The ‘Andy Griffith Show’ Actor Who Also Directed Many of Its Episodes
“The Andy Griffith Show” remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. Its wholesome humor, small-town charm, and unforgettable characters kept audiences entertained for years. But did you know that one of its actors played a major role behind the camera as well? That’s right—one of Mayberry’s finest not only acted in the show but also directed a significant number of episodes.
So, who was this multi-talented individual? Let’s dive into the fascinating story of the actor-turned-director who left an unforgettable mark on the show.
Who Was the Actor Who Directed ‘The Andy Griffith Show’?
While Andy Griffith was undoubtedly the heart of the show, the man who pulled double duty as both an actor and director was Ron Howard. That’s right—Opie Taylor himself stepped behind the camera to direct several episodes, proving that his talents extended far beyond acting.
But Howard wasn’t the only one. Another key figure who took on directing duties was Howard Morris, the man behind the hilarious and eccentric character Ernest T. Bass.
Both played significant roles in shaping the show, but their directorial contributions are often overlooked.
Ron Howard’s Directing Legacy Began in Mayberry
Before Ron Howard became one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers, he was just a child actor playing Opie Taylor. His time on “The Andy Griffith Show” exposed him to the magic of storytelling, igniting his passion for directing.
How Many Episodes Did Ron Howard Direct?
While Howard didn’t direct any episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” during its original run, his experience on set shaped his future in film. He later credited Andy Griffith and the show’s crew for teaching him invaluable lessons about directing.
His directing career officially took off with projects like “Grand Theft Auto” (1977), and he went on to direct major Hollywood blockbusters, including:
- Apollo 13 (1995)
- A Beautiful Mind (2001) – which won the Academy Award for Best Director
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Howard’s early exposure to television production in Mayberry undoubtedly played a role in his success behind the camera.
Howard Morris: The Actor-Director Who Shaped Mayberry
While Ron Howard became a legendary director after his acting days, Howard Morris was the true unsung hero of “The Andy Griffith Show” when it came to directing.
Who Was Howard Morris?
Morris played Ernest T. Bass, the wild and unpredictable troublemaker who often pestered Andy and Barney. His comedic energy made him one of the most memorable guest stars on the show.
But beyond his on-screen antics, Morris was a skilled director.
How Many Episodes Did Howard Morris Direct?
Morris directed a total of 8 episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show,” including some of the show’s most beloved installments. His unique comedic touch brought a fresh perspective to the series.
Notable Episodes Directed by Howard Morris
Here are some of the standout episodes directed by Morris:
- “The Big House” (Season 3, Episode 32) – Barney and Gomer struggle to keep prisoners locked up.
- “Barney’s First Car” (Season 3, Episode 27) – Barney makes a regrettable car purchase.
- “Andy and Helen Have Their Day” (Season 5, Episode 24) – Andy and Helen try to spend some quiet time together, but Mayberry has other plans.
His experience as a comedic actor helped him understand timing, pacing, and how to bring out the best performances from the cast.
Why Did Actors Transition to Directing?
It was common for actors on long-running TV shows to step behind the camera. Many stars took on directing roles as a way to expand their careers and gain experience in filmmaking.
The Benefits of Actor-Directors
- Understanding of Character Development – Since they played key roles in the show, they knew the characters inside and out.
- Seamless Direction – They could communicate better with their fellow actors.
- Career Growth – Directing gave them opportunities beyond their acting careers.
For Howard Morris, directing episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” helped him transition into a long and successful directing career.
Other ‘Andy Griffith Show’ Cast Members Who Directed
Howard Morris wasn’t the only cast member who tried his hand at directing. Other stars who directed episodes included:
- Richard Crenna – Best known for “The Real McCoys,” he directed one episode.
- Alan Rafkin – Though not a cast member, Rafkin directed over 30 episodes of the show.
The Lasting Impact of Actor-Directors on Television
The tradition of actors directing episodes continues to this day. Many stars of classic and modern TV series, including:
- Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”)
- David Schwimmer (“Friends”)
- Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”)
All followed a similar path, transitioning from acting to directing.
“The Andy Griffith Show” played a crucial role in proving that actors could successfully direct episodes, leaving behind a legacy that continues in the industry.
Conclusion
While Andy Griffith was the face of Mayberry, actors like Howard Morris and Ron Howard had a significant impact on the series, both in front of and behind the camera. Morris, best known as Ernest T. Bass, directed some of the show’s most memorable episodes, while Ron Howard’s early experiences on set shaped him into an Oscar-winning director.
Their contributions helped make “The Andy Griffith Show” the timeless classic that it remains today.
FAQs
1. Did Andy Griffith ever direct an episode of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’?
No, Andy Griffith never directed any episodes of the show. However, he was deeply involved in shaping its storytelling and production.
2. What was Howard Morris’ most famous episode as a director?
One of his most popular episodes was “The Big House,” a hilarious installment featuring Barney and Gomer struggling with jail security.
3. How did Ron Howard’s time on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ influence his directing career?
Being on set from a young age exposed Ron Howard to storytelling techniques, which later helped him become a successful Hollywood director.
4. How many episodes did Howard Morris direct?
Howard Morris directed 8 episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show,” in addition to his role as Ernest T. Bass.
5. What other shows did Howard Morris direct?
After “The Andy Griffith Show,” Morris went on to direct episodes of “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and worked extensively in voice acting and animation.
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