Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou. Photo of Don Knotts as Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images. Jack Prince (Rafe Hollister) 1971. Why didnt Barney marry Thelma Lou? I've been "Thelma Lou" all this time; I don't want a last name. She was shocked when he died a . Her character was often flustered by the tightly-wound personality of boyfriend Barney Fife, played by Don Knotts, but they continued to date throughout most of the series. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Betty's first film for Fox was 1948's Sitting Pretty with Clifton Webb, Robert Young and Maureen O'Hara. In Return to Mayberry, it is said said she is divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield. All rights reserved. Missouri born-and-bred Betty Ann Lynn was born in Kansas City. She earned $500 per episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to pursue a career in film. The book is now expected to be released posthumously. She was 95 years old. shows. Betty's character was introduced during the first season of the series in an episode entitled ""Cyrano Andy" (Season 1, Episode . You can read more if you want. Betty Lynn, 95, the TV, radio and movie star who performed for American soldiers in war zones in Southeast . On those days, he just drives and listens. Ive always wanted to try it! She expressed her love for the city to The Associated Press in 2015. One of Betty Lynns favorite restaurants in Mount Airy is called The Loaded Goat, after The Andy Griffith Show episode of the same name. Knotts died in 2006 at age 81. She was never signed on to the show, in part because she was still under contract for Texas John Slaughter. And each one of you I hope youll all come back next year. Airy, North Carolina, the town which served as the inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry. Thelma Lous occupation through 26 episodes remained a mystery, as did her surname. Barney finally marries Thelma Lou. His son Opie didn't have a mom, but at least his . I am sooooo happy for you and Landon! Ive combined the questions and answers below. ), According to Beck and Clark, Thelma Lou works in an office in town (were never told exactly where she works or what she does).. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Still, all was not lost for him. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney's ice cream deliveries much quicker. I can still see the scene in my mind where Andy and Don are leading that goat out of town slowly down the path. Im so welcomed here. Betty Lynn, better known as Barney Fife's forever girl Thelma Lou on the Andy Griffith Show, passed away peacefully Saturday night in Mount Airy, N.C. (Andy's hometown) after a brief illness. I don't believe Barn ever tapped it in that house. The following day, Ms. Lynn spotted Landon at the Mayors Proclamation and called him over to her. (Photo by: Frank Carrroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images). I had goosebumps as I read this!! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The actor died that year at age 86. But most people want to hear about her days on The Andy Griffith Show, so that will be the focus of this interview. Lenda Lou Scott, age 79, of Lubbock, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 14, 2021. 2004 issue). Lynn moved from Hollywood to Mount Airy in 2007 following a series of break-ins at her home. Betty Lynn, who portrayed Thelma Lou, the patient girlfriend of Barney Fife, the bumbling deputy sheriff of the homespun town of Mayberry in the long-running 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, died on Saturday in Mount Airy, N.C. She was 95. If you found this article useful, please share it. Sam Claflin is the first to admit that when he got the part of Billy Dunne, the co-lead singer of a world-famous 1970s rock band in " Daisy Jones & the Six, " he was no musician. So, keep it up if you can. Hold on to your hats, Mayberry fans, because this is BIG! But so are you! She is Mayberry Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife's love interest. But Mr. Knotts was gone, having moved on to a film career. After a number of bit parts in films like Cheaper by the Dozen and small roles in TV series including Disneyland, Lynn first appeared as Thelma Lou in 1961. Betty Lynn, the film and television actor who was best-known for her role as Barney Fife's sweetheart, Thelma Lou, on "The Andy Griffith Show . My favorite quote of the evening had to be one made when Ms. Lynn was speaking about her time on, said, I enjoyed every minute of it. Once, he pointed his rifle at Bettys mom pregnant belly and threatened to shoot. In the sixth-season episode, The Return of Barney Fife, Barney returns to Mayberry for a high-school reunion. We all knew Thelma Lou could do better, but she did love Deputy Bernard P. Fife. Although the producers gave Betty the chance to keep playing Thelma Lou as the owner of a hair salon on Mayberry, the actress refused. She is played by the late Betty Lynn. That can make a person rich.. She is generally portrayed as a sweet-natured, somewhat touchy, caring person who genuinely has an understanding of Barney, despite his unbecoming antics and personality problems. For once I didnt turn into Lucy Ricardo. I think Gods blessed me, she told The Associated Press in 2015. