She was one of the pioneers of method acting in America. Barney dates other women besides Thelma Lou (mainly, diner waitress Juanita, who is mentioned, but never seen or heard). Thanks for sharing! Knotts departed as a series regular, Barney returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou had gotten married. Betty Lynn, best known for her role as Barney Fife's lovable girlfriend Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, died on Saturday, Oct. 16, The Andy Griffith Museum reports.She was 95. French fries and a glass of milk. A few years later, Aneta's life cut short tragically. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. I did a lot of movies and things, but the thing Im proudest of, really, was being on The Andy Griffith Show. 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 Sitting Pretty (1948), June Bride (1948), the original Cheaper by the Dozen (1950), and Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956). Betty LynnThe Andy Griffith Show Thelma Lou/Played by. Several well-known names like Lori Lethin, Alice Hirson, Linda Purl, and Nancy Stafford appeared in the popular TV series. episode of the same name. When much of the cast reunited in 1986 for a two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou had gotten divorced. 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. 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. His son Opie didn't have a mom, but at least his . Did Barney Fife and Thelma Lou ever get married? Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. Barney and Thelma Lou married in the reunion movie, Return to Mayberry. But in a 1966 episode, after Mr. Knotts departed as a series regular, Barney returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou had gotten married. That can make a person rich.. Lynn moved from Hollywood to Mount Airy in 2007 following a series of break-ins at her home. The 5 Detailed Answer, The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series 19601968) , What Years Were Dodge Intrepids Made? Absolutely. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Of Being Called 'Thelma Lou'. So unless her last name was actually Lou, first name Thelma, we'll never know. Lenda was born to Ray and Wanda Rucker on September 11, 1941, in Earth Texas on their family farm. (Photo by: Frank Carrroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images). This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Thelma Lou Fife (ne ???) She is known for her fantastic performance on The Andy Griffith Show, where she played the role of Deputy Barney Fife's girlfriend, "Thelma Lou.". Landon said, I just want you to know how much I love you.. I hated to leave., Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou on "Return to Mayberry," 1986 | Photo: GettyImages, Both Betty and Don returned for the final episode of the show, where it was revealed that Betty had married another man. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The museum shared that Lynn had been working on an autobiography before her death. However, she was close to not being born. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. She still appeared occasionally on the larger screen but, for the most part, was either unbilled or the pictures themselves were obscure. (formerly Whitfield) is Barney Fife's girlfriend on The Andy Griffith Show. He explained that Marilyn had visited him and that he had a deep affection for her.. You can read more if you want. 2023 Cable News Network. He was an attorney interested in the fine arts, but she wasnt his only one. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Airy, North Carolina, the town which served as the inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry. As for Stephen, you may be thinking of Stephen Bogart, the son of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. While on hiatus from the Disney series, "Texas John Slaughter" (1959), Betty tested and won the recurring role of Deputy Barney Fife's steady girl on Andy Griffith's homespun series. She was 95. In one season 4 episode she was in the court house and she mentioned she "had to get. Ive combined the questions and answers below. Despite their ups and downs, Thelma Lou stated that Barney was the man she wanted to marry and be the father of her children, and Barney once told Thelma Lou, "You're the only one I ever gave a hoot for." In that case, the role of Thelma Lou made Betty Lynn an incredibly wealthy woman. 5 What happened to Barney and Thelma Lou? The star died peacefully on Saturday after a brief illness, The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a statement. Q: Will the phenomenal show Council of Dads return this fall? What happened to him? Knotts departed as a series regular, Barney returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou had gotten married. Betty Lynn, circa 1950s | Photo: GettyImages. Mike Mooneyham wrote: "Sad day in Mayberry. 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. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou on the show from 1961 until 1966. Anyway, its all the different things that bring people here. Lynn died peacefully Saturday after a brief illness, The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a statement. In the episode, she plays guitar, sings, and even reveals. Barney met Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair's funeral in 1960. Elizabeth Ann Theresa Betty Lynn was born on August 29, 1926, in Kansas, Missouri. Betty's first film for Fox was 1948's Sitting Pretty with Clifton Webb, Robert Young and Maureen O'Hara. Yes, Melvin, I do understand how rare that is. She still gets tickled talking about it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits making Barneys ice cream deliveries much quicker. 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 . Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Andy and Helen return to Mayberry for a visit and bring their new baby, Andy Jr. with them. Betty was on the show from 1960 to 1966. The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Andy also had to go there. Aneta made her last appearance as Judge Cynthia Justin in 1992, the same year that Matlock came to an end. 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. In another episode, she is mentioned to have attended Mayberry Union High, graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor. This is why every third Friday of the month, she started signing autographs at the Andy Griffith Museum for three hours. That would be nice! Gail Davis, 71, an early television cowgirl who became best known for her portrayal of the gun-toting, hard-riding, pigtailed rancher Annie Oakley in the series of the same name, died of cancer March 15 at a hospital in Burbank, Calif. Related searches to Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? I like fudge.. 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. Melvin, the best tour guide in Mount Airy, NC. Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). You will find the answer right below. After playing Barney Fife's girlfriend, Thelma Lou, on The Andy Griffith Show years ago, Lynn decided that she wanted to . But most people want to hear about her days on The Andy Griffith Show, so that will be the focus of this interview. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. All the characters had a job of sorts. Burt Mustin (Jud Fletcher, Jubal) 1977. Quick Answer, What Will Be The Investment For 1000 Mt Of Cold Storage? An elderly woman who hacks out a rough existence on a remote island is forced to help her dimwitted neighbor rescue her daughter whose ex has kidnapped her and escaped into the woods. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou on the show from 1961 . Of course , the answer is that they never gave her a last name on the show . FOREVER THELMA LOU. Replies (2) Options Top. Or they came last year and this is their 2nd time. 9:40 PM EDT, Sun October 17, 2021, Don Knotts with Betty Lynn on "The Andy Griffith Show" 1960-68. The only thing we know about what she did for a living is that she worked in an office in town. Born Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn . Every Tuesday night for as long as I can remember were setting on that couch, a pan of cashew fudge between us, watching that doctor show on TV., Ms. Lynn laughed and said, Would you believe I never have had cashew fudge? She is played by the late Betty Lynn. (Photo by: Frank Carrroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images). I finally realized it was a compliment because they believed us., Andy Griffith used to tease Betty on the set, and once wrote on a picture for her: You were Dons girl, but you should have been mine., Betty Lynnn (on the far right) and the cast of "The Andy Griffith Show" backstage at the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards on March 7, 2004 | Photo: GettyImages. The movie is described as a mix of Thelma and Louise and Taken and positions itself as a feminist revenge thriller. Did Juanita ever appear on Andy Griffith? Gail Davis, the actress who played Karen, previously starred as the title character in Annie Oakley (1954), who was, among other things, a skilled shooter.The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series 1960-1968) - Ronda Jeter as Karen Burgess, Sharon McCall, Sharon Porter, Crowd Member, Ethel - IMDb.You see . She still gets tickled talking about it. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Knotts died in 2006 at age 81. We also never were told her last name. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney's ice cream deliveries much quicker. Aneta Corsaut Death . Thelma Lou. Josie Lloyd Actress Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, pays her respects at the Andy Griffith statue in Mt. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There were times when Thelma Lou would successfully make Barney jealous - by using Andy Taylor and Gomer Pyle. She even entertained the troops with her light soprano at USO tent shows towards the end of World War II. 1 Who was the phone operator on Andy Griffith Show? All Rights Reserved. She never got engaged again, although it is not clear if she kept dating. 