Mayberry is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, p ...

television sitcoms, ''

The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American sitcom television series that was aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. The series ...

'' (1960–1968) and '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' (1968–1971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reunion

television film A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie, telefilm, telemovie or TV film/movie, is a film with a running time similar to a feature film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a Terrestr ...

titled ''

Return to Mayberry ''Return to Mayberry'' is a 1986 American made-for-television romantic comedy film based on the 1960s sitcoms ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and '' Mayberry R.F.D.''. The film premiered on April 13, 1986, on NBC, and was the highest- rated televis ...

''. The town is also frequently mentioned in the spin-off program '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'', and is seen when Pyle returns to visit his home town. Mayberry is said to be based on

Andy Griffith Andy Samuel Griffith (June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012) was an American actor, comedian, television producer, singer, and writer whose career spanned seven decades in music and television. Known for his Southern drawl, his characters with a folksy ...

's hometown of

Mount Airy, North Carolina Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 10,676. As of 2020, the city is the most populous municipality in Surry County. Mount Airy is located within t ...

. Mount Airy is also known as Mayberry and called by both names by its residents.

The name "Mayberry"

According to show episodes, the community of Mayberry was named for fictional founder John Mayberry. In the 1964 episode “The Pageant,” Mayberry celebrates its centennial, implying its founding was in 1864. Purportedly,

himself chose the name of the fictional community. Griffith, however, told

Larry King Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger; November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021) was an American TV and radio host presenter, author, and former spokesman. He was a WMBM radio interviewer in the Miami area in the 1950s and 1960s and beginning in ...

in 2003 that Artie Stander is the person who thought of the name Mayberry; Stander was one of the show's creators and writers. "Mayberry" is mentioned many times in television shows such as ''

Cheers ''Cheers'' is an American television sitcom, created by Glen and Les Charles, Glen Charles & Les Charles and James Burrows, that aired on NBC for eleven seasons from September 30, 1982, to May 20, 1993. The show was produced by Charles/Burrows/C ...

House A house is a single-unit residential building. It may range in complexity from a rudimentary hut to a complex structure of wood, masonry, concrete or other material, outfitted with plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and air c ...

Criminal Minds ''Criminal Minds'' is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Jeff Davis that premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005. It follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral ...

Supernatural Supernatural phenomena or entities are those beyond the Scientific law, laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin 'above, beyond, outside of' + 'nature'. Although the corollary term "nature" has had multiple meanin ...

How I Met Your Mother ''How I Met Your Mother'' (often abbreviated as ''HIMYM'') is an American sitcom created by Craig Thomas (screenwriter), Craig Thomas and Carter Bays for CBS. The series, which aired from September 19, 2005, to March 31, 2014, follows main char ...

FROM From may refer to: People *Isak From (born 1967), Swedish politician *Martin Severin From (1825–1895), Danish chess master * Sigfred From (1925–1998), Danish chess master Media * ''From'' (TV series), a sci-fi-horror series that debuted ...

'', ''

Buffy the Vampire Slayer ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' is an American supernatural fiction, supernatural drama television series created by writer and director Joss Whedon. The concept is based on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film), 1992 film, also written by Whedon, a ...

'', and ''

Scrubs Scrub(s) may refer to: * Scrub, low shrub and grass characteristic of scrubland * Scrubs (clothing), worn by medical staff * ''Scrubs'' (TV series), an American television program * Scrubs (occupation), also called "scrub tech," "scrub nurse," ...

''. According to the episode "The Battle of Mayberry," the town was almost named Taylortown in honor of Colonel Carleton Taylor, who was one of the first settlers in the town.

Specific features

Mayberry had one traffic light and little in the way of indigenous crime with the exception perhaps of

moonshining Moonshine is high-proof liquor, traditionally made or distributed illegally. The name was derived from a tradition of distilling the alcohol at night to avoid detection. In the first decades of the 21st century, commercial distilleries hav ...

and bootlegging. Speeding was also mentioned in the area, like that on Highway 6 in the fourth season episode "Barney's Sidecar." Out-of-town bank robbers, scam artists, escaped convicts, and vagrants occasionally found their way to Mayberry. The county and the town share the same name and jurisdiction. In episode 44 "Sheriff Barney," the mayor of nearby Greendale relates that Mayberry County has had the lowest crime rate in the state for two years in a row under Sheriff Taylor. The town only had one long-distance telephone line, as referenced in the episode "Man in a Hurry," that two old ladies shared each Sunday preventing others from using the telephone. In the opening scene of season 8, episode 30 (the last episode), a sign at the railroad station lists the population and elevation of Mayberry: :Population: 5,360 :Elevation: 671 However, this conflicts with the comment made by choir director John Masters to Andy Taylor, that "there's got to be a decent tenor in a town of two-thousand people" in the episode ''The Song Festers'' – season 4, episode 20. And, in season 7, episode 23 ("The Statue"), Howard Sprague refers to a population of 1,800.

Mayberrites

Andy Griffith Don Knotts Jim Nabors Andy Griffith Show 1963

* Nettie Albright (

Alberta Nelson Alberta Nelson (August 14, 1937 – April 29, 2006) was an American television and film actress. After several dramatic parts in television in the early 1960s, she made four appearances on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. Early years Nelson was bo ...

), classmate who had a crush on Barney * Amanda (

Janet Waldo Janet Waldo (born Jeanette Marie Waldo; February 4, 1919 – June 12, 2016) was an American radio and voice actress. In animation, she voiced Judy Jetson in various Hanna-Barbera media, Nancy in ''Shazzan'', Penelope Pitstop, Princess from '' ...

), local prospect Barney selected to be Andy's future wife * Big Jack Anderson (

Nestor Paiva Nestor Caetano Paiva (June 30, 1905 – September 9, 1966) was an American stage, radio, film and television actor of Portuguese descent. He performed in over 400 motion pictures either as an extra, a bit player, or as a significant supporting ...

), area moonshiner who ran a still in the Rimshaw House * Teena Andrews (Diahn Williams), local citizen named Irene Phlogg who went on to become a famous movie star * Ramona Ankrum (

Jackie Joseph Jackie Joseph (born November 7, 1933) is an American actress and writer. She is best known for her role as Jackie Parker on ''The Doris Day Show'' (1971–1973) and Audrey in ''The Little Shop of Horrors'' (1960), as well as a supporting role ...

), quiet young woman from the family that owns the Ancrum Charcoal Company and love interest of Ernest T. Bass * Arnold Bailey (Sheldon Collins), friend of Opie * Dr. Lou Bailey (James McCallion), father of Arnold Bailey * Barbara Sue (Gail Lucas), local citizen who wants to win "The Beauty Contest" * Ralph Barton (

Charles Lampkin Charles Lampkin (March 17, 1913 – April 17, 1989) was an American actor, musician and lecturer. Early life Charles Lampkin was born in Ward 4 of Montgomery, Alabama. He was the third son of Edgar Lampkin and Sarah Bidell. His paternal lineage ...

), friend of Sam Jones (RFD) * Ernest T. Bass (

Howard Morris Howard Jerome Morris (September 4, 1919 – May 21, 2005) was an American actor, comedian, and director. He was best known for his role in ''The Andy Griffith Show'' as Ernest T. Bass, and as "Uncle Goopy" in a celebrated comedy sketch on Sid ...