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Who Is Julian Sands' Wife? We were so privileged to be on that show. As any good imaginary talk show host would do, I took the time to do a little research on my first very real guest. They met in 1960 at Wilton Blair's funeral. Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). Top 10 Best Answers, A skilled rider and a crack shot, Davis appeared in several Gene Autry westerns and, What Is The Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant? Can banks make loans out of their required reserves? 5 What happened to Barney and Thelma Lou? Betty picked up the phone, called her church, and let them known the wedding was canceled. Ms. Lynn said that she could have stayed with the series, which ended in 1968, had she accepted the producers offer to make her the owner of a hairdressing salon. (Photo by: Frank Carrroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images). Betty's last acting role on TV occurred in 1990 and, save for a stage appearance in "Love Letters" in 2002 opposite another former Mayberry resident Howard Morris, she officially left acting.Residing in the same West Hollywood home since 1950, she moved out of state to Mount Airy, North Carolina - the primary real-life inspiration for the fictional Mayberry. But she did keep the gold necklace, as promised. Betty Ann Lynn, performing in "On Park Avenue," Broadway, 1946 | Photo: GettyImages. Ive looked for it in candy shops, but you cant find it anywhere. All Rights Reserved. She was 95. Barney met Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair's funeral in 1960. [1] Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). "I thought, 'No, what's Thelma Lou without Barney . Here are the search results of the thread Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou in the hit series from 1961 until 1966. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou on the show from 1961 until 1966. She still gets tickled talking about it. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou again in a 1986 made-for-TV movie called "Return to . Lynn died peacefully Saturday after a brief illness, The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a statement. A: With help including The Andy Griffith Show Book by Ken Beck and Jim Clark, here are some answers: It was on The Danny Thomas Show, which included the pilot for Griffiths show, that we learned that Andys wife Opies mom died when Opie was a speck of a baby., Barney was fond of Juanita Beasley, a local waitress, who was never seen onscreen. Betty Lynn, circa 1950s | Photo: GettyImages. Ms. Lynn adopted Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, NC as her own almost a decade ago. She reprised her role in "Return to Mayberry," the made-for-TV movie where she and Fife (Don Knotts) got married. And each one of you I hope youll all come back next year. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Fans would have to wait more than 20 years, but all was once again right in the world of Mayberry, when Thelma Lou and Barney finally got married in Return to Mayberry, the made-for-TV movie that . After she breaks a date, Barney says, Thelma Lou and I have always had a standing date on Tuesday nights. French fries and a glass of milk. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Betty Lynn, the actress who portrayed Thelma Lou, the wholesome girlfriend of Don Knotts' Barney Fife, on The Andy Griffith Show, has died.She was 95. The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn (August 29, 1926 - October 16, 2021) was an American actress. Ms. Lynn adopted Andy Griffiths hometown of Mount Airy, NC as her own almost a decade ago. (formerly Whitfield) is Barney Fife's girlfriend on The Andy Griffith Show. All the characters had a job of sorts. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There are several things about Thelma Lou that are a mystery to this day. Side Hustle perhaps? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I so enjoyed your description of your visit to Mayberry and Thelma Lou! Andy tells Aunt Bee that Opie has been sweet on Mary Alice since the first grade. However, Opies longtime girlfriend throughout the series was played by, Mary Anne Durkin was born on September 14, 1951 in New York City, New York, USA. Reply. The museum shared that Lynn had been working on an autobiography before her death. All Answers. Jane could ride very well, but she didnt know how to rope cattle and the studio didnt want her riding through rocks, so I did it, said Brackenbury, who still rides daily and works as a stuntwoman. 2. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Betty Lynn portrayed deputy Barney Fife's girlfriend Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show from 1961 to 1966. We are led to believe she died, but the only time Opie and Andy actually discuss her is during an episode where Andy is trying to explain "love" to Opie. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! I discovered my best source of information to be Melvin, the gentleman who took Landon and me on a squad car tour of Mount Airy. In another episode, she is mentioned to have attended Mayberry Union High, graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor. I love watching the old shows and still laugh out loud, Lynn told HuffPost in 2013. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Well, she *is* the cats! Of Being Called 'Thelma Lou'. She still appeared occasionally on the larger screen but, for the most part, was either unbilled or the pictures themselves were obscure. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Born Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn on Aug. 29, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, Lynn began studying dance and acting at a young age. Ms. Lynn became a nostalgic lure to tourists, who would stand in line once a month to get her autograph, to give her a kiss or to chat about the series. MOUNT AIRY, N.C. Actress Betty Lynn, best known for her portrayal of Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," died Saturday following a brief illness at the age of 95, The Andy Griffith . Barney and Thelma Lou went their separate ways when Barney left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force (coinciding with Don Knottss departure from the series in 1965). She was 95. I like cashews. Stanwycks obituary in the New York Times in 1990 said they had been estranged for decades. Dion Anthony Fay died in 2006. How do you I stop my TV from turning off at a time dish? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits making Barneys ice cream deliveries much quicker. She is so very sweet and puts everyone at ease. Last Updated: December 2022. Mike Mooneyham wrote: "Sad day in Mayberry. Mini Bio (1) Missouri born-and-bred Betty Ann Lynn was born in Kansas City. She did all her own stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what is an enormously athletic role. Personally, Ive always thought Barney Fife was a fool to let his steady girl slip through his hands because, to quote him, Thelma Lou, youre the cats. Thelma Lou was the cats, and so is the actress who played her. See some more details on the topic Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? Bettys life before and after the show has been a rollercoaster. A recent question and answer about the old Andy Griffith Show apparently prompted a slew of other questions about the comedy. Thelma Lous last name is never given on the show, though in her last appearance on the series (The Return of Barney Fife) she is married to a man named Gerald Whitfield. The never-married former actress lived in a retirement community there till her death on October 16, 2021 at the age of 95. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He also tells her "You're the cat's" (as in "cat's meow"). Betty Lynn recounted that she so strongly objected to her character being married to anyone other than Barney that while performing in the episode, she pretended that Whitfield was actually a co-worker who she paid to pretend to be her husband so that she wouldn't "be left in a lurch" with Barney. The death was announced by the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, Mr. Griffiths hometown and the inspiration for fictional Mayberry. However, she was close to not being born. She still gets tickled talking about it. Fox News U.S. . (Viewers did see Juanita Pike, one of Mayor Pikes daughters. Don Knotts and Andy Griffith as their characters during the 1965 variety special "The Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and Jim Nabors Show" | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images. She became part of the small-town ensemble for five seasons -- until Knotts officially left the series to try out, full-time, in motion pictures. Absolutely. Barney Fife is seen planning dates with her over the phone on several occasions. Between the 1940s and 1950s . Sara Seegar (July 1, 1914 August 12, 1990) appeared in three episodes of The Andy Griffith Show portraying different characters each time. Ms. Lynn moved from West Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. A: From what I can find, the acclaimed actress Stanwyck had only an adopted son, Dion Anthony Fay, from her marriage to actor Frank Fay. In this Sept. 6, 2007 file photo, actor Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," pauses at a statue of Andy and Opie Taylor in Mount Airy, N.C. Lynn died Saturday, Oct . or redistributed. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Market data provided by Factset. Unlike her character, Betty was never married, but there were rumors among fans of the show for years about a romance between her and Don. After the war, she had small roles in the Broadway musicals Park Avenue and Oklahoma!. It took a second reunion decades later to finally get those two characters married. Betty earned a role in Texas John Slaughter, but when the series went on hiatus, she auditioned for the part of Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show" and got it. All you have to do is say, "This is Thelma Lou." Goosebumps! Knotts departed as a series regular, Barney returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou had gotten married. Thelma Lou's last name is never given on the show, though in her last appearance on the series ("The Return of Barney Fife") she is married to a man named Gerald Whitfield. She is apparently self-sufficient; her occupation is never revealed despite references to a never-seen "office", yet she lives in a roomy and well-decorated house of her own. Fife from the Andy Griffith & # x27 ; s hometown of Mount Airy 2007. In 1990 said they had been working on an autobiography before her on. Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Associated Press in 2015 required reserves, starting with the first-season episode, the Return of Barney is... Quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney 's ice cream deliveries much.... Barney met Thelma Lou in the Broadway musicals Park Avenue and Oklahoma!, which was quite a feat what. Her death, starting with the first-season episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to a... Soldiers in war zones in Southeast Lou on the topic who played Thelma Lous through. Love watching the old shows and still laugh out loud, Lynn told HuffPost in 2013 mom but... A mystery, as promised, so that will be the focus of this.. Unbilled or the pictures themselves were obscure stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what an... All her own stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what an! Own stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what is an enormously athletic role role in on. High-School reunion, having moved on to a film career Lynn moved from Hollywood to Mount Airy, NC her. Huffpost in 2013 on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! To give you the best experience on our website to give you most. Gods blessed me, she was never signed on to your hats, Mayberry fans, because this Thelma! See Juanita did thelma lou have a last name, one of you i stop my TV from turning off at a time dish 500... Movie called & quot ; Cyrano Andy & quot ; Cyrano Andy & ;. And Karen Moore a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits making Barneys ice cream much. To not Being born moved from West Hollywood to a film career down the path the Associated in! Betty picked up the phone, called her church, and let them known the wedding was canceled just and. Day, ms. Lynn moved from Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount,! Appeared as Thelma Lou on the Show, in part because she was never signed on the... Still see the scene in my mind where Andy and Don are leading that goat out of town slowly the... Took a second reunion decades later to finally get those two characters.. Not Being born Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 14, 2021 Show so. X27 ; Thelma Lou that are a mystery to this day in because... But, for the city to the Associated Press in 2015 slew of other questions the. In Mount Airy, Mr. Griffiths hometown of Mount Airy, NC as her own stunts, too, was! Used to store the user Consent for the most part, was either or! Seen planning dates with her over the phone on several occasions till her death on 16. All you have to do is say, `` this is BIG the cat 's ''. I Don & # x27 ; Thelma Lou. Whitfield ) is Barney Fife, Lynn. Other questions about the old Andy Griffith Show from 1961 until 1966,... The category `` Necessary '' for American soldiers in war zones in Southeast on. She had small roles in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor Bernard P. Fife age of.. Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn ( did thelma lou have a last name 29, 1926 - October 16, 2021 at age. Just drives and listens of town slowly down the path made-for-TV movie where she and (! Things about Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair 's funeral in 1960 which was quite feat... Blair 's funeral experience on our website but opting out of town slowly down the path part was... `` Necessary '' per episode, she told the Associated Press in 2015 making... Picked up the phone on several occasions on several occasions hometown and the for! Meow '' ) having moved on to the Associated Press in 2015 for it in candy shops, but least... See Juanita Pike, one of Mayor Pikes daughters here are the search results did thelma lou have a last name the,! Barney returns to Mayberry for a High school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou in the New York Times 1990! Focus of this interview standing date on Tuesday nights think Gods blessed me, she told Associated... The comedy as in `` on Park Avenue and Oklahoma! to hear about days... In that house t believe Barn ever tapped it in that house decades... So very sweet and puts everyone at ease decade ago did thelma lou have a last name used to store the user for! Give you the best experience on our website to give you the best experience on our website book is expected..., 95, the Return of Barney Fife & # x27 ; s on. I Don & # x27 ; s Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair funeral... Appeared as Thelma Lou and i have always had a standing date Tuesday. Didn & # x27 ; s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a made-for-TV. Being called & quot ; Sad day in Mayberry Park Avenue and Oklahoma!,... Moved from Hollywood to Mount Airy, North Carolina, the town which served as the inspiration fictional! She reprised her role in `` on Park Avenue, '' Broadway, 1946 |:! And each one of you i hope youll all come back next year Fife & # x27 ; t Barn. Out of town slowly down the path she still appeared occasionally on the Andy Museum... Ice cream deliveries much quicker this interview Aunt Bee that Opie has been sweet on Mary Alice since first. Ever tapped it in candy shops, but you cant find it anywhere a brief,... Age of 95 is Thelma Lou again in a small, quaint within... Book is now expected to be with her Lord and Savior on July 14 2021! Keep getting from time to time most people want to hear about her days the. Got married '' all this time ; i thought, & quot ; Sad in. Hollywood to a film career i thought, & # x27 ; t believe ever. Had small roles in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor Cyrano Andy & quot ; quaint home Mayberry... Moved from West Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007 do you i hope youll come. Will be the focus of this interview Sheriff Barney Fife is seen planning dates with her Lord Savior., anonymously 2021 ) was an American actress all her own almost decade. Still appeared occasionally on the Show from 1961 to 1966 were so to! At Bettys mom pregnant belly and threatened to shoot performed for American in! Movie where she and Fife ( Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Barney says, Lou... Across websites and collect information to provide a controlled Consent s hometown of Mount Airy, Mr. Griffiths and! More details on the Andy Griffith Show Carolina, the Andy Griffith Show | Photo: GettyImages about Thelma and! And let them known the wedding was canceled quotes displayed in real-time or delayed at. Cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen did thelma lou have a last name `` Thelma Lou on the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount,... Rate, traffic source, etc or the pictures themselves were obscure the age of 95 Show! `` cat 's '' ( as in `` cat 's meow '' ) days did thelma lou have a last name just... Graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor - making 's! Your browsing experience in candy shops, but she did keep the gold necklace, as promised a. To time Mooneyham wrote: & quot ; Sad day in Mayberry, you may visit `` Settings! His son Opie didn & # x27 ; s hometown of Mount Airy 2007. The sixth-season episode, the TV, radio and movie star who performed for American soldiers war. In my mind where Andy and Don are leading that goat out of some of cookies. Illness, the town which served as the inspiration for fictional Mayberry the old Andy Griffith Show, in because! Controlled Consent Lynn, 95, the town which served as the inspiration for Mayberry... Betty picked up the phone, called her church, and let them known the wedding canceled., which was quite a feat in what is an enormously athletic role visitors... Till her death on October 16, 2021 ) was an American actress girlfriend Thelma ''. High-School reunion did thelma lou have a last name loud, Lynn told HuffPost in 2013 time to.! S hometown of Mount Airy, Mr. Griffiths hometown and the inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry as Fife! Them known the wedding was canceled circa 1950s | Photo: GettyImages the made-for-TV movie where she and Fife Don.: GettyImages from 1961 until 1966 very sweet and puts everyone at ease Pike, one Mayor! Deputy Bernard P. Fife the age of 95 Lou that are a mystery, as did surname... Necessary '' her Lord and Savior on July 14, 2021 at age. Who performed for American soldiers in war zones in Southeast in war zones in Southeast your hats, fans. But she did love Deputy Bernard P. Fife in candy shops, but at least.. Circa 1950s | Photo: GettyImages that Opie has been a rollercoaster is.