Columbus, OH

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

Herbie J Pilato

It's been three years since beloved actress Betty Lynn passed away at 95 years old in 2021. As Thelma Lou on TV's 1960s classic sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-68), actress Lynn was the ideal girl next door. As girlfriend to series star Don Knotts, who played Deputy Barney Fife to Griffith's lead Sheriff Andy Taylor, Lynn made Barney's heart flutter, and maybe a few home viewers too.

In Memory of 'Andy Griffith Show' Actress Betty Lynn ('Thelma Lou'): 3 Years After Her Demise

Actor Jim Nabors was so popular with his portrayal of Gomer Pyle on TV's classic country sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-68), that he was spun off into his own series, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. (CBS, 1964-69). But when Nabors left the Griffith series, the void was filled by George Lindsay playing Goober Pyle, Gomer's cousin.

When Jim Nabors' Gomer was replaced by George Lindsay's Goober on TV's 'The Andy Griffith Show'

One of the most beloved Hollywood stars in the history of television, in particular, was actress Frances Bavier, who died in 1989 at age 85. The likable actress became best known for her compassionate and nurturing role as Aunt Bee on The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-1968).

Beloved 'Andy Griffith Show' Actress Frances Bavier ("Aunt Bee"): A Look Back at Her Life and Career

In 1955, on the stage of Broadway’s Alvin Theater, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts first bonded as they co-starred in the stage production of “No Times for Sergeants,” cementing a friendship that continued when they were both asked to reprise their stage roles in the 1958 Mervyn LeRoy film. Years later, when Knotts happened to learn about a TV project starring Griffith as a small town sheriff, he called up his old friend and asked “Don’t you think Sheriff Andy Taylor ought to have a deputy?” Griffith loved the idea, and television history was made.

Don Knotts 100th birthday: 12 best movies and TV shows, ranked

Looper

"Gilligan's Island" captivated TV audiences in the 1960s, earning it the status of a TV classic. Here is the only main cast member still alive today.

The Only Main Actor Still Alive From Gilligan's Island

Blanco, TX

Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

South Carolina State

Fayetteville, NC

Actress Elizabeth MacRae died on May 27, 2024, in Fayetteville, North Carolina at 88 years old. She played Jim Nabors' on-screen main squeeze in the 1960s TV sitcom, Gomer Pyle, USMC, and, in the process, became the secret crush for countless viewers.

The Tragic Death of 'Gomer Pyle's' Southern Belle TV Girlfriend Elizabeth MacRae ('Lou-Ann Poovie')

DoYouRemember?

Barbara Eden reminisced pastimes working with Larry Hagman and the late King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley, detailing how well they got along during a recent chat with TV greats. With her I Dream Of Jeannie co-star, Larry, she already felt a spark between them from the moment he walked into the studio.

Barbara Eden Recalls Working With Elvis Presley And Larry Hagman, Claims They Had Chemistry

Richard Thomas became world famous in the 1970s with The Waltons. The celebrated "John Boy" actor is barely recognizable today. The protagonist of the show is "John Boy Walton", played by Richard Thomas, who records all the daily events surrounding his family in his diary. He won the 1973 Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor and was nominated for a Golden Globe, among other things thanks to his performances on the show!

'The Waltons': What "John Boy" Star Richard Thomas Looks Like Now

He was the beloved voice of Mr. Magoo behind the screen and the delightfully arrogant Thurston Howell III on TV's Gilligan's Island. But in real life, he was the prolific actor Jim Backus, who died of pneumonia in 1989. This is his story.

The Tragic Death of 'Mr. Magoo' and 'Gilligan's Island' Actor Jim Backus

Actor Buddy Ebsen, who died at age 95 in 2003, found fame by starring in two of the most popular classic television shows in history: The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962 to 1971) and Barnaby Jones (CBS, 1973 to 1980). On the Hillbillies, he played former Tennessee country mountain-folk-turned-wealthy Beverly Hills resident Jed Clampett. On Barnaby Jones, he was one of TV's most senior, slyest, health-conscious detectives. Ebsen, however, almost became even more famous for a certain big-screen classic film in which he ultimately did not appear.

