The Andy Griffith Show followed the adventures of Sheriff Andy Taylor, who spends more time wrangling his son Opie and keeping track of his Aunt Bee than he does solving crime. The cozy comedy quickly won a loyal audience, running from 1960 to 1968 for eight seasons.
Everyone remembers the first time they stepped foot in Mayberry, North Carolina, but do you know what the cast got up to after Andy had his last adventure? Read on to find out.
© Getty ImagesAndy Griffith starred as Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry
Andy Griffith
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.
© Getty Images,Variety via Getty ImagesRon Howard is a renowned actor and director
Ron Howard
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.
© Bettmann Archive via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesDon Knotts worked as Andy's deputy on 'The Andy Griffith Show'
Don Knotts
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.
© CBS via Getty ImagesFrances played the role of doting Aunt Bee who takes in Andy and his son Opie
Frances Bavier
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.
© CBS via Getty ImagesBetty Lynn retired to Mayberry's real-life inspiration, Mount Airy in North Carolina
Betty Lynn
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.
© CBS via Getty Images,Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesGeorge Lindsey replaced Jim Nabors' Gomer as his invented cousin Goober
George Lindsey
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.
