Sad news from the TV world today as actor Jim Nabors died at his home in Hawaii. Nabors was best known for his role as the happy-go-lucky Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show. After that role, Nabors starred in his own sitcom and made a living as a regular cabaret singer.
Hollywood Reporter has the details:
“Nabors died at his home in Hawaii on Wednesday night, his longtime partner told Indiana’s WTHR. A native of Alabama, Nabors also recorded more than two dozen albums with a rich, operatic baritone voice that surprised those who were used to hearing Nabors exclaim ‘Gawwwleee!’ with a Southern twang on television.”
Nabors was born in Alabama on June 12, 1930, and was the son of a policeman. After graduating college, he moved to New York to pursue a career in business. He eventually went out to Los Angeles to take a shot at a career in show business.
That’s where he landed on The Andy Griffith Show and won the hearts of all Americans with his portrayal of the corky Gomer Pyle.
You can watch a classic Andy Griffith clip below:
Nabors had been having health problems for the past few years. His partner confirmed the death first to a local Indiana news outlet:
Nabors’ longtime partner and husband since 2013, Stan Cadwallader, confirmed the news to WTHR Sports Director Dave Calabro Thursday afternoon. Nabors had been having health issues over the past couple of years. He passed away peacefully at his home in Hawaii Wednesday night.
“We lost a great friend and legend,” his partner was quoted as saying. And I think most Americans can agree with that statement. Nabors played a key role on The Andy Griffith Show, which depicted American life as simple and good.
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