'Beverly Hillbillies" Actor Buddy Ebsen Was "Bitter" about not playing the Tin Man in 'Wizard of Oz'

Television history just lost a treasure. Bob Newhart, one of the most beloved actors of our time, sadly left us at 94. He painted smiles on many faces with his roles in shows like The Big Bang Theory and Elf. Tributes from across the planet show just how much joy he brought to people’s lives.

Saying Goodbye to TV Star Bob Newhart

Micheal Knight

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software. Speaking very openly about this, Eddie Murphy once shared that in the 1980s there was a moment when he managed to stay away from drugs. This happened at the Blues Bar where Murphy at the time was a 19-year-old man accompanying famous comedians Robin Williams and John Belushi. At this time, Murphy made a decision that would not only change his life and career, but also that of the other two stars; the two stars sniffed cocaine.

Along with Robin Williams and John Belushi, Eddie Murphy Refused to Do Cocaine.

Wide Open Country

Mindy Cohn, who starred in the popular sitcom The Facts of Life (it aired from 1979-1988) is alleging that one of her former co-stars is responsible for the demise of a deal that might have brought a reboot of Facts back to our TV screens. When we reflect on the...

‘Facts of Life’ Icon Mindy Cohn Blasts Co-Star for Ruining Revival of Classic Sitcom

FanSided

NCIS: Origins is heading into uncharted territory. Sure, NCIS has rolled out multiple spinoffs, but Origins will mark the first time the franchise attempts a prequel series. It's also going to roll the dice on depicting the most recognizable character in series history: Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Origins is going to...

NCIS' Mark Harmon thinks Austin Stowell is the perfect young Gibbs (and here's why)

If you're a social person, chances are that you've thrown quite a party or two, and if you've thrown a party, you know that every social engagement runs the risk of the ultimate faux pas: a party guest that overstays their welcome. It can be quite an annoyance at times,...

Andy Griffith only met Jim Nabors because he was the last to leave from one of his parties

Virginia State

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Cheryl E Preston

Bryshere Gray's name has been added to a growing list. Some Virginians have been keeping up with the ever-increasing tales of celebrities and their alleged connections to the saga of Sean Diddy Combs. There are now rumors that Empire actor Bryshere Gray is suing Diddy and Will Smith.

Empire actor Bryshere Gray is allegedly suing Will Smith and Sean Combs

“Blue Bayou,” originally written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, first gained fame through Orbison’s rendition in 1963, becoming a global hit. Later, Linda Ronstadt popularized it with her cover in 1977, achieving a Top 5 hit and making it her signature song. Guesting at The Muppets Show, Ronstadt sang this famous track, surrounded and watched by cute frogs and some Muppets characters on a creative woodland scene. And we’ve guessed they really enjoyed Linda’s sweet serenade.

Watch The Time Linda Ronstadt Sang ‘Blue Bayou’ In The Muppets Show

Sharing an NCIS: Origins reveal on Instagram, star Austin Stowell officially gave fans a glimpse of his Leroy Jethro Gibbs - and the fans are loving it.

NCIS Origins Revealed Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs & Fans Are Already Reacting

Chicago, IL

Nowadays, you'd be hard-pressed to find a broadcast legend with more years under his belt than Svengoolie. For nearly half a century, Sven has been delighting his audience with a very specific brand of horror-tainted comedy. With his patented puns and rampant use of rubber chicken, Svengoolie has firmly cemented a place in the pantheon of television presenters.

Retro interview: Svengoolie in 1983

NewsBreak

Andy Griffith rejected Don Knotts' proposal to be a permanent team

Creative counterparts elevate some of the greatest performers of all time. Sure, plenty of truly incredible solo acts strike out on their own to great success....

Andy Griffith rejected Don Knotts' proposal to be a permanent team

Comments / 0