George Lindsey will forever be remembered as the lovable Goober Pyle from The Andy Griffith Show, the dim but good-natured mechanic whose signature grin and corny impressions made him a standout in Mayberry. But behind that trademark Goober hat was a complex and passionate man who was not only an actor and comedian but an athlete, teacher and philanthropist too. Lindsey was born on December 17, 1928, in Jasper, Alabama, and died on May 6, 2012, at the age of 83 from heart failure. Whether you knew him from Hee Haw or heard him speak at a Special Olympics fundraiser, here are six things you may not know about him:
1. He almost played Spock instead of Goober
It’s hard to picture anyone but Leonard Nimoy playing the famously logical Mr. Spock on Star Trek, but according to Nimoy himself, creator Gene Roddenberry originally had Lindsey in mind to play the role. It may sound like an unlikely casting choice, but Lindsey was offered the role and turned it down shares IMDb. Just a few years later, he landed the role of Goober Pyle and changed TV history in a very different way.
2. He was a college football star with a degree in biology
Before TV, Lindsey was quarterbacking at Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama), where he studied physical education and biology. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in bioscience and briefly worked as a high school science teacher before turning to acting. Decades later, Lindsey was inducted into the University of North Alabama Athletic Hall of Fame. He also helped launch the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in 1998 and stayed involved until his passing in 2012.
3. He was almost cast as Gomer Pyle
Lindsey might have been Mayberry’s Goober, but he originally auditioned for Gomer, the role that made Jim Nabors a star. While Nabors ultimately got the part, producers were so impressed with Lindsey’s audition that they created a new character just for him. So, he became Goober, Gomer’s cousin and first appeared in 1964. He quickly became a fan favorite. The character went on to appear not only in The Andy Griffith Show, but also in Mayberry R.F.D., Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Hee Haw, The New Andy Griffith Show, and several reunion specials. In the end, Goober actually appeared in more episodes than Gomer.
4. He had a close friendship with Ernest Borgnine
Lindsey struck up an unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship with Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine. The two remained close for the last 20 years of Lindsey’s life. Borgnine once said Lindsey helped him through a serious battle with depression and credited their friendship with saving his life. Borgnine passed away just two months after Lindsey in 2012.
5. He was deeply committed to the Special Olympics
Lindsey’s heart was as big as his smile. He devoted decades of his life to supporting the Alabama Special Olympics by organizing events, raising money and advocating for children with special needs. His dedication earned him a place in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, not for athletics, but for his impact as a youth benefactor.
6. He had a famously fiery clash with Aunt Bee
Life on the Mayberry set wasn’t always as sweet as it looked on screen. According to cast and crew, Lindsey and Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee, had their share of off-camera tension. One argument became so intense that Bavier reportedly hit Lindsey with her umbrella and had to be restrained. Despite their clashes, Lindsey often praised Bavier’s talent and professionalism.
