George Lindsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Lindsey
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Lindsey in 1973
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| Born | December 17, 1928 Fairfield, Alabama, U.S.
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| Died | May 6, 2012 (aged 83) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Alabama |
| Education | Walker County High School (Jasper, Alabama) |
| Alma mater | University of North Alabama American Theatre Wing |
| Occupation | Actor, stand-up comedian |
| Years active | 1956–2006 |
| Comedy career | |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, books |
| Genres | Insult comedy, observational comedy, musical comedy, improvisational comedy |
| Subject(s) | American culture, self-deprecation, everyday life, religion, current events |
George Smith Lindsey (born December 17, 1928 – died May 6, 2012) was an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the character Goober Pyle on popular TV shows like The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry R.F.D., and Hee-Haw.
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George Lindsey's Early Life and Acting Journey
George Lindsey was born in Fairfield, Alabama. He grew up in Jasper with his grandparents. After finishing high school in 1946, he went to college at the University of North Alabama. There, he studied physical education and biology. He was also a quarterback on the football team and enjoyed acting in college plays. He earned his degree in 1952.
After college, George joined the United States Air Force. Later, he taught at a high school for a year. In 1956, he was accepted into the American Theater Wing in New York City, which helped him learn more about acting. He even appeared on a TV quiz show called To Tell the Truth in 1960. After performing in two Broadway plays, he moved to Los Angeles in 1962. Before becoming famous as Goober, he had roles in many TV series. These included Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.
Becoming Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show
In 1964, George Lindsey got the role that made him famous: Goober Beasley on The Andy Griffith Show. His character was later renamed Goober Pyle. This was to connect him to his cousin, Gomer Pyle, who was played by Jim Nabors. Goober was known for being a bit slow-witted but very kind. He often made people laugh with his funny "Goober Dance" and his silly impression of actor Cary Grant.
While playing Goober, Lindsey also appeared in other shows and movies. He was in the film Ensign Pulver in 1964. He also had roles in six episodes of the TV series Gunsmoke.
Almost Playing Spock in Star Trek
Did you know George Lindsey was considered for a very famous role? Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in Star Trek, once said that the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, first wanted George Lindsey for the part. Lindsey's close friend, Ernest Borgnine, even wrote in his book that Lindsey turned down the role of Mr. Spock. This role later made Leonard Nimoy very famous!
Continuing as Goober on Mayberry R.F.D. and Hee Haw
After The Andy Griffith Show ended, the TV network CBS created a new show called Mayberry R.F.D.. George Lindsey continued to play Goober Pyle on this show until it was canceled in 1971.
In 1972, Lindsey brought Goober back for the third time on the popular country music variety show Hee Haw. On Hee Haw, Goober was a bit more countrified and a little smarter. George Lindsey played Goober on Hee Haw for many years, from 1972 to 1992.
George Lindsey also lent his voice to several Disney animated movies. He was the voice of Lafayette the dog in The Aristocats (1970). He also voiced Trigger the Vulture in Robin Hood (1973) and Deadeye the Rabbit in The Rescuers (1977). In 1978, he guest-starred on the TV show M*A*S*H as a surgeon named Roy Dupree.
Final Years and Passing
George Lindsey passed away on May 6, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 83. He is buried in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama.
Selected Film and TV Roles
- The Twilight Zone TV Series – Deputy Pierce (1964)
- The Andy Griffith Show CBS TV Series – Goober Pyle (1964–1968)
- Ensign Pulver – Lindstrom (1964)
- Gunsmoke – Various roles (1963–1972)
- Mayberry R.F.D. TV Series – Goober (1968–1971)
- The Aristocats – Lafayette (voice) (1970)
- Snowball Express – Double L. Dingman (1972)
- Charley and the Angel – Pete, Handyman (1973)
- Robin Hood – Trigger, the Vulture (voice) (1973)
- The Rescuers – Deadeye, The Rabbit (voice) (1977)
- M*A*S*H (TV series) – Captain Roy Dupree (1978)
- Take This Job and Shove It – Man at Gas Station (1981)
- Cannonball Run II – Uncle Cal (1984)
- Return to Mayberry – Goober Pyle (1986)
- NewsRadio – Himself (1997)
- When I Find the Ocean – Ed Barker (2006)
Autobiography
- Goober in a Nutshell by George Lindsey, Ken Beck, and Jim Clark (1995)
See also
In Spanish: George Lindsey para niños