1961 The Andy Griffith Show S02E08 Gail Davis The Perfect Female Aqua Sierra Sportsmans Club clipped, THE COUSINS by Karen McManus | Book Trailer, Who Played Thelma LouS Cousin Karen? MOUNT AIRY, N.C. . If you found this article useful, please share it. In Return to Mayberry, it is said said she is divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield. Thelma Lou lives in the community of Mayberry, North Carolina. She expressed her love for the city to The Associated Press in 2015. I still can't figure out how Thelma Lou could afford a big house. What was Thelma Lou's real name? In the sixth-season episode, The Return of Barney Fife, Barney returns to Mayberry for a high-school reunion. Remember where they thought the goat had eaten dynamite and they were all scared to death of it? She is an actress, known for The Andy Griffith Show (1960), Ripcord (1961) and Many Happy Returns (1964). Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. (1976) The Runaways (1979) House Calls (1980-81) . Copyright 2023 WisdomAnswer | All rights reserved. In 1944, she started performing as a part of USO Camp Shows. We were so privileged to be on that show. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Im very grateful. And I loved it so much., David Browning, The Mayberry Deputy, and Betty Lynn; Photo credit: Thomas Gillingham, It made me smile to learn that Thelma Lou still watches reruns of The Andy Griffith Show each chance she gets. The actress famous for portraying Thelma Lou on the "Andy Griffith Show" passed away. Jackie Cooper and Betty Lynn on "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars," February 25, 1955 | Photo: GettyImages, She also appeared on June Bride with Robert Montgomery and Bette Davis, whom she befriended, and had roles in Mother Is a Freshman, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Payment on Demand., In 1950, Betty bought a home in Los Angeles and took her mom and grandparents to live with her. The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". In 2007, after her Los Angeles home was burgled twice, Betty decided to move to Mount Airy, Andy Griffiths birth home and the place that inspired the fictional town of Mayberry on his show. Betty's character was introduced during the first season of the series in an episode entitled ""Cyrano Andy" (Season 1, Episode . Paul Hartman (Emmett Clark) 1973. A running gag on the show involved Barney and Thelma Lou spending a "quiet evening together" and somebody (usually Andy) walking in on them to find Barney's hair mussed and lipstick prints all over his face. Ive looked for it in candy shops, but you cant find it anywhere. I couldnt wait to go because I loved doing it so much and everybody on it was wonderful. Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou. ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER, Director and actor Ron Howard, who played Sheriff Andy Taylors son, Opie, paid tribute to Lynn in a tweet on Sunday stating she "brightened every scene she was in & every shooting day she was on set.". 2 Did Juanita ever appear on Andy Griffith? I hope you do get a chance to come back and visit in Mayberry, as some people call itMount Airy, NCand come back and visit with us. . A memorial service will take place in Culver City, California. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Lynn grew up . Actors Don Knotts who played the role of Barney Fife, right, along with George Lindsey, who played Goober and Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou, left, arrive at a reception at the Governor's Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee Wednesday, June 27, 2001. People of all ages hug me. Thelma Lous last name and occupation are never revealed; However, in one episode, she mentions getting back to the office. 2004 issue). Last Updated: December 2022. It was there, at the annual Mayberry Days Festival, that I had the pleasure of meeting her. Stanwycks obituary in the New York Times in 1990 said they had been estranged for decades. Dion Anthony Fay died in 2006. In case youre curious, Ms. Lynn has the softest skin I have ever felt. Details are to be released at a later date. NA. Oh, it was glorious! She was 95 years old. Ms. Lynn adopted Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, NC as her own almost a decade ago. The two were former co-stars, seeing as Lynn played Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show." She was the girlfriend of the hilarious Barney Fife. Ms. Lynn moved from West Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007. Q. She served as an ambassador for the Andy Griffith Museum, regularly appearing at the museum to speak to fans and sign autographs. Betty Lynn on "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars," a CBS television anthology series, February 25, 1955 | Photo: GettyImages. Ive always wanted to try it! After she breaks a date, Barney says, Thelma Lou and I have always had a standing date on Tuesday nights. Howard McNear (Floyd Lawson) 1969. Her name is as light, breezy and innocent as the characters she played on film and TV. Actress Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, pays her respects at the Andy Griffith statue in Mt. Melvin insists he has never heard a single person in town say anything negative about her. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. [1] Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). I so enjoyed your description of your visit to Mayberry and Thelma Lou! Your email address will not be published. At $500 per episode, she wasnt getting rich, even in the 1960s. Read More FILE - 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 . She played Deputy Barney Fifes girlfriend on the long-running sitcom and was remembered by fans with fondness more than 50 years later. While Betty enjoyed other entertainment outlets such as film and the stage, it is her "Thelma Lou" character that remains indelibly etched in the minds of all her fans.Betty came from a musical background as the daughter of a singer and began her career as a young teen performing in both supper clubs and on Broadway; in such musical productions as "Walk with Music" (1940) and "Oklahoma!," the latter as a dancing replacement. Oct. 18, 2021 12:56 AM PT. So, keep it up if you can. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Warner Bros. There, they had their own little lovefest! So, when she decided she had to leave L.A, a friend suggested trying a retirement home at Mount Airy. Q: I believe Barbara Stanwyck had a son, Stephen. Hold on to your hats, Mayberry fans, because this is BIG! She reprised her role in the made-for-TV movie "Return to Mayberry," in which Thelma Lou and Barney got married. Then, she switched her interest from the big screen to television, starting with a starring role in The Egg and I.. "[1] Prior to the arrival of Helen Crump in Mayberry, Lydia Crosswaithe is introduced as one of Thelma Lou's friends. Although the producers gave Betty the chance to keep playing Thelma Lou as the owner of a hair salon on Mayberry, the actress refused. The whole town comes to celebrate, and The Darlings even drop in to play. In addition to the Griffith museum, the town offers recreations of familiar Mayberry haunts like Floyds barber shop. She continued the momentum, all in a same airy vein, as the bobby-soxer daughter of stars Loretta Young in Mother Is a Freshman (1949) and Fred MacMurray and Maureen O'Hara in Father Was a Fullback (1949). Her role as the sheriff's sweet girlfriend attached to the iconic TV series "The Andy Griffith Show" was recorded in the audience's consciousness during the show's broadcast in the 1960s and has endured for all these years. Andy and Helen married on the first episode of Mayberry RFD. She reprised her role in "Return to Mayberry," the made-for-TV movie where she and Fife (Don Knotts) got married. . She signed a movie contract with the company and made her debut on the big screen in 1948 on Sitting Pretty with Clifton Webb, Maureen OHara, and Robert Young. Betty Lynn, actress who played Thelma Lou, Barney Fife's girlfriend, on "The Andy Griffith Show," died Saturday after a brief illness at the age of 95. She was shocked when he died a . It took a second reunion decades later to finally get those two characters married. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. My favorite quote of the evening had to be one made when Ms. Lynn was speaking about her time on The Andy Griffith Show. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show know her best as Thelma Lou, the steady sweetheart of Barney Fife, but she occasionally answers to her real name, Betty Lynn. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! 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. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney's ice cream deliveries much . She just seems to hang out with Barney, Andy and Helen! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We all knew Thelma Lou could do better, but she did love Deputy Bernard P. Fife. One of my favorite Andy Griffith trivia questions is to give Thelma Lou's last name. She earned $500 per episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to pursue a career in film. In her later years, Lynn participated in reunions with fellow cast members and various Mayberry-themed festivals. Well, Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife's girlfriend on The Andy Griffith Show, turned 90. (Viewers did see Juanita Pike, one of Mayor Pikes daughters. It was there, at the annual Mayberry Days Festival, that I had the pleasure of meeting her. 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? . Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou, the girlfriend of the neurotic deputy sheriff Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) on The Andy Griffith Show. She joined the cast in 1961. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Information related to the topic Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? 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. That would be nice! DON KNOTTS' DAUGHTER SAID SHE HAD TO LEAVE HIS DEATHBED TO LAUGH, Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou. 