Who Is Still Alive From ‘The Andy Griffith Show’?

ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Ron Howard, 1960-68 — Everett Collection

The Andy Griffith Show originally ran from 1960 to 1968, spanning 249 episodes over eight seasons — but decades later, this wholesome sitcom about small-town life in Mayberry still remains a beloved classic. And the town’s beloved residents — including Andy Griffith’s Sheriff Andy Taylor, his lovable deputy Barney Fife, Aunt Bee, Opie and the rest — became TV icons, who viewers remain passionate about to this day.

Today, most of Mayberry’s residents have passed on, but a handful of the show’s main and recurring cast members are still with us. Here’s a look at who’s still alive from the series and where they are now, along with a tribute to those we’ve lost:

Elinor Donahue (88)

Ellie Walker

Everett Collection; Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Days Of Our Lives

Elinor Donahue joined the show in its first season as Ellie Walker, the pharmacist who became Andy’s early love interest. She was already well known for playing Betty Anderson on Father Knows Best in the 1950s. Now 88, Donahue is retired from acting, but her TV legacy lives on. After her time in Mayberry, she appeared on Star Trek, The Odd Couple and The Young and the Restless. She occasionally appeared at nostalgia conventions to talk about her successful career.

Ron Howard (71)

Opie Taylor

Everett Collection; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Ron Howard stole hearts as young Opie Taylor, Sheriff Andy’s son, appearing in all eight seasons of The Andy Griffith Show. He first rose to fame in this role, and by the 1970s, he became a household name again as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days.

After these shows, Howard transitioned from child actor to acclaimed filmmaker. He went on to direct blockbuster films like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, winning two Academy Awards for the latter. Now 71, Howard remains active behind the camera. His recent projects include the film Pets, and he continues to produce and direct through his Imagine Entertainment company.

Clint Howard (66)

Leon

CBS-TV/Everett Collection; Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Clint Howard, younger brother of Ron Howard, played the silent toddler Leon — the little boy in a cowboy outfit who always offered someone a bite of his peanut butter sandwich. Howard was only about two years old when he first appeared in five episodes, but the character became a fan favorite.

Now 66, he has had a prolific character acting career with more than 200 acting credits. He starred in Gentle Ben, guest-starred on Star Trek and appeared in films like Apollo 13 and The Waterboy. He often cameos in Ron’s movies and enjoys attending fan conventions. In 2021, he co-authored a memoir with his brother, sharing memories of their Hollywood childhood.

Keith Thibodeaux (74)

Johnny Paul Jason

Everett Collection; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Keith Thibodeaux, credited as Richard Keith as a child, played Opie’s friend Johnny Paul Jason in 13 episodes. Even before Mayberry, he was already famous as Little Ricky on I Love Lucy. Thibodeaux left acting behind to pursue music — in the late 1960s, he toured with the rock group David and the Giants.

Today, he serves as executive director of Ballet Magnificat!, a Christian ballet company he runs with his wife. Though no longer in Hollywood, he occasionally shares memories of his time on both I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. Thibodeaux remains a rare link to two of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history.

Dennis Rush (74)

Howie Pruitt

Another one of Opie’s pals, Dennis Rush played Howie Pruitt in a handful of episodes between 1963 and 1965. Rush had a short but busy acting career, appearing in shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Perry Mason and The Lucy Show. He left Hollywood while still young and later enjoyed attending fan conventions like Mayberry Days in North Carolina.

Sheldon Collins (70)

Arnold Bailey

Arnold Bailey was a little more of a troublemaker than some of Opie’s other pals, but that just made him more entertaining. Arnold appeared in the final seasons of The Andy Griffith Show and even returned briefly in Mayberry R.F.D. His most memorable moment might be helping Opie find an abandoned baby in “Opie Finds a Baby.” Collins had a short acting career but racked up impressive credits, including Star Trek: The Original Series and I Dream of Jeannie. By the mid-’70s, he left Hollywood behind entirely and eventually became a dentist. He’s lived a quiet life since.

In Memoriam

Andy Griffith (Sheriff Andy Taylor) died on July 3, 2012 at age 86 from a heart attack.

Don Knotts (Deputy Barney Fife) died on February 24, 2006 at age 81 from lung cancer.

Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) died on December 6, 1989 at age 86 from COPD.

Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) died on November 30, 2017 at age 87 after years of declining health.

George Lindsey (Goober Pyle) died on May 6, 2012 at age 83 after a brief illness.

Aneta Corsaut (Helen Crump) died on November 6, 1995 at age 62 from cancer.

Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) died on October 16, 2021 at age 95 after a brief illness.

Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling) died on May 15, 2022 at age 81.

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