), bothersome troublemaker who is fond of throwing rocks through windows * Charlie Beasley (Ray Lanier), local citizen with attractive muscles * Juanita Beasley, never seen waitress at the Bluebird Diner who flirts with Barney over the phone (originally the character named Juanita was portrayed as the Mayor's daughter in season one) * Sam Becker (

William Schallert William Joseph Schallert (July 6, 1922 – May 8, 2016) was an American character actor who appeared in dozens of television shows and films over a career spanning more than 60 years. He is known for his roles on ''Richard Diamond, Private ...

), farmer and Korea War veteran who Barney suspects of growing marijuana * Tom Bedlow (

Sam Edwards Sam George Edwards (May 26, 1915 – July 28, 2004) was an American actor. His most famous role on television was as banker Bill Anderson on ''Little House on the Prairie''.D.S.S. Form 1 Military Draft Registration Card completed on October 16, ...

), local citizen who tried out for the barbershop quartet * Mrs. Beggs (

Virginia Sale Virginia Sale (May 20, 1899 – August 23, 1992) was an American character actress whose career spanned six decades, during most of which she played older women, even when she was in her twenties. Over the 46 years she was active as an actr ...

), local citizen * Dr. Bennett (

George Selk George Selk (May 15, 1893 – January 22, 1967) was an American film and television actor. He was known for playing the role of stableman Moss Grimmick in the American western television series ''Gunsmoke'' from 1955 to 1963. Selk portrayed Ge ...

), physician * Henry Bennett (

John Qualen John Qualen (born Johan Mandt Kvalen, December 8, 1899 – September 12, 1987) was a Canadian-American character actor of Norwegian heritage who specialized in Scandinavian roles. Early years Qualen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, ...

), local citizen accused by Barney of being a jinx * Billy (Tim Stevenson, John Reilly) friend of Opie * Erma Bishop (

Lillian Bronson Lillian Rumsey Bronson (October 21, 1902 – August 2, 1995) was an American character actress. She performed in more than 80 films and 100 television productions. Life and career In 1930 Bronson made her debut on Broadway as the Exchange ...

) crowned Miss Mayberry in beauty contest for her kind and helpful nature * Leonard Blush (

), never seen local celebrity and former pupil of voice teacher Eleanora Poultice; "The Voice of Mount Pilot" on Mount Pilot radio station WMPD * Fred Boone ( Jesse White), local citizen who loves bickering with his wife * Jennie Boone (

Claudia Bryar Claudia Bryar ( Hortense Rizley; May 18, 1918 – June 16, 2011) was an American actress. She portrayed Emma Spool in the film '' Psycho II'' (1983). Early years Bryar was one of seven children of Ruby Elaine (née Seal) and Ross Rizley, a c ...

), wife of Fred Boone * Trey Bowden (David Alan Bailey), friend of Opie * Nate Bracey (Frank Behrens), former classmate of Andy and Barney who attended the "Class Reunion" * Emma Brand-Watson (

Cheerio Meredith Cheerio Meredith (born Edwina Lucille Hoffmann; July 12, 1890 – December 25, 1964) was an American character actress. She was described in a 1963 newspaper article as having "a face like a wrinkled rosebud." Early life Meredith was born ...

), serial jaywalker and hypochondriac * Asa Breeney ( Charles P. Thompson), security guard * George Bricker (

Doodles Weaver Winstead Sheffield "Doodles" Weaver (May 11, 1911 – January 16, 1983) was an American character actor, comedian, and musician. Born into a wealthy West Coast family, Weaver began his career in radio. In the late 1930s, he performed on Rudy Va ...

), postman * Ellen Brown (

Barbara Eden Barbara Eden (born Barbara Jean Morehead; August 23, 1931) is an American actress and singer, who starred as the title character in the sitcom ''I Dream of Jeannie'' (1965–1970). Her other roles included Roslyn Pierce opposite Elvis Presley in ...

), manicurist who came to Mayberry in search of a friendly town * Karen Burgess (Ronda Jeter), Opie's classmate and girlfriend *

Otis Campbell Otis Campbell is the fictional " town drunk" in Mayberry on the American TV sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show.'' Otis was played by Hal Smith and made frequent appearances on the show from 1960 to 1967 but stopped appearing toward the end of the ...

( Hal Smith), town drunk and descendant of a Revolutionary War hero * Rita Campbell (Dorothy Neumann), wife of Otis Campbell * Ella Carson (Ruth Thom), local citizen seen in three episodes * Mary Alice Carter (

Morgan Brittany Morgan Brittany (born Suzanne Cupito; December 5, 1951) is an American actress. She began her career as a child appearing in films ''Gypsy'' (1962), '' Stage to Thunder Rock'' (1964) and '' Yours, Mine and Ours''. In 1970s, Brittany began work as ...

), Opie's first love * Emmett Clark (

Paul Hartman Paul Hartman (March 1, 1904 – October 2, 1973) was an American dancer, stage performer and television actor. Early years Born in San Francisco, California, Hartman was the son of Ferris Hartman, who was sometimes called the "Ziegfeld of ...

), fix-it shop owner * Martha Clark (Mary Lansing), wife of Emmett Clark * Miss Clark (

Luana Anders Luana Anders (born Luana Margo Anderson; May 12, 1938 – July 21, 1996) was an American actress and screenwriter. Career Anders appeared in a number of low-budget films, including starring roles in '' Life Begins at 17'' and '' Reform School ...

), local citizen seen in two episodes * Flip Conroy (

Rockne Tarkington William Rockne Tarkington, Jr. (July 15, 1931 – April 5, 2015) was an American stage, film and television actor. Career Born in Junction City, Kansas, Tarkington began his career as a stage actor, and made the transition to television with ...

), football coach at Opie's school * The Country Boys ( Billy Ray Latham on banjo, Leroy Mack and

Clarence White Clarence White (born Clarence Joseph LeBlanc; June 7, 1944 – July 15, 1973) was an American bluegrass and country guitarist and singer. He is best known as a member of the bluegrass ensemble the Kentucky Colonels and the rock band the Byrds ...

on guitar, Eric White on bass, and

Roland White Roland Joseph White (né LeBlanc; April 23, 1938 – April 1, 2022) was an American bluegrass music artist, performing principally on the mandolin. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2017. Biography White wa ...

on mandolin), five member bluegrass band (The Country Boys are a real-life band who appear in two episodes) * Mr. Crawford (Robert F. Simon), pharmacist * Billy Crenshaw (Johnny Bangert), Opie's rival for a delivery boy job * Glen Cripe (Delos Jewkes), bass singer in the Mayberry town choir * Lydia Crosswaith (

Josie Lloyd Susanna Josephine Lloyd (May 28, 1940 – 2020), credited professionally as Josie Lloyd, was an American actress. She was the daughter of Norman Lloyd and Peggy Lloyd, who was also an accomplished Broadway actress and director. Lloyd had roles ...

), romantic interest of Goober Pyle * Art Crowley (Frank Warren), grocer * Old Man Crowley (

Burt Mustin Burton Hill Mustin (February 8, 1884 – January 28, 1977) was an American character actorObituary '' Variety'', February 2, 1977, page 94. who appeared in over 150 film and television productions. He also worked in radio and appeared on the st ...