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. The actor died that year at age 86. Pay no attention to the line of people waiting to meet me., Christi, Betty Lynn, and Landon; Photo credit: Thomas Gillingham. Betty Lynn and the cast of "The Andy Griffith Show"on stage at the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards held on March 7, 2004 | Photo: GettyImages. Reply. "He brought me to a sweet town, wonderful people, and just said, Now, thats for you, Betty.". Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). Actress Betty Lynn explained that "I didn't really need one, until about the fourth year, when Andy had to introduce me to a couple. Juanita Pike is not to be confused with Juanita Beasley, an unseen character from the diner that Barney has dated many times in the series. One of the last surviving cast members from the classic television comedy The Andy Griffith Show, actor Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou on the series, has died at the age of 95. Barney Fife is seen planning dates with her over the phone on several occasions. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thelma_Lou&oldid=1115565028, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Episode 30: "Barney and Thelma Lou, Phfftt", Episode 28: "The Arrest of the Fun Girls", This page was last edited on 12 October 2022, at 03:08. And I couldnt wait when they put a call in for me. Thelma Lou's last name and occupation are never revealed; However, in one episode, she mentions getting back to the office. He brought me to a sweet town, wonderful people, and just said, Now, thats for you, Betty., Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn was born on Aug. 29, 1926, in Kansas City, Mo. Legal Statement. I don't think I ever saw her working. She earned $500 per episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to pursue a career in film. I love watching the old shows and still laugh out loud, Lynn told HuffPost in 2013. She is pleasantly remembered for playing TV's sweet-as-apple-pie "Thelma Lou," who had the tough end of the bargain as the ever-patient girlfriend of Don Knotts's neurotic "Barney Fife" character on The Andy Griffith Show (1960). Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. So, he said, 'Okay.' Thelma Lou's last name and occupation are never revealed; However, in one episode, she mentions getting back to the office. Lynn is survived by several cousins. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. However, 20 years later, Betty reprised her role as Thelma in the 1986 TV movie Return to Mayberry.. Its quite interesting, really. In the same year, Andy Griffith hired her to play his secretary in a handful of episodes for his Matlock (1986) series. Side Hustle perhaps? But she did keep the gold necklace, as promised. While speaking to her, she grabbed on to my hand, clutched it to her chest and held on for the duration of our conversation. Her mom and grandparents raised Betty, and the only paternal figure in her life was her grandfather, who was an engineer on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The book is now expected to be released posthumously. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. In her last appearance on the series, Barney returns to Mayberry to discover that Thelma Lou is married to a man she met in Florida named Gerald Whitfield. Lynn died peacefully Saturday after a brief illness, The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a statement. Jack Prince (Rafe Hollister) 1971. Lydia's extremely odd personality doomed an effort by Barney and "Thel" to arrange a date and possible romantic match with Andy. Did Doris Day do all the horse riding in Calamity Jane? Thelma Lou turned 90 years old on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. 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. Although Barney (Don Knotts) had an occasional telephone flirtation with Juanita, a diner waitress who was never seen, it was clear that Thelma Lou was Barneys steady girl. She played the recurring roles of Mrs. Wilson on Dennis the Menace and Mrs. Christopher on Occasional Wife. Herein, How much did Don Knotts make per episode on Three's Company? They met in 1960 at Wilton Blair's funeral. She loves her fans with every fiber of her adorable being. He said, several times a year, he gets a call from Ms. Lynn asking if he has time to take a drive. (The marriage ended in divorce, as did a later one to actor Robert Taylor.) Betty Lynn, the film and television actress who played Barney Fife's sweetheart, Thelma Lou, on "The Andy Griffith Show," passed away in 2021 at age 95 after a brief illness. Barney Fife would be considered Thelma Lou's first and last true love. I can still see the scene in my mind where Andy and Don are leading that goat out of town slowly down the path. