Goober Pyle
Encyclopedia
Goober is a fictional character in the American
TV
sitcom
The Andy Griffith Show
and its later sequel series Mayberry RFD. He was played by George Lindsey
. Lindsey initially read for the part of Gomer Pyle
, which went to singer Jim Nabors
. Both Lindsey and Nabors are originally from Alabama
.
n Kongo language
word "Nguba", meaning Peanut. "Goober Peas" is another variation of this term, and may have provided the inspiration for the character's original name. Goober was the cousin of Gomer Pyle
who was initially often referred to by Gomer, but never seen until his appearance in the episode "Fun Girls," which was the only episode in which the two appeared together, although he would later appear in an episode of Gomer Pyle, USMC.
Goober was first mentioned on TAGS third season episode "Man in a Hurry" when, on a steamy, lazy afternoon, cousin Gomer sprints to Andy's porch to update the "man in a hurry" on the repairs Goober is making to his disabled car. After giving an update and turning to leave, Gomer pauses to give Sheriff Andy Taylor
his greeting. The exchange went like this:
Gomer: Andy, Goober says, "Hey."
Andy: Hey to Goober.
Both Pyle cousins worked at Wally's Filling Station, though not together, and were the show's comic relief
. Lindsey was hired to fill the void, when Gomer was spun off to join the U.S. Marine Corps. During season five, Goober was initially referred to as "Goober Beasley"*. To solidify the Gomer connection, his surname was changed to "Pyle". While Gomer always referenced Grandma Pyle, Goober never mentioned her.
Goober was viewed as backward and not very bright. This was perhaps best seen on TAGS episode where Goober believed his new dog spoke English, which then filled his head with make-it-rich scenarios. In reality, the "talking dog" was a practical joke
played by Opie and a friend, who had hidden a walkie-talkie
under the dog's collar giving voice to the shaggy beast.
Although Goober portrayed a somewhat childlike and happy-go-lucky character, he had the ability to view life and people with an sense of wonder and goodness. And, his automotive mechanical skills were exceptional, as evidenced in one episode by taking Gilley Walker's car apart and reassembling it inside the sheriff's office, and then taking it apart again, and reassembling it again outside.
Goober was similar to his cousin Gomer, though less animated. Both cousins shared a love for high-stepping, swing dancing, even when the music was far less dynamic. The term goober has entered pop culture and is synonymous with dork. It is likely that Goober Pyle influenced this.
Goober's older brother Braden was a noted rocket-scientist for NASA
, and once visited Mayberry RFD on the 1969 episode, "Goober's Brother". Howard Sprague attributed the vast intellectual disparity between the brothers to Mendel's theory of recessive genes.
work pants were hoisted high and cinched with a wide belt, giving him an Empire waistline
. Work boots and a brown (in the color episodes) beanie hat
with a turned-up, scalloped edge (similar to that of the comic character Jughead Jones
) completed his episode-to-episode wardrobe.
Very occasionally, Goober would dress up for the rare formal occasion in a suit described as "an unsophisticated double-vested, brown pinstripe number with white socks" that was passed to him from his cousin Gomer. A garish tie completed the picture of the dressed-up Goober. Goober's suit was originally owned by Howard McNear (Floyd) who donated it for a friend's funeral. It was rejected and returned to the studio where it wound up in wardrobe.
On two occasions, Goober also wore one of Andy's suits, which was first lent to him in Raleigh at the auto show when his suit ripped. He also borrowed it again one time.
On August 27, 2010, the suit became part of the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina
, the town that inspired the fictional Mayberry. George Lindsey, who was 75 and rarely traveled, asked Jim Clark to appear in his place, telling the crowd, "He told me to say Goober says, 'Hey!'" Clark said Lindsey wore the suit while playing Goober on many Andy Griffith Show/ "RFD" episodes as well as on Hee Haw
.
punching Charles Foley on August 9, 1946 in, "The Case of the Punch in the Nose.") He was raised in Mayberry, was trained as a mechanic in Raleigh
, North Carolina
, and served a stint in the National Guard
where he picked up the phrase, "Yo
." Goober worked at Wally's Filling Station, which he eventually purchased and became the proprietor of, later in the show's run. His girlfriend in four of the color episodes was Flora Malherbe
, but his initial love interest was Lydia Crosswaithe, who was originally from Greensboro, North Carolina
.