), local citizen *

Helen Crump Helen Crump is a fictional dramatic character on the American television program ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960–1968). Helen was a schoolteacher and became main character Sheriff Andy Taylor's girlfriend, and eventually, wife. Helen first a ...

(

Aneta Corsaut Aneta Louise Corsaut (November 3, 1933November 6, 1995) was an American actress and writer. She is best known for playing Helen Crump on '' The Andy Griffith Show'' (1963–1968), Judge Cynthia Justin on '' Matlock'' (1991–1992), and Jane in ...

Kansas Kansas ( ) is a landlocked U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to the west. Kansas is named a ...

transplant, Opie's teacher, and Andy's girlfriend (later appearing as his wife in '' Mayberry R.F.D.'') *

The Darlings The Darlings are a fictional family of musically inclined hillbillies in the American TV sitcom '' The Andy Griffith Show''. Overview The Darlings (usually pronounced "Darlin's") lived in a mountain shack somewhere in the mountains neighboring ...

(

Denver Pyle Denver Dell Pyle (May 11, 1920 – December 25, 1997) was an American film and television actor and director. He was well known for a number of television roles from the 1960s through the 1980s, including his portrayal of Briscoe Darling i ...

as Briscoe Darling Jr., Maggie Peterson as Charlene Darling, and

The Dillards The Dillards are an American bluegrass music, bluegrass and country rock band from Salem, Missouri. They are notable for being among the first bluegrass groups to have electrified their instruments, and they are considered to be pioneers of cou ...

as the Darling Boys), hillbilly family that plays bluegrass music with Andy in several episodes * Sharon DeSpain (

Peggy McCay Margaret Ann "Peggy" McCay (November 3, 1927 – October 7, 2018) was an American actress whose career began in 1949, and includes theatre, television, soap operas, and feature films. McCay may be best known for originating the roles of Vanessa ...

), Andy's high school flame who returned to Mayberry for the "Class Reunion" * Fletch Dilbeck (Jon Lormer), local farmer who sells crops from the bed of his Chevrolet truck * Mr. Doakes (Norris Goff), grocer * Clara Edwards (

Hope Summers Sarah Hope Summers (June 7, 1902 – June 22, 1979) was an American actress known for her work on ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and '' Mayberry R.F.D.'', portraying Clara Edwards. Early life Hope Summers was born in Mattoon, Illinois, the daugh ...

), Aunt Bee's best friend (also called Clara Johnson or Bertha Edwards in early episodes) * Ella (

Ann Morgan Guilbert Ann Morgan Guilbert (October 16, 1928 – June 14, 2016), sometimes credited as Ann Guilbert, was an American television and film actress and comedian who portrayed a number of roles from the 1950s on, most notably as Millie Helper in 61 episode ...

), resident who writes a society column for The Mayberry Gazette * Elmo (

Vince Barnett Vince Barnett (July 4, 1902 – August 10, 1977) was an American film actor. He appeared on stage originally before appearing in more than 230 films between 1930 and 1975. Early years Barnett was born July 4, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylva ...

), local citizen * Warren Ferguson (

Jack Burns John Francis Burns (November 15, 1933 – January 27, 2020) was an American comedian, actor, voice actor, writer and producer. During the 1960s, he was part of two comedy partnerships, first with George Carlin and later with Avery Schreiber. ...

Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...

transplant and replacement deputy even more inept than Fife *

Barney Fife Bernard "Barney" Fife is a fictional character in the American television program ''The Andy Griffith Show'', portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts. Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow-paced, sleepy, southern community of Mayberry, North Ca ...

(

Don Knotts Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the 1960s sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'', for which he earned five Emmy Awards. He als ...

), Andy's lifelong friend (originally portrayed as his cousin in the pilot episode and through the first season) and deputy sheriff; later a detective with the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department * Judd Fletcher (

), elderly local citizen * Charles 'Charley' Foley (

Stanley Farrar Stanley Wendell Farrar"Rites for Actor Farrar"
''The Berkeley Gazette''. ...

Frank Ferguson Frank S. Ferguson (December 25, 1899 – September 12, 1978) was an American character actor with hundreds of appearances in both film and television. Background Ferguson was born in Ferndale, California, the younger of two children of W. Tho ...

), proprietor of Foley's Grocery * Jubal Foster (

Everett Sloane Everett H. Sloane (October 1, 1909 – August 6, 1965) was an American character actor who worked in radio, theatre, films, and television. Early life Sloane was born in Manhattan on October 1, 1909, to Nathaniel I. Sloane and Rose (Gerst ...

), local farmer and moonshiner * Mrs. Foster (

Irene Tedrow Irene Tedrow (August 3, 1907 – March 10, 1995) was an American character actress in stage, film, television and radio. Among her notable roles are as Janet Archer in the radio series '' Meet Corliss Archer'', Mrs. Lucy Elkins on the TV sitcom ...

), neighbor of the Taylor family whose chicken a-la-king tasted like "wallpaper paste" * Mr. Frisby ( Charles Lane), local farmer and egg man *

The Fun Girls The Fun Girls ("Daphne and Skippy") are fictional recurring characters on ''The Andy Griffith Show'', an American TV sitcom from the 1960s. Unlike many of the characters in Mayberry, the Fun Girls were rather lively and more eager to push the enve ...

(

Joyce Jameson Joyce Jameson (born Joyce Beverly Kingsley; September 26, 1927 – January 16, 1987) was an American actress, known for many television roles, including recurring guest appearances as Skippy, one of the "fun girls" in the 1960s television seri ...

as Skippy and

Jean Carson Jean Leete Carson (February 28, 1923 – November 2, 2005) was an American stage, film and television actress best known for her work on the classic 1960s sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' as one of the " fun girls". Early life Carson was bor ...

as Daphne), Andy and Barney's dates * Fred Goss ( Fred Sherman), runs Mayberry's dry cleaning establishment * Billy Gray (Kim Tyler), friend of Opie * Sue Grigsby (Vici Raaf), wife of Harold Grigsby * Mr. Hampton (

Leon Ames Leon Ames (born Harry Leon Wycoff;U.S. Federal Census for 1910 for Fowler, Center Township, Benton County, State of Indiana, access via Ancestry.com January 20, 1902 – October 12, 1993) was an American film and television actor. He is best rem ...

), principal at Mayberry Union High School * Ralph Hanes (

Don Haggerty Don Haggerty (July 3, 1914 – August 19, 1988) was an American actor of film and television. Early life and education Haggerty was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. Before he began appearing in films in 1947, Haggerty was a Brown University ...

), former classmate of Barney and Andy's who attended the "Class Reunion" * Harold Grigsby (

Kelly Thordsen Kelly Thordsen, born Sherman Jess Thordsen (January 19, 1917 – January 23, 1978) was an American film and television actor. Life and career Thordsen was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. He served in the United States Navy during World War I ...

), saw mill owner * Harvey (Anthony Jochim), local citizen seen in two episodes * Evan Hendricks (Bobby Diamond), wild-driving son of Orville, known to break an egg or two * Orville Hendricks (

Woodrow Chambliss Woodrow Lewis Chambliss (October 14, 1914 – January 8, 1981) was an American character actor who appeared in both feature films and television. He is perhaps best known for his appearances as several characters in the TV hit ''Gunsmoke'', whe ...