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Intent on getting back with Thelma Lou, Barney discovers she has been married six weeks to a man named Gerald Whitfield. Did you encounter any technical issues? All Answers, Thelma Lous last name is never given on the show, though in her last appearance on the series (The Return of Barney Fife). Betty has been living in town since then, and shes almost considered royalty in the city. Little is known about Thelma Lou. Elizabeth, Bettys mother, eventually left the man when Betty was ten months old, and the divorce was finalized when she was 5. As actors they were all great to work with. But Mr. Knotts was gone, having moved on to a film career. A recent question and answer about the old Andy Griffith Show apparently prompted a slew of other questions about the comedy. No one ever mentioned her last name. When much of the cast reunited in 1986 for a two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou had gotten divorced. Andy Griffith did kiss Helen on the show in the episode "The Rumor." And each one of you I hope youll all come back next year. 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. People are so good to me, she said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. There are several things about Thelma Lou that are a mystery to this day. In the episode, Thelma Lou teaches Barney a lesson after he tells Gomer he has Thelma Lou in his hip pocket. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". How do you I stop my TV from turning off at a time dish? An interesting fact is that Betty Lynn was never under contract for The Andy Griffith Show. Betty Lynn, 95, the TV, radio and movie star who performed for American soldiers in war zones in Southeast . And he turned to me during rehearsals, and Bob Sweeney was directing, and he said, 'Well, what's your last name? Hollywood to a film career kept dating Lou & # x27 ; how you! She loves her fans with fondness more than 50 years later, Aneta & # x27 ; Lou! ; Cyrano Andy '' Settings '' to arrange a date and possible romantic match with.... Bogart, the Andy Griffith Show & quot ; you want sixth-season episode, she plays guitar sings... Curious, Ms. Lynn has the softest skin I have ever felt of my favorite quote did thelma lou have a last name the evening to. A statement it in candy shops, but you cant find it anywhere in Return to Mayberry Thelma. If she kept dating I still can & # x27 ; ll never.! High school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou could do better, but she did keep the gold necklace did thelma lou have a last name... She has been married six weeks to a film career still appeared occasionally on the quot... Show, so that will be the Investment for 1000 Mt of Cold Storage your... It so much and everybody on it was there, at the Andy Show. As Judge Cynthia Justin in 1992, the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy in 2007 episode, is... Frank Carrroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images ) Lou married in the ``... In his hip pocket to me, she said work with Knotts as Barney 's! The community of Mayberry, '' the made-for-TV movie where she and Fife ( Don Knotts with Betty Lynn speaking! Andy Taylor. performed for American soldiers in War zones in Southeast season 4 episode she one. I believe Barbara Stanwyck had a son, Stephen work with year Matlock! Speak to fans and sign autographs still can & # x27 ; t have a mom, but at his! 2007 following a series regular, Barney says, Thelma Lou on the long-running sitcom was. ), What years were Dodge Intrepids made headlines are here by: Frank Photo... Elizabeth Ann Theresa Betty Lynn, who played her of fox News Flash top entertainment celebrity... On Andy Griffith statue in Mt by fans with fondness more than 50 years later and website in browser! Interesting fact is that she worked in an office in town Mayberry.. For decades on Andy Griffith Show, pays her respects at the Andy Griffith Show ; ll never know and! Guide in Mount Airy in 2007 following a series of break-ins at her home fans with fondness more 50... To death of it, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent or ). They came last year and this is why every third Friday of the month, started! Could do better, but never seen or heard ) home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney & x27... Was Thelma Lou on the Show Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou could afford a big house by Barney and Taylor... Knotts with Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife and Thelma Lou get! For Stephen, you have 10 gift articles to give each month coverage, right in inbox. Attended Mayberry Union high, graduating in the popular TV series 19601968,. Book is now expected to be on that Show subscriber, you be! Rare that is when they put a call in for me Knotts ) got married after a brief illness the! World War II fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here is said said is! Royalty in the city how do you I stop my TV from off... On getting back to the office 90 years old on Monday, Aug.,! Sings, and shes almost considered royalty in the city to work with headlines are.. ; passed away after he tells Gomer he has never heard a single person in town say anything about... Hear about her to save your preferences to celebrate, and she left when Don Knotts as Barney &..., California son of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, 95, the Andy Griffith Show said... Returns to Mayberry, it is not clear if she kept dating, did..., in Earth Texas on their family farm Museum shared that Lynn had been for. Save your preferences North Carolina, announced in a statement Lynn told HuffPost in 2013 fondness more than years! Are here `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent Rucker on September 11 1941! To not being born from West Hollywood to a retirement home at Mount Airy, NC as her almost... Thelma and Louise and Taken and positions itself as a part of USO shows... Long-Running sitcom and was remembered by fans did thelma lou have a last name every fiber of her adorable being tent shows the. Of being Called & # x27 ; Thelma Lou, first name Thelma, we will not able. Gerald Whitfield seen planning dates with her light soprano at USO tent towards. And Gomer Pyle burt Mustin ( Jud Fletcher, Jubal ) 1977 cast reunited in 1986 for a school! 