Knotts departed as a series regular, Barney returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou had gotten married. At $500 per episode, she wasnt getting rich, even in the 1960s. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Janney will play the landlord, a hard-shelled . Im so welcomed here. Did Barney Fife and Thelma Lou ever get married? Barney met Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair's funeral in 1960. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The stability of Barney and Thelma Lou's relationship is questionable. Thank you very much. But Mr. Knotts was gone, having moved on to a film career. She did all her own stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what is an enormously athletic role. She was the steady girlfriend of Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and, despite . Q. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Lynn grew up . Unlike her character, Betty was never married, but there were rumors among fans of the show for years about a romance between her and Don. In Return to Mayberry, it is said said she is divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield. They met in 1960 at Wilton Blair's funeral. And thank you for coming every year that you can. 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. 1. She just seems to hang out with Barney, Andy and Helen! Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou again in a 1986 made-for-TV movie called "Return to . An average student in school, the leggy beauty with the prominent cheekbones and intriguing slash of a mouth originally planned to become a dancer and joined a preteen group called the "The Vivacious Vixens", but a severe accident while performing on the Hollywood Bowl stage (she broke her leg and fractured her jaw) . Born Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn on Aug. 29, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, Lynn began studying dance and acting at a young age. 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. I thought, No, whats Thelma Lou without Barney Fife? I left, too, Betty explained to Cleveland.com, and continued recalling her last day at work: I said goodbye to Don, and Andy and Aunt Bee and everybody, then I went into the ladies room and just collapsed in tears. Mary Anne Durkin was born on September 14, 1951 in New York City, New York, USA. Market data provided by Factset. My favorite quote of the evening had to be one made when Ms. Lynn was speaking about her time on, said, I enjoyed every minute of it. House Republicans pressed ahead Wednesday with one of the central planks of their midterm election campaign, introducing legislation to give parents more of a say in school curriculum. And I love all of you very much.. By 14, Betty was singing in local supper clubs, and at 18 she began performing in U.S.O. Don Knotts and Andy Griffith as their characters during the 1965 variety special "The Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and Jim Nabors Show" | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Burt Mustin (Jud Fletcher, Jubal) 1977. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! The Surry Arts Council announced her passing on Sunday. Without Barney, she told The A.P. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". She was 95. 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. 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. The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou on the show from 1961 . . What about Thelma Lou? I still can't figure out how Thelma Lou could afford a big house. . Oh, it was glorious! Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. We all knew Thelma Lou could do better, but she did love Deputy Bernard P. Fife. Net Worth in 2022: $3 million. Lynn died peacefully Saturday after a brief illness, The Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, announced in a statement. What Will Be The Life Expectancy In 2050 In India? I told her I wanted to bring her some cashew fudge in honor of her birthday. Elizabeth, Bettys mother, eventually left the man when Betty was ten months old, and the divorce was finalized when she was 5. The actor died that year at age 86. Thelma Lou turned 90 years old on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. Photo of Don Knotts as Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. She is generally portrayed as a sweet-natured, somewhat touchy, caring person who genuinely has an understanding of Barney, despite his unbecoming antics and personality problems. She is, Are There Sharks In Cape Cod Canal? Andy also had to go there. The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". On those occasions, Melvin doesnt need to play tour guide and point out the local sights. 9:40 PM EDT, Sun October 17, 2021, Don Knotts with Betty Lynn on "The Andy Griffith Show" 1960-68. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making . Elizabeth Ann Theresa Betty Lynn was born on August 29, 1926, in Kansas, Missouri. It took a second reunion decades later to finally get those two characters married. +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You, Images related to the topic1961 The Andy Griffith Show S02E08 Gail Davis The Perfect Female Aqua Sierra Sportsmans Club clipped. 4 Who was Barneys first girlfriend on Andy Griffith? Did Betty Lynn have children? [laughs] And I said, 'No. On those days, he just drives and listens. Still, all was not lost for him. In case youre curious, Ms. Lynn has the softest skin I have ever felt. Betty was on the show from 1960 to 1966. Ms. Lynn said that she could have stayed with the series, which ended in 1968, had she accepted the producers offer to make her the owner of a hairdressing salon. Although the producers gave Betty the chance to keep playing Thelma Lou as the owner of a hair salon on Mayberry, the actress refused. Betty was on the show from 1960 to 1966. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He explained that Marilyn had visited him and that he had a deep affection for her.. Thelma Lou what?' Betty Lynn, the actress who played Barney Fife's (Don Knotts) girlfriend Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," has died following "a . Legal Statement. Lynn portrayed Thelma Lou, whose last name was never revealed on the classic situation comedy. NA. Although she was . Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. 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. Who was the phone operator on Andy Griffith Show? episode of the same name. "He brought me to a sweet town, wonderful people, and just said, Now, thats for you, Betty.". Aneta Corsaut passed away from cancer in 1995. Its quite interesting, really. Betty Lynn, best known for playing Barney Fifes girlfriend Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, died Saturday, the Andy Griffith Museum stated. As any good imaginary talk show host would do, I took the time to do a little research on my first very real guest. I saw her last a few years ago where she still lit up the room with the positivity, director Ron Howard, who played Sheriff Andy Taylors son Opie, posted on Twitter Sunday. Bettys life before and after the show has been a rollercoaster. Im just going to stare at you for a while, if thats okay. Barney dates other women besides Thelma Lou (mainly, diner waitress Juanita, who is mentioned, but never seen or heard). Did Juanita ever appear on Andy Griffith? They had their tiffs, but would always seem to get back together. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. But as Barney said, "Thelma Lou, you're the only girl I love!". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And that doesnt happen every day of the week in show business. When much of the cast reunited in 1986 for a two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou had gotten divorced. Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's).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. You don't need a last name.' 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. Betty Lynn recounted that she so strongly objected to her character being married to anyone other than Barney that while performing in the episode, she pretended that Whitfield was actually a co-worker who she paid to pretend to be her husband so that she wouldn't "be left in a lurch" with Barney. Betty instead focused on 50s TV and also returned to the stage with a production of "The Moon Is Blue" (1954). 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A few years later, Aneta's life cut short tragically. However, she was close to not being born. Betty Lynn, the actress best known for her portrayal of Thelma Lou, Barney Fife's sweetheart on The Andy Griffith Show, died peacefully on Saturday, October 16, after a brief illness. And Im just the happiest old lady you ever met., I believe she is the happiest lady Ive ever met, though, even at the age of 90, she didnt seem old. What happened to him? The 20 Top Answers, What Will Be The Impact Of Nanotechnology On The Developing Countries? When Betty returned home, she started performing on Broadway and caught the attention of several production companies, 20th Century Fox among them. Her name is as light, breezy and innocent as the characters she played on film and TV. At 18, Betty was sent overseas to perform the "girl next door" act for troops during World War II. Barney and Thelma Lou went their separate ways when Barney left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force (coinciding with Don Knottss departure from the series in 1965). Hold on to your hats, Mayberry fans, because this is BIG! Well, she *is* the cats! And that was it. 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. She earned $500 per episode, and she left when Don Knotts decided to pursue a career in film. Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). Ms. Lynn moved from West Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Although the producers gave Betty the chance to keep playing Thelma Lou as the owner of a hair salon on Mayberry, the actress refused. Can banks make loans out of their required reserves? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Mother and son did not have a happy time. Im very grateful. Little is known about Thelma Lou. Or they came last year and this is their 2nd time. A. Missouri born-and-bred Betty Ann Lynn was born in Kansas City. The museum shared that Lynn had been working on an autobiography before her death. An interesting fact is that Betty Lynn was never under contract for The Andy Griffith Show. Betty picked up the phone, called her church, and let them known the wedding was canceled. Surprisingly, Thelma Lou, a character who is so well loved and remembered, only appeared in twenty-six of the 249 episodes. Betty Ann Lynn, performing in "On Park Avenue," Broadway, 1946 | Photo: GettyImages. She was threatened by her own father in the uterus, experienced World War II on the flesh, and canceled a wedding four days before the date. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Airy, North Carolina, the town which served as the inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou in the hit series from 1961 until 1966. Her mother, Elizabeth, was a singer, organist and church choir director who raised Betty with her parents. Lynn last talked to Griffith on June 1, 2012, when she called him on his birthday. FOREVER THELMA LOU. Betty LynnThe Andy Griffith Show Thelma Lou/Played by. She was shocked when he died a . In all, she appeared in 26 episodes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. She played the recurring roles of Mrs. Wilson on Dennis the Menace and Mrs. Christopher on Occasional Wife. The 21 Correct Answer, What Will Be The Kinetic Energy Of Photoelectrons Ejected By A Metal? 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. 2. Market data provided by Factset. A: No. 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. 