characterful car in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. Don sadly passed in 2006, survived by his third wife, Frances Yarborough, and his two children.

Frances Bavier’s Aunt Bee doted on her nephew Andy and his son Opie, earning an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Comedy Actress in 1967.

The actress moved across to Mayberry R.F.D. when The Andy Griffith Show came to an end. A few years’ stint on the spin-off was followed by her last role, a small casting in the family film Benji. The beloved ’50s film and theatre star passed in 1989.

Thelma Lou, played by Betty Lynn, was the patient and sweet-natured sweetheart of Mayberry Deputy Barney Fife. Betty reprised the role in Return to Mayberry, delighting fans as the pair finally tied the knot.

She followed the made-for-TV movie with four episodes of Matlock and a guest appearance in Shade of LA, before retiring to Mayberry’s real-world inspiration Mount Airy. She remained there until her death in 2021.

George Lindsey’s Goober Pyle took over as cousin to Jim Nabors’ Gomer Pyle and resident mechanic at the “fillin’ station.” Away from Mayberry, he’s best remembered for voice acting roles in The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and The Rescuers.

The actor passed away in 2012, survived by two children: George Lindsey, Jr and Camden Lindsey.