As we watch television classics, there are many character actors that have made their marks and found niches that have allowed them to keep in front of the American public for years and years.
One of those actors was introduced to the American television family in the 1960s.
As we watch television classics, there are many character actors that have made their marks and found niches that have allowed them to keep in front of the American public for years and years.
One of those actors was introduced to the American television family in the 1960s.
Initially, like so many actors – George Lindsey rode onto the screen playing a bad sort opposite the heroes of the little screen westerns on shows like “Gunsmoke” with James Arness, Ken Curtis and the rest of the gang. He returned to that series in six seasons playing various roles. I remember watching him as a colorful mountain trapper with a mean streak a mile long on that show.
He also appeared on “The Rifleman” with Chuck Connors.
He came to the big screen in the film “Ensign Pulver” as “Lindstrom” in the film starring Burl Ives, Walter Matthau and Robert Walker, Jr. My friend Larry Hagman was also part of that cast.
When reviewing the Alabamian’s career, it seems it took off about 1964. Of course, that is the year that he took on the role that would make him a household name – as “Goober Pyle” on “The Andy Griffith Show”
That role endeared him to tens of millions of Americans and fans around the world.
He portrayed it there through the end of “Mayberry R.F.D.” in 1971, and also made an appearance on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” After the networks cut down and show with a tree in it in the early 1970s, George took “Goober” to the rows of Kornfield County as part of the cast “Hee Haw” where he remained for more than twenty years. He even did a show in the late 1970s called “Goober and the Trucker’s Paradise.”
Despite the fact that America knew him as “Goober,” George continued special appearances on numerous shows appearing in a variety of roles from “Love, American Style,” “Fantasy Island,” “ChiPS,” Claude Akins’ “Movin’ On’” and Alan Alda’s “M*A*S*H.”
His role as “Captain Roy Dupree” on “M*A*S*H” still stands out in my memory. His depiction was larger than life and he stood out among that mega cast of characters.
He added his voice to many animated characters beginning with his work in “Aristocats” in 1970 to “Starszinger” series most recently in 2011.
I had only one opportunity to see George in passing in my TV and country music career, but his talents have entertained me throughout my lifetime. I know that he has given tirelessly to help others with the notoriety his career garnered.
He has given us so much comfort and healing of our hearts by lifting our spirits, our hopes and even our desires to do more for our fellow man. I know he would want me to tell you “Goober says ‘hey’” and I am sure glad that he did.
In the early part of my music career in Nashville, one of the biggest stars of the industry was at the top of his career – Kenny Rogers. Now after 54 years in the business, he continues to thrill audiences and record some wonderful music.
Kenny has just combined forces with Warner Bros. Records to continue his career with the label that holds much of his catalog.
As we watch television classics, there are many character actors that have made their marks and found niches that have allowed them to keep in front of the American public for years and years.
One of those actors was introduced to the American television family in the 1960s.