Goober is known for his (bad) impressions of celebrities. He impersonates Cary Grant
("Judy Judy Judy") and Edward G. Robinson
("OK, you guys. Come on, you guys. All right, you guys. Beat it, you guys."). He could also impersonate Chester Goode's walk from Gunsmoke
and perform lame sctick such as simulating sewing up his fingers. The only other people who were truly impressed by his talents were his cousin Gomer and the fun girls, Daphne and Skippy. He had a penchant for comic books and B-grade, sci-fi movies. Both Pyle cousins had their own peculiar dance moves.
Goober is an emergency deputy several times when minor crime waves erupted in Mayberry.
Goober appeared on 86 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show
from 1964 through 1968, one episode each of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. and The New Andy Griffith Show
and then on 54 episodes of Mayberry R.F.D.
until its cancellation in 1971. Following that, Lindsey spent more than a decade playing the character on 44 episodes of Hee Haw
. Goober later appeared in the 1978 TV movie "Goober & the Truckers Paradise" and the 1986 television reunion movie
Return to Mayberry
alongside his cousin Gomer for only the third time in television history (running the town's G 'n G gas station and auto repair shop). The characters also appeared together in one TAGS episode and one "Gomer Pyle USMC" episode.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
TV
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
sitcom
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised by CBS between October 3, 1960, and April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays a widowed sheriff in the fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina...
and its later sequel series Mayberry RFD. He was played by George Lindsey
George Lindsey
George Lindsey is an American character actor, best known for his role as "Goober Pyle" on The Andy Griffith Show, as well as for his tenure on Hee-Haw.-Early life and career :...
. Lindsey initially read for the part of Gomer Pyle
Gomer Pyle
Gomer Pyle is a bubbly, gentle, rural auto mechanic character played by American singer/ television actor Jim Nabors. Gomer Pyle became a character on the TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, when actor Howard McNear, who played Floyd the barber, suffered a stroke and took a respite from acting. Jim...
, which went to singer Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors
James Thurston "Jim" Nabors is an American actor and singer. Born and raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, Nabors moved to Southern California because of his asthma. While working at a Santa Monica nightclub, The Horn, he was discovered by Andy Griffith and later joined The Andy Griffith Show, playing...
. Both Lindsey and Nabors are originally from Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
"Goober"
"Goober" is an Americanization of the West AfricaWest Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
n Kongo language
Kongo language
The Kongo language, or Kikongo, is the Bantu language spoken by the Bakongo and Bandundu people living in the tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Angola. It is a tonal language and formed the base for Kituba, a Bantu creole and lingua franca...
word "Nguba", meaning Peanut. "Goober Peas" is another variation of this term, and may have provided the inspiration for the character's original name. Goober was the cousin of Gomer Pyle
Gomer Pyle
Gomer Pyle is a bubbly, gentle, rural auto mechanic character played by American singer/ television actor Jim Nabors. Gomer Pyle became a character on the TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, when actor Howard McNear, who played Floyd the barber, suffered a stroke and took a respite from acting. Jim...
who was initially often referred to by Gomer, but never seen until his appearance in the episode "Fun Girls," which was the only episode in which the two appeared together, although he would later appear in an episode of Gomer Pyle, USMC.
Goober was first mentioned on TAGS third season episode "Man in a Hurry" when, on a steamy, lazy afternoon, cousin Gomer sprints to Andy's porch to update the "man in a hurry" on the repairs Goober is making to his disabled car. After giving an update and turning to leave, Gomer pauses to give Sheriff Andy Taylor
Sheriff Andy Taylor
Sheriff Andrew "Andy" Jackson Taylor is the principal character on The Andy Griffith Show, an American sitcom which aired on CBS, . The character made a few appearances in the show's spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. and appeared in a reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry...
his greeting. The exchange went like this:
Gomer: Andy, Goober says, "Hey."
