Here's how Mayberry and Andy Griffith shaped George Lindsey
Goober Pyle made quite an impact on many viewers during his time in the small town of Mayberry. We first met Goober in 1964 on The Andy Griffith Show. He was a small-town boy—simple and steady—who worked as a mechanic and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Many of us know a Goober or two—someone with a similar personality or small-town charm. But for actor George Lindsey, his character was one of the best parts of him.
According to a 1968 interview with The Akron Beacon Journal, Lindsey said he was worried he’d never see Mayberry or his character again after The Andy Griffith Show ended in 1968. Luckily, the spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. helped him make his way back to Mayberry.
"I've loved every minute of the four years as Goober, and can't wait to get back to work next month," Lindsey said. "I just play the fire out of that role. When I'm not working, I go down to the set anyway. It's that kind of place."
Mayberry was home to Goober and like a second home to Lindsey. Most actors would have grown tired of a role like Goober by then—it was simple and led to significant typecasting. However, Lindsey never saw it that way.
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"I was not doing so hot as George Lindsey, I'll tell you that," Lindsey said.
Before Mayberry, he didn’t have much luck as an actor—nothing close to the popularity and success he gained after portraying everyone’s favorite country boy. After a series of teaching, coaching, small acting gigs, and guest spots, Lindsey finally ended up in California following a tour with an auto show.
Sheldon Leonard cast him in a pilot film for TV called My 15 Blocks. It was never made, but Leonard kept Lindsey in mind and eventually auditioned him for the role of Goober on The Andy Griffith Show.
With the help of Leonard and his good friend Griffith, Lindsey finally had people start to take notice of his talents.
"Andy Griffith turned out to be the greatest teacher I've ever had," Lindsey said. "He kept tellin' me to play myself, to let it happen to me, instead of trying to be funny."
He said he’d miss Griffith like family. He had learned a lot from him during his time as an actor, especially in Mayberry. Without that, he wouldn’t have gotten the role in Mayberry R.F.D.
His role in Mayberry also led him to a closer connection with his hometown of Jasper. He said Mayberry was similar, so it was easy to ease into. Back in Jasper, the townspeople held several "Goober Day" celebrations because he had become quite the hometown hero.
Lindsey was aware he was in a very fortunate situation—and even luckier that his character was so similar to his own personality. He added, “All this could stop tomorrow,” so he treated each day in Mayberry like it was his last.