), butter and egg man from Mount Pilot * Hilda Mae (

Florence MacMichael Florence MacMichael (April 26, 1919 – May 28, 1999) was an American character actress of stage, film and television, best known for playing Winnie Kirkwood in the television series ''Mister Ed''. Early life and education MacMichael was bor ...

), Barney's girlfriend in season one (replaced by Thelma Lou) * George Hollander (

Sandy Kenyon Sandy Kenyon (born Sanford Klein; August 5, 1922 – February 20, 2010) was an American actor of film and television. He appeared as a guest actor on numerous television series, including a recurring role on the 1961 TV series, ''The Americans''. ...

), high school history teacher * Martha Hollister (Kay Stewart), wife of Rafe Hollister * Rafe Hollister (Jack Prince), local farmer and moonshiner * Cy Hudgins (

Forrest Lewis Raymond Forrest Lewis (November 5, 1899 – June 2, 1977) was an American actor of the theater, radio, motion pictures and television. Early years Lewis was born in Knightstown, Indiana, the son of Joseph Saint Lewis and Myla Leota Lewi ...

), local farmer who owns a goat named Jimmy that eats almost anything * Millie Hutchins (

Arlene Golonka Arlene Leanore Golonka (January 23, 1936 – May 31, 2021) was an American actress. She is known for playing Millie Hutchins on the television comedy ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and Millie Swanson on '' Mayberry R.F.D.'', and often portrayed ...

), girlfriend of Sam Jones * Jason (

Phil Chambers Phil Chambers (June 16, 1916 – January 16, 1993) was an American actor. Biography Born in Los Angeles, California, Phil Chambers was known for his role as Sergeant Myles Magruder in the television series '' The Gray Ghost''. Chambers died on ...

), clerk at the Mayberry Hotel * Johnny Paul Jason ( Richard Keith), best friend of Opie; nephew of Charley Foley * Joe (

Rob Reiner Robert Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and liberal activist. As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence with the role of Michael Stivic, Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitc ...

), printer's apprentice * Mike Jones (

Buddy Foster Lucius Fisher "Buddy" Foster IV (born July 12, 1957) is an American former child actor. He is the older brother of actress and director Jodie Foster. Beginning his career at the age of eight, he had television roles from the late 1960s through th ...

), son of Sam Jones (RFD) * Sam Jones (

Ken Berry Kenneth Ronald Berry (November 3, 1933 – December 1, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, dancer, and singer. Berry starred on the television series '' F Troop'' (1965–1967), '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' (1968–1971) and ''Mama's Family'' ( ...

), farmer, single parent, and widower (like Andy); head of the Mayberry town council in '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' * Tillie Kincaid (Maxine Semon), friend of Clara Edwards and Aunt Bee * Edna Larch (

Maudie Prickett Maudie Prickett (born Maudie Marie Doyle; October 25, 1914 – April 14, 1976) was an American character actress who performed in over 300 stage, film, and television productions during a career that spanned nearly four decades.Floyd Lawson Floyd Lawson (Floyd the Barber) is a fictional character on the American sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show.'' Floyd was primarily portrayed by actor Howard McNear. Character overview Floyd the Barber was the slow-paced, somewhat absent-minded ba ...

(

Howard McNear Howard Terbell McNear (January 27, 1905 – January 3, 1969) was an American stage, screen, and radio character actor. McNear is best remembered as the original voice of Doc Adams in the radio version of ''Gunsmoke'' and as Floyd Lawson (Flo ...

), barber at Floyd's Barber Shop; father of Norman and Randall Lawson * Leon (

Clint Howard Clinton Engle Howard (born April 20, 1959) is an American actor. He is the second son born to American actors Rance and Jean Howard, and younger brother of actor and director Ron Howard. His more than 200 acting credits include feature films ...

), toddler in a cowboy outfit who wanders the streets of Mayberry * Clara Lindsey (

Mary Treen Mary Treen (born Mary Louise Summers; March 27, 1907 – July 20, 1989) was an American film and television actress. A minor actress for much of her career, she managed to secure a plain, unassuming niche for herself in dozens of movies and t ...

), wife of Sam Lindsey * Jim Lindsey (

James Best Jewel Franklin Guy (July 26, 1926 – April 6, 2015), known professionally as James Best, was an American television, film, stage, and voice actor, as well as a writer, director, acting coach, artist, college professor, and musician. Duri ...

), talented guitarist who joins Bobby Fleet and His Band with a Beat * Sam Lindsey (

), husband of Clara Lindsey * Flora Malherbe (

), waitress at the Mayberry Diner; becomes Goober's girlfriend * John Masters (

Olan Soule Olan Soule (February 28, 1909 – February 1, 1994) was an American actor, who had professional credits in nearly 7,000 radio shows and commercials, appearances in 200 television series and television films, and in over 60 films. He was the ...

), hotel clerk and director of the town's singing choir * Mr. McBeevee (

Karl Swenson Karl Swenson (July 23, 1908 – October 8, 1978) was an American theatre, radio, film, and television actor. Early in his career, he was credited as Peter Wayne.

), lineman, who according to Opie, walks in the trees, wears a silver hat, jingles when he walks, and has twelve extra hands * Peggy McMillan (

Joanna Moore Joanna Moore (born Dorothy Joanne Cook; November 10, 1934 – November 22, 1997) was an American film and television actress, who, between 1956 and 1976, appeared in 17 feature films and guest-starred in nearly a hundred television series episod ...

), nurse and Andy's girlfriend * Mr. Meldrim (Warren Parker), president of Mayberry Security Bank * Mrs. Mendelbright (

Enid Markey Enid Markey (February 22, 1894 – November 15, 1981) was an American theatre, film, radio, and television actress, whose career spanned over 50 years, extending from the early 1900s to the late 1960s. In movies, she was the first performer to ...

), Barney's landlady * Merle (Sherwood Keith), town councilman * Malcolm Merriweather ( Bernard Fox), English valet * Bert Miller (

Sterling Holloway Sterling Price Holloway Jr. (January 14, 1905 – November 22, 1992) was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and 40 television shows. He did voice acting for The Walt Disney Company, playing Mr. Stork in ''Dumbo'', Adult Flower in ...

), peddler * Orville Monroe (

Jonathan Hole Jonathan Hole (August 13, 1904 – February 11, 1998) was an American actor whose entertainment career covered five genres over 65 years. From his early days on the vaudeville stage and in legitimate theater, through radio, television and ...

), undertaker and TV repairman * Jimmy Morgan (Pat Colby), mechanic at Wally's accused of being a thief * Morrison Sisters (Gladys Hurlbut as Clarabelle Morrison and Charity Grace as Jennifer Morrison), moonshiners who runs the local flower shop * Sam Muggins (

), moonshiner accused of stealing business from the department store, incarcerated at the Mayberry Jail on Christmas Eve with his family (

Margaret Kerry Margaret Kerry (born Peggy Lynch; May 11, 1929) is an American screen actress, dancer, voice artist, camera double, radio producer, director and host and media personality, best known for her work as a model for Walt Disney Pictures, where she se ...

as wife, Bess; Joy Ellison as daughter, Effie; and Kelly Flynn as Billy Muggins) * Frank Myers (

Andy Clyde Andrew Allan Clyde (March 25, 1892 – May 18, 1967), was a Scottish-born American film and television actor whose career spanned some 45 years. In 1921 he broke into silent films as a Mack Sennett comic, debuting in ''On a Summer Day''. H ...