Andy: Hey to Goober.
Both Pyle cousins worked at Wally's Filling Station, though not together, and were the show's comic relief
Comic relief
Comic relief is the inclusion of a humorous character, scene or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension.-Definition:...
. Lindsey was hired to fill the void, when Gomer was spun off to join the U.S. Marine Corps. During season five, Goober was initially referred to as "Goober Beasley"*. To solidify the Gomer connection, his surname was changed to "Pyle". While Gomer always referenced Grandma Pyle, Goober never mentioned her.
Practical joke
A practical joke is a mischievous trick played on someone, typically causing the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out, or is let in on the joke, rather than being fooled into handing over money or...
played by Opie and a friend, who had hidden a walkie-talkie
Walkie-talkie
A walkie-talkie is a hand-held, portable, two-way radio transceiver. Its development during the Second World War has been variously credited to Donald L. Hings, radio engineer Alfred J. Gross, and engineering teams at Motorola...
under the dog's collar giving voice to the shaggy beast.
Although Goober portrayed a somewhat childlike and happy-go-lucky character, he had the ability to view life and people with an sense of wonder and goodness. And, his automotive mechanical skills were exceptional, as evidenced in one episode by taking Gilley Walker's car apart and reassembling it inside the sheriff's office, and then taking it apart again, and reassembling it again outside.
Goober was similar to his cousin Gomer, though less animated. Both cousins shared a love for high-stepping, swing dancing, even when the music was far less dynamic. The term goober has entered pop culture and is synonymous with dork. It is likely that Goober Pyle influenced this.
Goober's older brother Braden was a noted rocket-scientist for NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
, and once visited Mayberry RFD on the 1969 episode, "Goober's Brother". Howard Sprague attributed the vast intellectual disparity between the brothers to Mendel's theory of recessive genes.
Goober's attire
Goober was distinctively attired for the show. He was generally dressed in a work shirt, breast pocket filled with pencils, pens, and tire gauges. His dark blue DickiesDickies
Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company, more commonly referred to as the brand Dickies, is an American company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that manufactures and sells work-related clothing and other accessories, including back packs, steel-toe boots, and belts. Its major competitors are...
work pants were hoisted high and cinched with a wide belt, giving him an Empire waistline
Empire silhouette
An Empire silhouette is created by a woman wearing a high-waisted dress, gathered near or just under the bust with a long, loose skirt, which skims the body. The outline is especially flattering to pear shapes wishing to disguise the stomach area or emphasise the bust. The shape of the dress also...
. Work boots and a brown (in the color episodes) beanie hat
Beanie
A beanie is a head-hugging brimless cap with or without a visor that was once popular among school boys.-Description:In the United States of America, beanies are made by triangular sections of cloth joined by a button at the crown and seamed together around the sides.They can also be made from...
with a turned-up, scalloped edge (similar to that of the comic character Jughead Jones
Jughead Jones
Jughead Jones is a fictional character in Archie Comics who first appeared in the comic in December 1941. He is the son of Forsythe II; although in one of the early Archie newspaper comic strips, he himself is identified as Forsythe Van Jones II...
) completed his episode-to-episode wardrobe.
Very occasionally, Goober would dress up for the rare formal occasion in a suit described as "an unsophisticated double-vested, brown pinstripe number with white socks" that was passed to him from his cousin Gomer. A garish tie completed the picture of the dressed-up Goober. Goober's suit was originally owned by Howard McNear (Floyd) who donated it for a friend's funeral. It was rejected and returned to the studio where it wound up in wardrobe.
On two occasions, Goober also wore one of Andy's suits, which was first lent to him in Raleigh at the auto show when his suit ripped. He also borrowed it again one time.
On August 27, 2010, the suit became part of the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,388.-History:Mount Airy was settled in the 1750s as a stagecoach stop on the road between Winston-Salem and Galax, Virginia. It was named for a nearby plantation...
