George "Goober" Lindsey
For years, George Lindsey's classic portrayal of "Goober" has filled hearts with love and laughter.  While he may be best known as the "simple" gas station attendant on The Andy Griffith Show, Lindsey/s talents extended well beyond the city limits of Mayberry.  In fact, Lindsey is an established veteran character actor of tremendous range.

After graduation from the prestigious American Theater Wing in New York and the landing of co-starring roles in Broadway musicals, including All American and Wonderful Town, the Jasper, Alabama, native headed for Hollywood in 1962.  He was immediately cast for the film Ensign Pulver directed by Josh Logan.  Within the next two years, Lindsey appeared in more than 40 television shows.

 

His introduction to Andy Griffith in 1964 inspired the creation of the Goober character.  Lindsey co-starred on both The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD for more than seven years, firmly endearing himself to an entire nation of viewers.

 

The Andy Griffith Show was never out of the Nielsen top ten during its original airing on CBS from 1960-68 and was the top-rated show on television during its last season.  Now celebrating its 39th anniversary, the show currently airs in more than 100 U.S. markets.  It's longstanding following is evidenced by The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC), which is one of the most loyal and active fan clubs today, boasting such illustrious members as country superstar Randy Travis and college favorite R.E.M. Mayberry RFD ran for three seasons (1967-71) and was a Top Ten program while on the air.  Obviously, a television viewer's favorite, judging by the syndication popularity, the "Mayberry Fever" still runs rampant today supported by a multinational fan club that maintains more than 500 chapters.

 

In 1971, Lindsey stopped by the Nashville studios of Hee Haw to say hello to friends.  The show's producer asked Lindsey to do "a couple of lines" for the taping and a 20-yearrole on the series was spawned.  In May of 1994, Lindsey starred in the stage production of Hee Haw Live at Opryland.

 

Some of his television appearances include:  M*A*S*H*, Flo, Laugh-In, The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, David Frost, The Wonderful World of Disney, Twilight Zone, Jack Parr, Gunsmoke, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Banachek, CHIPS, Hollywood Squares, Kraft Music Hall, Herbie the Love Bug, Mike Douglas and The Tulsa Music Festival.

 

Lindsey's motion picture credits include:  Cannonball Run II, The rescuers, take This Job and Shove It, Robinhood, Snowball Express, The Aristocats, Charlie and the Angel and Treasure of Matacumbe.

 

A peek into the private side George Lindsey reveals a bright and compassionate humanitarian.  He has raised more than one million dollars for the Special Olympics.  He also took pride in the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournament which was held in Montgomery, Alabama, that raised funds to assist thousands of mentally retarded children for 17 years.  The George Lindsey Aquatic Center at the Alabama State Hospital for the Mentally Retarded is another of his accomplishments.  In 1996, Lindsey was awarded the prestigious Minnie Pearl Award for his humanitarian contributions.

 

Facts On

Dr. George Lindsey

 

While at FSTC (UNA)

Won athletic scholarship to play football at Florence State Teachers College

Started as quarterback on offense and played cornerback on defense, during the same years that future legendary Chicago Bears end Harlan Hill played for the Lions

Member of the "F" Club

Won first place in the college talent review

Graduated in 1952 with bachelor's degree in biology and physical education

 

After College

Taught school in Hazel Green, Alabama

Served in the United States Air Force

Moved to New York City and graduated from the prestigious American Theatre Wing

Co-starred in the Broadway musicals All American and Wonderful Town

recognized while living in New York by the American Red Cross for previously saving a man from drowning in Alabama

 

Hollywood Bound

Arrived in Hollywood in 1962; immediately cast in for role in Ensign Pulver

After a span of only two years, he had appeared in more than 40 television shows

His introduction to Andy Griffith in 1964 inspired the creation of the "Goober Pyle" character for the Andy Griffith Show

Starred in three of the longest running and most successful shows in the history of television, The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry RFD and Hee Haw.  (The Andy Griffith Show, now in syndication, has never been off the air and can be seen daily around the world)

Numerous other movie and additional television credits

 

Beyond Hollywood

In 1973, he was honored by UNA as an alumnus of the year

In 1983, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

 

Beyond Hollywood continued

Only those closest to Dr. Lindsey realize what a significant humanitarian impact he has had.  Although many of his charitable endeavors have not been publicized, he has spent a great amount of his energies lending his stardom helping his fellow man.  For example:  He has raised over $1.5 million for Alabama Special Olympics; he has helped raise money for hospitals and schools, including UNA.  Personal involvement has been his focus as he lends his name and fame to help those in need for more than 20 years.

In 1992, he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from UNA in recognition of his efforts.

In July of 1998 he received the "Spirit of Freedom" award for his humanitarian efforts and work with the Special Olympics.

 

In 1998, he and the University of North Alabama Department of communications and Theatre held the first annual George Lindsey Television and Film Festival.