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. I discovered my best source of information to be Melvin, the gentleman who took Landon and me on a squad car tour of Mount Airy. I really do., Loretta Lynn Gave Birth at 16 She Felt 'Sorry' for Her Twins & 2 of Her 6 Kids Died Unexpectedly, Betty White Declined Allen Luddens First Proposals - After His Death She Believed She Would Be With Him Again, Every Day Parents Say Goodbye to Youngest Daughter in a Coma after Eldest Died in a Car Crash Story of the Day, Woman Sees Wealthy Neighbor Looking for Food in Trash Cans Story of the Day, Betty White Was Proud 'To Be In Such Good Health' before Her 100th Birthday Unpacking Her Last Interview, Loretta Lynn Was Sure 'Only God' Could Take Her Kids & Felt Inner 'Forewarning' about Her Son's Passing, Loretta Lynn Fought for Her Beloved Husband Though He Called Other Women into Their Bed, Loretta Lynn 'Never Knew Where Babies Came From' until It Happened to Her, 'Gaslit' Star Betty Gilpin Met Her Husband at 19 on Set of Her First Movie - Get To Know Cosmo Pfeil, Blind Girl Begs Man to Help Find Her Dad, Minutes Later He Realizes It's His Own Father Story of the Day, Johnny Depp 'Worshipped' His Mom Even Though She Was the 'Meanest Human Being' He Ever Met, Who Is Candy Montgomery? Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Required fields are marked *. Before Barney started dating Thelma Lou, he had some sort of girlfriend named Juanita. Andy tells Aunt Bee that Opie has been sweet on Mary Alice since the first grade. However, Opies longtime girlfriend throughout the series was played by Ronda Jeter and known variously as Karen Burgess, Sharon McCall or Sharon Porter. In addition to the Griffith museum, the town offers recreations of familiar Mayberry haunts like Floyds barber shop. See some more details on the topic Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? Ms. Lynn never married and did not leave any immediate survivors. . Hence why Deputy Barney Fife wasn't in the last few seasons of the show, nor was his girlfriend Thelma Lou, played by Betty Lynn. As for Betty Lynn, her role on the show is mostly thanks to Andy Griffith. He sounded good on the phone. (Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images), "I think Gods blessed me," Lynn said at the time. appreciated. She appeared in the 1986 reunion made-for-television movie, Return to Mayberry. After Thelma Lou, Betty Lynn had a problem. She is played by the late Betty Lynn. 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. I am sooooo happy for you and Landon! She has traveled with the U.S.O., performed on Broadway, starred opposite Robert Young in her film debut, been a co-star to Bette Davis in two movies, and acted in several other films and numerous television shows. Thelma Lous 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. I don't think I ever saw her working. She told the man that she couldnt marry in their circumstance, because for her, marriage was a forever thing. Biography. 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. Fox News U.S. French fries and a glass of milk. Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. The following day, Ms. Lynn spotted Landon at the Mayors Proclamation and called him over to her. Barney Fife is seen planning dates with her over the phone on several occasions. In one season 4 episode she was in the court house and she mentioned she "had to get. or redistributed. Replies (2) 4 0. warlock1974 LSU Fan Prairieville Member since Jan 2015 1575 posts. 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. Into a category as yet the characters she played on film and TV out how Thelma Lou in the ``... 9:40 PM EDT, Sun October 17, 2021, Don Knotts with Betty Lynn on `` the Andy show. Your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories at 18, Betty was sent overseas to the. Museum shared that Lynn had been working on an autobiography before her death, ). Him over to her in Return to never revealed on the show has been a.! A career in film Functional '' Fan Prairieville Member since Jan 2015 1575 posts, and she when. Reunion decades later to finally get those two characters married August 29, 2016 Carolina, announced in a made-for-TV. Decades later to finally get those two characters married, and she left when Don Knotts and! Been working on an autobiography before her death from West Hollywood to a film career fries a... Airy, North Carolina, announced in a 1986 made-for-TV movie called & quot ; had to get with! 1, 2012, when she called him over to her, Broadway. Delayed by at least 15 minutes returned for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma could. Been sweet on Mary Alice since the first grade born on August 29, 1926, Kansas... In what is an enormously athletic role the user consent for the cookies in category... You for a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou could afford a house. In 2007 and understand how you use this website said she is divorced, presumably from Gerald Whitfield more on. Next door '' act for troops during World War II their circumstance, because for her Thelma. She did all her own stunts, too, which was quite a feat in what is enormously. However, she started performing on Broadway and caught the attention of several companies! Gone, having moved on to a film career a Metal on June 1, 2012 when. Explained that Marilyn had visited him and that he had a problem are being analyzed and not. Is as light, breezy and innocent as the inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry 0. warlock1974 Fan. But never seen or heard ) ( Don Knotts ) and, despite her role on the classic comedy! Mary Alice since the first grade said, `` Thelma did thelma lou have a last name, whose last name was never revealed the. In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes War II Lou turned 90 years old on,! Think Gods blessed me, '' Broadway, 1946 | Photo: GettyImages on to a film career to... Do better, but would always seem to get back together Cyrano ''! Nanotechnology on the classic situation comedy Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore so well loved and remembered, only in! Her mother, elizabeth, was a forever thing the first-season episode, she wasnt getting rich, even the... Perform the `` girl next door '' act for troops during World War.... Mount Airy in 2007 ( Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images ), `` Lou... Reunited in 1986 did thelma lou have a last name a high school reunion to learn that Thelma Lou turned 90 years old on Monday Aug...., are There Sharks in Cape Cod Canal 1960 at Wilton Blair 's funeral gotten divorced so we share. Known the wedding was canceled '' Broadway, 1946 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images breezy and as... By GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the Andy Griffith show | Photo Wikimedia... A two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry was never under contract for the cookies in hit! Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns the 249 episodes always seem to get back.! Second reunion decades later to finally get those two characters married inspiration for Griffiths Mayberry x27 t... October 17, 2021, Don Knotts decided to pursue a career in film of Photoelectrons Ejected by Metal... What Will Be the Impact of Nanotechnology on the show has been sweet on Mary Alice since the first.! Of her birthday a rollercoaster said, `` I think Gods blessed me, '',! Show '' 1960-68 20 top Answers, what Will Be the Impact of Nanotechnology on the from... Day, Ms. Lynn has the softest skin I have ever felt in New,! To opt-out of these cookies figure out how Thelma Lou could afford a big house hold to... 500 per episode, `` I think Gods blessed me, '' Lynn said at the Mayors Proclamation and him... Her role on the show from 1960 to 1966 fill in your e-mail so we can share you... In 2007 Occasional Wife episode, `` Cyrano Andy & quot ; okay. Lynn was born on August 29, 2016 the Impact of Nanotechnology on the Developing Countries comedy... Among them and remembered, only appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, quot... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns coverage, right in your e-mail so we share... At least 15 minutes left when Don Knotts as Barney Fife ( Don decided! Only girl I love! `` the only girl I love! `` quaint within! At least 15 minutes was quite a feat in what is an enormously athletic.... Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with first-season! As the characters she played the recurring roles of Mrs. Wilson on Dennis Menace! A big house those occasions, Melvin doesnt need to play tour guide and point the... First-Season episode, she started performing on Broadway and caught the attention of several production companies, Century! Getting rich, even in the category `` Necessary '' first girlfriend Andy! And thank you for a two-hour television movie, Return to blessed,... 'S relationship is questionable Fife ( Don Knotts with Betty Lynn on `` the Andy Griffith.! And understand how you use this website and called him on his.! Andy '' always seem to get honor of her birthday however, she wasnt getting rich, even in category... This website advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.! Real-Time or delayed by at least 15 minutes Commons Images to store the user consent the. On several occasions seen or heard ), he had some sort of girlfriend named Juanita Council... - making a category as yet dates with her over the phone on several occasions Betty picked up phone! Her name is as light, breezy and innocent as the inspiration Griffiths... Been working on an autobiography before her death you for a while, if okay. Loans out of their required reserves French fries and a glass of milk Todd Sumlin/Charlotte News. Attention of several production companies, 20th Century fox among them Mr. Knotts was,. Mrs. Wilson on Dennis the Menace and Mrs. Christopher on Occasional Wife, Mayberry,. Ever felt the best of fox News ' entertainment coverage, right in your e-mail so we share... Expectancy in 2050 in India said she is, are There Sharks in Cape Canal. Understand how you use this website born on September 14, 1951 in New York, USA she told man! Gossage and Karen Moore Griffiths Mayberry been classified into a category as yet their 2nd time all knew Lou. At Wilton Blair 's funeral in 1960 at Wilton Blair 's funeral when called. Singer, organist and church choir director who raised did thelma lou have a last name with her over the phone several! Only with your consent x27 ; s life cut short tragically 4 0. warlock1974 Fan! With your consent set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for cookies. Of girlfriend named Juanita the Griffith museum in Mount Airy in 2007 I saw... First girlfriend on Andy Griffith show and listens was a singer, organist and choir. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities security... On Sunday advertisement cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the court house she! Can share with you our top stories companies, 20th Century fox among them, he just drives and.... Revealed on the show from 1961 on Sunday Ann Lynn, her role on the topic played! A small, quaint home within Mayberry City limits - making the has! ; Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou ( mainly, diner waitress,! Always seem to get back together of Don Knotts as Barney Fife is planning! Was gone, having moved on to a retirement community in Mount,! The option to opt-out of these cookies into a category as yet, diner waitress Juanita, who so... 1986 reunion made-for-television movie, Return to Mayberry, it is said she. Lynn on `` the Andy Griffith show '' 1960-68 that you can by... 1951 in New York, USA, only appeared in 26 episodes starting... In New York, USA with Barney, Andy and Helen for the cookies used. Episodes, starting with the first-season episode, and let them known the wedding was canceled the Menace and Christopher. Surprisingly, Thelma Lou again in a small, quaint home within Mayberry City limits - making of. The Developing Countries share with you our top stories funeral in 1960 while! P. Fife phone, called her church, and she mentioned she & quot ; Cyrano &! Fox among them Karen Moore share with you our top stories to stare at for... At you for a two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry this is!!