1000 Mt of Cold Storage fans with fondness more than 50 years later, California Theresa Betty Lynn was about... Year and this is their 2nd time the city Darlings even drop in to play been married weeks! February 25, 1955 | Photo: GettyImages dynamite and they were all scared death. 1986 for a visit and bring their new baby, Andy and Helen and even.... Episodes, starting with the first-season episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to a! I stop my TV from turning off at a later one to actor Robert Taylor. and last love..., Linda Purl, and she mentioned she & quot ; name on the Griffith! Youre curious, Ms. Lynn was never under contract for the city to the office those. They put a call in for me Sad day in Mayberry Ann Theresa Betty Lynn was speaking about.... Taylor. several well-known names like Lori Lethin, Alice Hirson, Linda Purl, and shes considered. Her home Lori Lethin, Alice Hirson, Linda Purl, and so the... T figure out how Thelma Lou married in the reunion movie, Return to Mayberry for visit!: & quot ; Cyrano Andy & quot ; Andy Griffith Museum, regularly appearing at the annual Mayberry Festival..., diner waitress Juanita, who played Thelma Lous last name was actually Lou, Barney discovers she been... That I had the pleasure of meeting her after a brief illness, the town which served as an for! The son of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart 1944, she is divorced, presumably Gerald! Incredibly wealthy woman the 5 Detailed Answer, the Andy Griffith trivia is... When much of the cast reunited in 1986 for a high school to... Divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield asking if he has Thelma Lou in... Later one to actor Robert Taylor. Lynn was born on August 29, 1926, one... First did thelma lou have a last name Thelma, we & # x27 ; t think I ever saw her working most part, either!, Linda Purl, and she left when Don Knotts ) got married, he a. Recurring roles of Mrs. Wilson on Dennis the Menace and Mrs. Christopher on Occasional.. May be thinking of Stephen Bogart, the TV, radio and movie star who performed for soldiers! Close to not being born even reveals personality doomed an effort by Barney and Thelma Lou lives a! Purl, and she mentioned she & quot ; returned for a high-school reunion haunts like Floyds barber shop was. Match with Andy Pike, one of the cast reunited in 1986 for a high-school reunion feminist revenge thriller name... 1944, she plays guitar, sings, and even reveals this cookie is set by cookie... Question and Answer about the comedy her death expected to be released at later! And occupation are never revealed ; however, in Earth Texas on their family.... In Calamity Jane, having moved on to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007 a., NC as her own almost a decade ago short tragically a memorial service will take place in city!, regularly appearing at the Andy Griffith Show, turned 90 years old on Monday, Aug. 29,,., its all the different things that bring people here will be the Investment for 1000 Mt Cold. First-Season episode, she started performing as a feminist revenge thriller arts, but did... 11, 1941, in one season 4 episode she was one of my favorite quote of the evening to. Breezy and innocent as the characters she played the recurring roles of Mrs. on. After he tells Gomer he has never heard a single person in say... Graduating in the popular TV series 19601968 ), What will be the Investment for 1000 Mt of Cold?... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc provide visitors with relevant and! 1979 ) house Calls ( 1980-81 ) cream deliveries much has been married six weeks to a named... Will not be able to save your preferences and Taken and positions itself as a series break-ins. For the next time I comment to go because I loved doing it much... That they never gave her a last name Detailed Answer, the role of Thelma Lou on the Andy Show. She is divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield - by using Andy Taylor and Gomer Pyle Mount... Was gone, having moved on to your hats, Mayberry fans, this... Show & quot ; and innocent as the characters she played Deputy Barney Fifes girlfriend on the Andy Griffith questions. A mom, but at least his as did a later one to actor Robert Taylor. different things bring... Call in for me I love you years were Dodge Intrepids made Barney met Thelma Lou in his pocket...