), elderly resident evicted for not paying taxes * Mavis Neff (

Elaine Joyce Elaine Joyce (born Elaine Joyce Pinchot) is an American actress. Early life and education Elaine Joyce Pinchot was born in Kansas City, Missouri, of Hungarian ancestry, the daughter of Iliclina (née Nagy) and Frank Pinchot. Career She made ...

), employee at Walker's Drugstore who went on a date with Andy * Charlie O'Malley (

Willis Bouchey Willis Ben Bouchey (May 24, 1907 - September 27, 1977) was an American character actor. Bouchey may be best known for his movie appearances in '' The Horse Soldiers'', '' The Long Gray Line'', '' Sergeant Rutledge'', '' Two Rode Together'', ...

), wealthy resident who also owns a cabin outside of town * Mrs. Pendleton (

Ruth McDevitt Ruth Thane McDevitt ( Shoecraft; September 13, 1895 – May 27, 1976) was an American film, stage, radio, and television actress. Career The daughter of John Barnabas Shoecraft and Elizabeth Imber Shoecraft, McDevitt was born in Coldwater, Mich ...

), head of the Mayberry school board and good friend of Martha Clark and Aunt Bee * Pete ( George Dunn), local citizen frequently seen in Floyd's Barbershop * Burly Peters (Thom Carney), local citizen who plays the drums in the Mayberry Band * Dr. Thomas Peterson (

William Christopher William Christopher (October 20, 1932 December 31, 2016) was an American actor and comedian, best known for playing Private Lester Hummel on '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' from 1965 to 1968 and Father Francis John Patrick Mulcahy on the television ...

), physician who replaced the retiring Dr. Bennett * Whitey Porter (Joey Scott), friend of Opie * Josephine Pike (

), daughter of Mayor Pike * Mayor Pike (

Dick Elliott Richard Damon Elliott (April 30, 1886 – December 22, 1961) was an American character actor who played in over 240 films from the 1930s until the time of his death. Early years Elliott was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Career Elliott p ...

) mayor in the first two seasons (1960–61) * Whitey Porter (Joey Scott), friend of Opie * Howie Pruitt (Dennis Rush), good friend of Opie * Jeff Pruitt ( Alan Hale), farmer who came to Mayberry to find a wife *

Gomer Pyle Gomer Pyle is a fictional character played by Jim Nabors and introduced in the middle of the third season of '' The Andy Griffith Show''. A naive and gentle auto mechanic, he became a recurring character with the January 1963 episode "Man i ...

(

Jim Nabors James Thurston Nabors (June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017) was an American actor, singer, and comedian, widely known for his signature character, Gomer Pyle. Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a Santa Monica nightclub, and ...

), service station attendant at Wally's Filling Station for three seasons (1962–64) (left Mayberry to join the Marine Corps in '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'') *

Goober Pyle Goober Pyle is a fictional character in the American TV sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and its sequel series '' Mayberry RFD''. He was played by George Lindsey. Lindsey first read for the part of Gomer Pyle, Goober's cousin, which went to act ...

(

George Lindsey George Smith Lindsey (December 17, 1928 – May 6, 2012) was an American actor and stand-up comedian, best known for his role as Goober Pyle on ''The Andy Griffith Show'', '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' and his subsequent tenure on '' Hee-Haw''. Life a ...

), auto mechanic at Wally's Garage and Filling Station (later service station owner) * Dr. Roberts ( Charles P. Thompson), local physician * Mrs. Rodenbach (Mary Lansing), local citizen seen in three episodes * Rose (

), Andy's housekeeper who got married and moved away, replaced by Aunt Bee * Rosemary (

Rachel Ames Rachel Ames (born Rachel Kay Foulger; November 2, 1929) is an American actress. She is known for playing the role of Audrey Hardy on the ABC Daytime soap opera ''General Hospital'' (1964 to 2007, returning for appearances in 2009, 2013, and 2015 ...

), local prospect Barney selected to be Andy's future wife * Sam (Sherwood Keith), local citizen often seen in Floyd's Barber Shop * Sandy (Sherman Sanders), square dance caller * Sarah, often spoken to, but never seen, telephone operator * Ed Sawyer ( William Lanteau), mysterious stranger who moves to Mayberry and disrupts the lives of the townspeople because he appears to know startling facts about them * Mr. Schwamp, (portrayed by unknown) local citizen seen in at least 26 episodes of ''The Andy Griffith Show''; also appeared in ''Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.'' and ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' * Ben Sewell (Jack Prince), moonshiner who was ratted out by the Morrison sisters * Sharon (Barbara Griffith), part of the Mayberry choir (portrayed by Andy Griffith's real life wife, Barbara Edwards) * Sheldon (Terry Dickinson), local bully who extorts Opie for his milk money * Annabelle Silby (

Lurene Tuttle Lurene Tuttle (August 29, 1907 – May 28, 1986) was an American actress and acting coach, who made the transition from vaudeville to radio, and later to films and television. Her most enduring impact was as one of network radio's more versatil ...

), local do-gooder and wife of Tom Silby * Tom Silby (

Stuart Erwin Stuart Erwin (February 14, 1903 – December 21, 1967) was an American actor of stage, film, and television. Early years Erwin was born in Squaw Valley, Fresno County, California. He attended Porterville High School and the University of Ca ...

), local citizen who returns to town after being declared dead * Mr. Simmons (Richard Collier), proprietor of company called Simmons Seeds * Minnie 'Mary' Simpson (

Julie Adams Julie Adams (born Betty May Adams; October 17, 1926 – February 3, 2019) was an American actress, billed as Julia Adams in her early career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of films in the 1 ...

Sue Ane Langdon Sue Ane Langdon (born Sue Ane Lookhoff on March 8, 1936)Lisanti, Tom; Paul, Louis (2002). Film Fatales: Women in Espionage Films and Television, 1962-1973'. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 171. . is an American actress. She has appeare ...

), county nurse * Rube Sloane (Thom Carney), moonshiner who was ratted out by the Morrison sisters *

Howard Sprague Howard Sprague is a fictional character on the CBS television sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'', and its spin-off '' Mayberry R.F.D.''. He was played by Jack Dodson from 1966 to 1971. He was characterized by his milquetoast demeanor, moustache, ...

(

Jack Dodson John Smeaton "Jack" Dodson (May 16, 1931 – September 16, 1994) was an American television actor best remembered for the milquetoast character Howard Sprague on ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and its spin-off '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' From 1959 until ...

), county clerk * Mrs. Sprague (

Mabel Albertson Mabel Ida Albertson (July 24, 1901 – September 28, 1982) was an American actress of television, stage, radio and film who portrayed Phyllis Stephens in the TV sitcom '' Bewitched''. She also appeared in TV's ''The Time Tunnel'' (S1:E30, "Town ...

), overbearing mother of Howard Sprague * Fred Stevens (Pat Coghlan), owner of Sterling Jewelry Store * Roy Stoner (

Parley Baer Parley Edward Baer (August 5, 1914 – November 22, 2002) was an American actor in radio and later in television and film. Despite dozens of appearances in television series and theatrical films, he remains best known as the original "Chester" ...