, the town that inspired the fictional Mayberry. George Lindsey, who was 75 and rarely traveled, asked Jim Clark to appear in his place, telling the crowd, "He told me to say Goober says, 'Hey!'" Clark said Lindsey wore the suit while playing Goober on many Andy Griffith Show/ "RFD" episodes as well as on Hee Haw
Hee Haw
Hee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
.
Character biography
Goober was born in either 1940 or 1941 (He says he was five years old when he was a witness to FloydFloyd Lawson
Floyd Lawson was a fictional character on the American TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, which was inspired by a real barber in Andy Griffith's real-life hometown of Mt. Airy, North Carolina named Russell Hiatt who actually cut Andy Griffith's hair on a regular basis while Andy was young and living...
punching Charles Foley on August 9, 1946 in, "The Case of the Punch in the Nose.") He was raised in Mayberry, was trained as a mechanic in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the capital and the second largest city in the state of North Carolina as well as the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2010 population was 403,892, over an area of , making Raleigh...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, and served a stint in the National Guard
United States National Guard
The National Guard of the United States is a reserve military force composed of state National Guard militia members or units under federally recognized active or inactive armed force service for the United States. Militia members are citizen soldiers, meaning they work part time for the National...
where he picked up the phrase, "Yo
Yo
Yo is an English slang interjection, commonly associated with American English. It was highly popularized after being used commonly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since the 1970s.-Common usage:...
." Goober worked at Wally's Filling Station, which he eventually purchased and became the proprietor of, later in the show's run. His girlfriend in four of the color episodes was Flora Malherbe
Flora Malherbe
Flora Malherbe was a fictional character on the American TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and its successor, Mayberry RFD. She was played by American actress, Alberta Nelson.Flora was Goober Pyle's girlfriend on the series...
, but his initial love interest was Lydia Crosswaithe, who was originally from Greensboro, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
.
Goober is known for his (bad) impressions of celebrities. He impersonates Cary Grant
Cary Grant
Archibald Alexander Leach , better known by his stage name Cary Grant, was an English actor who later took U.S. citizenship...
("Judy Judy Judy") and Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson was a Romanian-born American actor. A popular star during Hollywood's Golden Age, he is best remembered for his roles as gangsters, such as Rico in his star-making film Little Caesar and as Rocco in Key Largo...
("OK, you guys. Come on, you guys. All right, you guys. Beat it, you guys."). He could also impersonate Chester Goode's walk from Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West....
and perform lame sctick such as simulating sewing up his fingers. The only other people who were truly impressed by his talents were his cousin Gomer and the fun girls, Daphne and Skippy. He had a penchant for comic books and B-grade, sci-fi movies. Both Pyle cousins had their own peculiar dance moves.
Goober is an emergency deputy several times when minor crime waves erupted in Mayberry.
Goober appeared on 86 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised by CBS between October 3, 1960, and April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays a widowed sheriff in the fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina...
from 1964 through 1968, one episode each of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. and The New Andy Griffith Show
The New Andy Griffith Show
The New Andy Griffith Show is an American situation comedy broadcast in the United States by the CBS television network in 1971.-History:...
and then on 54 episodes of Mayberry R.F.D.
Mayberry R.F.D.
Mayberry R.F.D. is a spin-off and direct continuation of The Andy Griffith Show under a new title, for the same sponsor, General Foods...
until its cancellation in 1971. Following that, Lindsey spent more than a decade playing the character on 44 episodes of Hee Haw
Hee Haw
Hee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
. Goober later appeared in the 1978 TV movie "Goober & the Truckers Paradise" and the 1986 television reunion movie
Television movie
A television film is a feature film that is a television program produced for and originally distributed by a television network, in contrast to...
Return to Mayberry
Return to Mayberry
Return to Mayberry is an American television reunion movie for the 1960s American sitcoms The Andy Griffith Show and, to an extent, Mayberry R.F.D. as well. The movie premiered on April 13, 1986 on NBC, and was the highest-rated telemovie of 1986. Sixteen of the original cast members reunited for...
alongside his cousin Gomer for only the third time in television history (running the town's G 'n G gas station and auto repair shop). The characters also appeared together in one TAGS episode and one "Gomer Pyle USMC" episode.