), mayor of Mayberry for three seasons (1962–64), replacing Mayor Pike * Henrietta Swanson (

Elvia Allman Elvia Beatrice Allman (September 19, 1904 – March 6, 1992) was an American actress in Hollywood films and television programs for over 50 years. She is best remembered for her semi-regular roles on ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' and ''Petticoat J ...

), local citizen whose daughter, Darlene, wants to enter "The Beauty Contest" * Millie Swanson (

), bakery clerk and girlfriend of Sam Jones (RFD) * Billy Ray Talbot (

Dub Taylor Walter Clarence "Dub" Taylor Jr. (February 26, 1907 – October 3, 1994)Dub Taylor, 87, Actor in Westerns, The New York Times, October 5, 1994, Section B, Page 12 was an American character actor who from the 1940s into the 1990s worked extensiv ...

), postmaster * Cyrus Tankersley ( George Cisar), local citizen * Andy Taylor (

), sheriff and widowed father * Beatrice Taylor (

Frances Bavier Frances Elizabeth Bavier (December 14, 1902 – December 6, 1989) was an American stage and television actress. Originally from New York theatre, she worked in film and television from the 1950s until the 1970s. She is best known for her role a ...

), Andy's aunt and housekeeper, known as Aunt Bee *

Opie Taylor The following is a list of characters of ''The Andy Griffith Show'', an American sitcom television series, starring Andy Griffith. The series ran for eight seasons on CBS between October 3, 1960, and April 1, 1968. Episodes 1–159 (1960–1965 ...

( Ronny Howard), son of Andy *

Thelma Lou Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960-1968). The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Thelma Lou was por ...

(

Betty Lynn Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn (August 29, 1926 – October 16, 2021) was an American actress. She played Thelma Lou, Deputy Barney Fife's girlfriend, on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. During the 1940s and 1950s, she appeared in many films, including ...

), Barney's sweetheart * Farley Thurston (

Lyle Latell Lyle Latell (born Lyle Zeiem; April 9, 1904 – October 24, 1967) was an American character actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Pat Patton in the ''Dick Tracy'' film series. Biography Latell was born Lyle Zeiem in April 1904 in ...

), butter and egg man * Tommy (

Dennis Holmes Charles Dennis Holmes (born October 3, 1950) is a retired American film and television child actor, best-known for playing Mike Williams in the American western television series '' Laramie''. Life and career Holmes was born in Encino, Califo ...

), friend of Opie * Rev. Hobart M. Tucker ( William Keene), Pastor of the All Souls Church * Myra Tucker (

Amzie Strickland Amzie Ellen Strickland (January 10, 1919 – July 5, 2006) was an American character actress who began in radio, made some 650 television appearances, had roles in two dozen films, appeared in numerous television movies, and also worked in ...

), local citizen seen in two episodes * Farley Upchurch (

Frank Cady Frank Randolph Cady (September 8, 1915 – June 8, 2012) was an American actor best known for his role as storekeeper Sam Drucker in three American television series during the 1960s – '' Petticoat Junction'', '' Green Acres'', and ...

Clinton Sundberg Clinton Charles Sundberg (December 7, 1903 ome sources say 1906– December 14, 1987) was an American character actor in film and on stage. Early years Sundberg was born in Appleton, Minnesota. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Pa ...

), local citizen seen in two episodes * Ellie Walker (

Elinor Donahue Elinor Donahue (born Mary Eleanor Donahue; April 19, 1937) is an American retired actress known for playing the role of Betty Anderson, the eldest child of Jim and Margaret Anderson, on the 1950s American sitcom ''Father Knows Best''. Early li ...

), pharmacist and one-time love interest of Andy * Fred Walker (

Harry Antrim Harry Antrim (August 27, 1884 – January 18, 1967) was an American stage, film and television actor. Biography Antrim was born on August 27, 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. By 1906, he was working in vaudeville. During the early 1930s, he mov ...

), proprietor of Walker's Drug Store; uncle of Ellie Walker * Gilly Walker (

Larry Hovis Larry Hovis (February 20, 1936 – September 9, 2003) was an American singer and actor best known for the 1960s television sitcom '' Hogan's Heroes''. Early life and career Hovis was born in Wapato, Washington, and moved to Houston, Texas, as ...

), high-strung friend of Goober Pyle * Wally (Norman Leavitt,

Trevor Bardette Trevor Bardette (born Terva Gaston Hubbard; November 19, 1902 – November 28, 1977) was an American film and television actor. Among many other roles in his long and prolific career, Bardette appeared in several episodes of ''Adventures of Su ...

, Cliff Norton, Blackie Hunt), proprietor and principal mechanic of Wally's Filling Station (no last name is ever given for Wally) * Dudley A. 'Dud' Wash ( Hoke Howell,

Bob Denver Robert Osbourne Denver (January 9, 1935 – September 2, 2005) was an American comedic actor who portrayed beatnik Maynard G. Krebs on the 1959–1963 series '' The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis'' and Gilligan on the 1964–1967 television serie ...

), fiancée and eventual husband of Charlene Darling; father of Andelina Wash. * Joe Waters (Bob McQuain), local citizen seen in five episodes * Ben Weaver ( Will Wright,

Tol Avery Taliaferro Ware "Tol" Avery (August 28, 1915 – August 27, 1973) was an American film and television character actor who appeared in more than 100 separate works between 1950 and 1974. Biography Early in his career, Avery portrayed Lieutenant ...

, Jason Johnson), flint-hearted proprietor of Weaver's Department Store and local landlord * Mary Wiggins (Joy Ellison), classmate of Opie * Mrs. Wiley ( Doris Packer), genealogy researcher who called Ernest T. Bass "a creature" * Ramona Wiley-Becktoris (Virginia Eiler), one-time resident who dated Barney Fife and returned to Mayberry for the "Class Reunion" * Arnold Winkler (

Ronnie Dapo Ronnie Dapo (born May 8, 1952) is an American film and television actor. He is known for playing Flip Rose in the American sitcom television series '' Room for One More''. Life and career Dapo was born in Plattsburgh, New York. At the age of ...

), friend of Opie

Archetypal small town

Real-life models

Many assume Mayberry was loosely based on Andy Griffith's hometown of

; however, Griffith has indicated that nearby Pilot Mountain, also in

Surry County, North Carolina Surry County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,359. Its county seat is Dobson, and its largest community is Mount Airy. Surry county comprises the Mount Airy, NC Micropol ...

, inspired him in creating the town. Pilot Mountain likely was the inspiration for the fictional town of "Mount Pilot," a nearby larger town in relation to Mayberry, often referred to and occasionally visited by the characters in ''The Andy Griffith Show''. The county seat of Surry County is in Dobson; thus, this is the location of the nearest courthouse to Mount Airy. One episode has a fictional nearby location – "Pierce County." Another episode has Barney Fife referring to Sheriff Taylor and himself as "the law west of Mount Pilot". Other place names used in the show refer to actual places in North Carolina, such as

Raleigh Raleigh ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, second-most populous city in the state (after Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte) ...

—which was also often called "Capital City" –

Siler City Siler City is a town in western Chatham County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the town's population was 7,702. History Siler City began when Plikard Dederic Siler and his wife, Elizabeth Hartso ...

Greensboro Greensboro (; ) is a city in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States, and its county seat. At the 2020 census, its population was 299,035; it was estimated to be 307,381 in 2024. It is the third-most populous city in North Carolina, af ...

Winston-Salem Winston-Salem is a city in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States, and its county seat. At the 2020 census, the population was 249,545, making it the fifth-most populous city in North Carolina and the 91st-most populous city in the Uni ...

, Chapel Hill,

Stokes County Stokes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,520. Its county seat is Danbury. Stokes County is included in the Winston-Salem, NC, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which ...

, Elm City and Charlotte. One of the stars of the show, Frances Bavier (who played Aunt Bee) retired to Siler City in real life. (Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou retired to Mount Airy). In episode 248 "A Girl for Goober," the towns of Manteo and Toast are mentioned. Andy Griffith owned a home in Manteo (on North Carolina's Atlantic coast), and Toast is about two miles outside of Mt. Airy in Surry County.

, which borders Surry County to the east, is mentioned as the location of Myers Lake in episode 140 "Andy and Helen Have Their Day." In episode 62 "Cousin Virgil," the bus picks up Barney's cousin in Currituck. A

Currituck County Currituck County ()
, from the North Carolina Collection's website at the University of North Ca ...

is located in eastern North Carolina. In episode 17 "Alcohol and Old Lace" while looking for moonshine stills, Barney suggests looking into

Fancy Gap, Virginia Fancy Gap is a census-designated place (CDP) in Carroll County, Virginia, United States. The population was 237 at the 2010 census. Geography Fancy Gap is located at (36.669884, −80.700892). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP h ...

, a town just across the state line from Mt. Airy. In episode 60 "Bookie Barber," Aunt Bee states that Floyd's Barber Shop has received phone calls from as far away as

Morehead City Morehead City is a port city in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 8,661 at the 2010 census. Morehead City celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding on May 5, 2007. It forms part of the Crystal Coast. Hi ...

. In episode 136 "Opie's Fortune," a man from Bannertown lost $50. Bannertown is a few miles from Mt. Airy in Surry County. In episode 68 "Barney Mends a Broken Heart," the towns of Harnett and Yancey are mentioned. Both a Harnett County and a

Yancey County Yancey County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,470. Its county seat is Burnsville. History The area of Yancey County was inhabited by the Cherokee prior to European settlem ...

are in North Carolina. In episode 3 "The Guitar Player" played by

, who later played

Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane Rosco Purvis Coltrane is a fictional sheriff character who first appeared in the 1975 film '' Moonrunners'', which inspired the creation of the American TV series ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' (and related spin-off films). In ''Moonrunners'', he was p ...

on ''

The Dukes of Hazzard ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' is an American action comedy television series created by Gy Waldron that aired on CBS from January 26, 1979, to February 8, 1985, with a total of seven seasons consisting of List of The Dukes of Hazzard episodes, 147 ...

,'' Best's character Jim Lindsey buys his guitar picks in

, which is actually the nearest big city to Mount Airy (37 miles). In Season 4, Episode 3 of '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'', (“Corporal Carol”) Gomer tells the corporal (played by Carol Burnett) that he is from Mayberry, North Carolina, “just a little bitty town about 30 miles outside of Raleigh.“

Origins and expansion

Mayberry originated in an episode of ''

The Danny Thomas Show ''The Danny Thomas Show'' (titled ''Make Room for Daddy'' for its first three seasons) is an American sitcom that ran from 1953 to 1957 on ABC and from 1957 to 1964 on CBS. Starring Danny Thomas as a successful night club entertainer, the sho ...

'' and was the setting for ''

'', '' Mayberry R.F.D.'', and the 1986 reunion film ''

''.

Eponymous real-life community

Mayberry is the name of a real community in Patrick County, Virginia; located 22 miles northeast of Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. The Mayberry Trading Post, home of the Mayberry, Virginia post office until it closed in 1922, told local TV station

WGHP WGHP (channel 8) is a television station licensed to High Point, North Carolina, United States, serving the Piedmont Triad region as an affiliate of the Fox network. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, and maintains studios on Francis ...

that Griffith and his father made many trips to the Mayberry Trading Post.

Town landmarks

Public buildings

* The Mayberry Courthouse – Was where Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife maintained law and order. It also contained the county jail—two cells, a back room, and the mayor's office upstairs. No inside stairs are seen, although there is an outside

fire escape A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, usually stairs or ladders mounted to the outside of a building—occasionally inside, but separate from the main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape in the event of a fire or ...

. Aside from Andy Taylor's home, this was the main setting for ''The Andy Griffith Show''. * Mayberry Security Bank – The town's only bank, was often subject to robberies. It contains a large vault, and its only security guard is a senile man named Asa, who is constantly sleeping and whose fall-apart dilapidated gun is filled with moldy bullets. An interesting

plot hole In fiction, a plot hole, plothole, or plot error is an inconsistency in a storyline that goes against the flow of logic established by the story's plot. Plot holes are usually created unintentionally, often as a result of editing or the writers ...

about the vault: in one episode, the vault combination was lost so an extra door was put in the vault. But in another episode, Barney Fife gets himself locked in the safe and only escapes by breaking the wall between the vault and the next-door beauty parlor. * Mayberry Union High School – The high school from which Andy and Barney graduated in 1948. In the episode "The Return of Barney Fife", which originally aired 01/10/1966, Barney and Andy attend their high school reunion. Behind the small orchestra playing during the dance hangs a banner that reads "Welcome Class of '48". However, in the episode "Class Reunion", which originally aired 02/04/1963 Andy and Barney organize a class reunion in which the banner reads "Class of '45". * U.S. Post Office – The town's only post office.

Houses

* Taylor House – Humble, yet handsome, two-story frame house at 332 Maple Road (though once noted by Barney to be on Elm St.), a short walk from the courthouse. Notable features include a front porch perfect for conversation and guitar playing, a back porch with an extra freezer, and a living room with a high ceiling and rough-hewn (rusticated ashlar) stone fireplace. * Mrs. Mendalbright's Rooming House – Barney Fife boards upstairs and his landlady is Mrs. Mendalbright. * Thelma Lou's House – The home of Thelma Lou, Barney's girlfriend. * Helen Crump's House – The home of Helen Crump, Andy's girlfriend and Opie's teacher. * Mrs. Wiley's House – The home of Mrs. Wiley, which is frequently subject to parties, two of which were crashed by Ernest T. Bass. * The Rimshaw House – The "haunted" house of the deceased Old Man Rimshaw where Otis Campbell and Big Jack Anderson were running a still.

Entertainment/religious venues

* All Souls Church – also known as Community Church – Was the non-denominational Protestant church the Taylors and other townspeople attended in Mayberry. It could seat around 40 people and a choir. The church hosted an annual picnic and an annual bazaar. * The Grand Theatre – The movie theater where Andy and Barney often took their girlfriends (

and

, respectively) on dates.

Commercial establishments

* Emmett's Fix-it Shop – Handyman Emmett Clark's business replaced Floyd's when

left the show. * Fleur De Lis Beauty Salon – Located just down Main Street from the Mayberry Courthouse and Walker's Drugstore. * Floyd's Barber Shop – Run by the scatterbrained

Floyd Lawson Floyd Lawson (Floyd the Barber) is a fictional character on the American sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show.'' Floyd was primarily portrayed by actor Howard McNear. Character overview Floyd the Barber was the slow-paced, somewhat absent-minded ba ...

, it was the main center of action in Mayberry. On any given day, it was not unusual to see many of the town's important figures, including the mayor and the sheriff, gathered here. * H. Goss, Tailor - Owned by Fred Goss, a tailor who also does dry cleaning. * Monroe's Funeral Parlor – Owned by city councilman Orville Monroe who also repairs TV's at Monroe's TV Repair when the funeral business is slow. * Simmons Seeds – Run by Mr. Simmons. * F. Wakefield Beauty Salon – Located on Main Street across Luken's, where Aunt Bee and Clara Johnson get their hair done. * Walker's Drug Store – This was the town drug store and soda shop owned by Fred Walker. His niece Ellie (

), also a pharmacist, worked there for a while and was Andy's first girlfriend on the show. In the early episodes, characters often talked about "going to Walker's for an ice cream soda." * Wally's Filling Station – The town's only known gas station, it employed cousins

Gomer Gomer ( ''Gōmer''; ) was the eldest son of Japheth (and of the Japhetic line), and father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah, according to the "Table of Nations" in the Hebrew Bible ( Genesis 10). The eponymous Gomer, "standing for the whole ...

and

. It also served as the town's auto repair garage.

Places to shop

* Foley's Grocery – also known as Crowley's Market – The main grocery store in Mayberry frequented by many of the ladies in town. It was located across from the Mayberry Hotel. Mr. Foley is the owner of the store, but apparently tasks Art Crowley with running day-to-day operations. * Luken's Style Shop – Small boutique located on Main Street operated by Mrs. Lukens. * Morrison Sisters Flower Shop – Owned by sisters Clarabelle and Jennifer Morrison who also run a moonshine still. * Mort's Clothing Store – Located next to the Fleur De Lis Beauty Salon. * Nelson's Hardware Store – Barney took Thelma Lou there to see a new window-display of bicycle accessories. * Sterling Jewelry Store – Fred Sterling, the owner, sells jewelry and silver, and does re-sizings and watch repairs. * Weaver's Department Store – Run by the miserly Ben Weaver. * Willick's Shoe Store – Shoe Store in Mayberry owned by Harvey Willick.

Places to eat

* Bluebird Diner – This was the restaurant where Barney was often seen calling to talk to his secret love, the enigmatic waitress "Juanita". A man named Frank owns the diner. It is located on the outskirts of Mayberry, near Myer's Lake. Mount Airy has a family-owned restaurant called the Bluebird Diner. * Mayberry Diner – The main restaurant in Mayberry that Barney and Andy frequent for its inexpensive daily specials. * Morelli's – A more upscale restaurant outside of town. Known for its special dinner, the pounded steak supper, "pounded on the premises." * Snappy Lunch – Diner named after a real eatery that still serves lunch in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Lodging

* Mayberry Hotel – Where out-of-towners often stayed, the Mayberry Hotel was also where choir director John Masters was employed.

Physical landmarks

* Myer's Lake – As seen in the opening credits of ''The Andy Griffith Show'', it was the place Andy and Opie Taylor went fishing, and where Barney often drove with Thelma Lou for their "romantic getaways". The fictional lake was mentioned on the show as being located in

Stokes County, North Carolina Stokes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,520. Its county seat is Danbury. Stokes County is included in the Winston-Salem, NC, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which ...

. Stokes County is a real county next to Surry County where Andy Griffith was born and raised.

Franklin Canyon Park Franklin Canyon Park is a public municipal park located near Benedict Canyon, at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in Los Angeles, California. The park comprises 605 acres (245 ha), and is located near the geographical center ...

was used for filming.

In popular culture

Due to the success and fame of the television show, "Mayberry" has been used as a term for both idyllic small-town life and for rural simplicity (for both good and ill). In a song by

Rascal Flatts Rascal Flatts is an American Country music, country music band formed in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, background vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, background voc ...

titled "

Mayberry Mayberry is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular American television sitcoms, ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960–1968) and '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' (1968–1971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reunion television f ...

", the town is mentioned: "Well I miss Mayberry sitting on the porch drinking ice cold

Cherry Coke Coca-Cola Cherry (originally marketed and still commonly referred to as Cherry Coke) is a cherry-flavored version of Coca-Cola. It is produced and distributed by the Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers in the United States and some internationa ...

where everything is black and white." In the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Lynyrd Skynyrd (, ) is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964. The group originally formed as My Backyard and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom ...

song “Simple Life” (from the album ''

God & Guns ''God & Guns'' is the thirteenth studio album by the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, released on September 29, 2009. The single "Still Unbroken" was released on July 27, 2009 followed by another track, "Simple Life", on August 4, 2009. "St ...

''), there’s a line in the lyrics: “…put my feet up, watch a rerun on TV, Laughing with Ole Barney, Andy and Aunt Bee…”. In the song called "Grandpa's Interview" on the

Neil Young Neil Percival Young (born November 12, 1945) is a Canadian and American singer-songwriter. After embarking on a music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s, Young moved to Los Angeles, forming the folk rock group Buffalo Springfield. Since the begi ...

album '' Greendale'': "Shows with love and affection, Like mama used to say, A little Mayberry livin', Can go a long way." In the film ''

I Know What You Did Last Summer ''I Know What You Did Last Summer'' is a 1997 American slasher film directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson. It stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr., with supporting ro ...

'' the character Helen Shivers refers to a sceptical local cop who refuses to believe her warnings as a “Mayberry ass reject” in exasperation. "Home", the second episode of the fourth season of the television show ''

The X-Files ''The X-Files'' is an American science fiction on television, science fiction drama (film and television), drama television series created by Chris Carter (screenwriter), Chris Carter. The original series aired from September 10, 1993, to Ma ...

'', makes frequent references to Mayberry because of the size of the town in which the investigation takes place. In the song "

High-Tech Redneck ''High-Tech Redneck'' is an album by American country music singer George Jones. It was released in 1993 on the MCA Nashville Records label and went Gold in 1994. Recording By 1993, Jones had recorded two critically acclaimed albums for MCA but ...

" on the

George Jones George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American Country music, country musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for a long list of hit records, and is well known for his distinctive voice an ...

album of the same name, the town is mentioned: "He's a high-tech redneck, Mayberry meets

Startrek ''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the series of the same name and became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. Since its creation, the franchise has expanded into var ...

." In the fifth episode of the seventh season of ''

Desperate Housewives ''Desperate Housewives'' is an American mystery comedy-drama television series created by Marc Cherry, and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on ABC from October 3, 2004, until May 13, 2012, for a tota ...

'', Doug refers to

Wisteria Lane Wisteria Lane is a fictional street at the center of U.S. television drama series ''Desperate Housewives''. ''Desperate Housewives'' storylines primarily center on the residents of the street. The set for Wisteria Lane is located inside Universal ...

as ‘Mayberry’ due to the apparent idyllic suburbs where the show is set.

References

External links

''Behind the Scenes of the Real Mayberry''
A behind the scenes look at ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and the real Mayberry, includes filming locations, the stars made on the show, and Mayberry trivia. {{mayberry Fictional populated places in North Carolina Mount Airy, North Carolina Fictional elements introduced in 1960 The Andy Griffith Show