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. 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. The movie is described as a mix of Thelma and Louise and Taken and positions itself as a feminist revenge thriller. The death was announced by the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, Mr. Griffiths hometown and the inspiration for fictional Mayberry. The never-married former actress lived in a retirement community there till her death on October 16, 2021 at the age of 95. "I thought, 'No, what's Thelma Lou without Barney . It was there, at the annual Mayberry Days Festival, that I had the pleasure of meeting her. Lynn took her talents overseas, performing in the USO for servicemembers during World War II. She is Mayberry Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife's love interest. She reprised her role in the made-for-TV movie "Return to Mayberry," in which Thelma Lou and Barney got married. Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). His son Opie didn't have a mom, but at least his . In that case, the role of Thelma Lou made Betty Lynn an incredibly wealthy woman. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits making Barneys ice cream deliveries much quicker. She was never signed on to the show, in part because she was still under contract for Texas John Slaughter. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Updated After another minor part in Apartment for Peggy (1948), she earned a featured part playing kid sister to Barbara Bates in June Bride (1948) starring Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery. Oct. 18, 2021 12:56 AM PT. 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. In one season 4 episode she was in the court house and she mentioned she "had to get. On April. 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.". Betty Lynn, best known for playing Barney Fife's girlfriend Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," died Saturday, the Andy Griffith Museum stated. Betty Lynn, best known for playing Barney Fifes girlfriend Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, died Saturday, the Andy Griffith Museum stated. Well, she *is* the cats! Did Doris Day do all the horse riding in Calamity Jane? She was 95. Betty's first film for Fox was 1948's Sitting Pretty with Clifton Webb, Robert Young and Maureen O'Hara. 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. 4 Who was Barneys first girlfriend on Andy Griffith? Her two cousins are Mary Grace Gossage and Karen Moore. She was 95 years old. Who was Barneys first girlfriend on Andy Griffith? [laughs] And I said, 'No. In her later years, Lynn participated in reunions with fellow cast members and various Mayberry-themed festivals. Here are the search results of the thread Who played Thelma Lous cousin Karen? Ms. Lynn adopted Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, NC as her own almost a decade ago. All rights reserved. And I love all of you very much., The Darlings From "The Andy Griffith Show". Barney Fife would be considered Thelma Lou's first and last true love. [1] Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). 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. The producers were thinking of keeping her on the show but Betty felt her role was incomplete, without her connection to Don Knotts, after Barney Fife left.TV work continued, never straying far from her wholesome image, with recurring roles on Family Affair (1966) and My Three Sons (1960) and guest parts on The Farmer's Daughter (1963), The Smith Family (1971) and Little House on the Prairie (1974). She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making . Back to top. Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra canceled a March 5 concert scheduled to feature soprano Anna Netrebko in a decision the orchestra said it made ''due to public concerns.''. When much of the cast reunited in 1986 for a two-hour television movie, Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou had gotten divorced. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". On Mayberry R.F.D., Andy and Helen return to Mayberry for a visit and bring their newborn baby with them. A few years later, Aneta's life cut short tragically. And I hope, here next year. Thelma Lou married a man named George Whitfield in 1965 after she moved away when Barn. Thelma Lou Fife (ne ???) When Betty returned home, she started performing on Broadway and caught the attention of several production companies, 20th Century Fox among them. But most people want to hear about her days on The Andy Griffith Show, so that will be the focus of this interview. He sounded good on the phone. We were so privileged to be on that show. 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). We also never were told her last name. 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. Burt Mustin (Jud Fletcher, Jubal) 1977. 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. She is an actress, known for The Andy Griffith Show (1960), Ripcord (1961) and Many Happy Returns (1964). What happened to him? Biography. Ms. Lynn joined the cast of the show in 1961, late in the first season, for an episode in which Sheriff Andy Taylor (Mr. Griffith) plays matchmaker between Barney and Thelma Lou. Oh, it was glorious! I am sooooo happy for you and Landon! No one ever mentioned her last name. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Ms. Lynn moved from West Hollywood to a retirement community in Mount Airy in 2007. Juanita Beasley is a waitress at the Bluebird Diner in Mayberry and is never seen in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Did Juanita ever appear on Andy Griffith? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. My favorite quote of the evening had to be one made when Ms. Lynn was speaking about her time on The Andy Griffith Show. She reprised her role in the made-for-TV movie "Return to Mayberry," in which Thelma Lou and Barney got married. 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. Andy Griffith did kiss Helen on the show in the episode "The Rumor." And that was it. Ive looked for it in candy shops, but you cant find it anywhere. Barney and Thelma Lou go through a brief, yet touching re-acquaintance and are finally married at the end of the movie. from Bing. Q: I believe Barbara Stanwyck had a son, Stephen. All rights reserved. . There, they had their own little lovefest! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I guess I should have realized right then something was going to happen, Betty joked. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. The actor died that year at age 86. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. And I love all of you very much.. She lives in a small, quaint home within Mayberry city limits - making Barney's ice cream deliveries much quicker. 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. Full name: Aneta Louise Corsaut; Date of birth: 3rd of November, 1933; . Thelma Lou what?' Lenda was born to Ray and Wanda Rucker on September 11, 1941, in Earth Texas on their family farm. Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn (August 29, 1926 - October 16, 2021) was an American actress. Of Being Called 'Thelma Lou'. That can make a person rich.. She sings in the choir. Or they came last year and this is their 2nd time. Thelma Lou's last name and occupation are never revealed; However, in one episode, she mentions getting back to the office. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Landon said, I just want you to know how much I love you.. The only thing we know about what she did for a living is that she worked in an office in town. 1 Who was the phone operator on Andy Griffith Show? Hold on to your hats, Mayberry fans, because this is BIG! Aneta Corsaut Death . In the film, it was revealed that Thelma was a widow, and by the end of it, she and Barney had finally gotten their happily ever after. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. (Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images), "I think Gods blessed me," Lynn said at the time. She served as an ambassador for the Andy Griffith Museum, regularly appearing at the museum to speak to fans and sign autographs. Her marriage in 1965 is revealed to have lasted only a year before ending in divorce. or redistributed. Yes, Melvin, I do understand how rare that is. The museum posted a photo gallery of images showing Lynn meeting fans of the series. Its quite interesting, really. As actors they were all great to work with. Four days before the date set for their wedding, Bettys fianc arrived at her home and asked to talk with her and her mother. Im just going to stare at you for a while, if thats okay. But as Barney said, "Thelma Lou, you're the only girl I love!". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Betty Lynn, the actress who played Barney Fife's (Don Knotts) girlfriend Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," has died following "a . 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. I told her I wanted to bring her some cashew fudge in honor of her birthday. After a 1978 part on an episode of Barnaby Jones (1973), little was seen of her until she rejoined the Mayberry cast for a reunion in the TV movie Return to Mayberry (1986). I don't think I ever saw her working. 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. What are 2 negative effects of using oil on the environment? What Will Be The Life Expectancy In 2050 In India? I took a cue from Melvin and did my level best to listen more than I talked, while in the presence of Betty Lynn. However, people fool themselves with Betty Lynn, because behind her image as sweet Thelma Lou is a strong woman. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Born Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn on Aug. 29, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, Lynn began studying dance and acting at a young age. Still, all was not lost for him. MOUNT AIRY, N.C. Actress Betty Lynn, best known for her portrayal of Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," died Saturday following a brief illness at the age of 95, The Andy Griffith . The woman did not have time to learn the joys of motherhood and married life, but she was a . 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. Barney and Thelma Lou went their separate ways when Barney left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force (coinciding with Don Knotts's departure from the series in 1965). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Still, Betty Lynns Thelma Lou made such an impression on both old and new fans of the show that, 52 years after the series ended, people still line up to meet her, get her sign, some pics, and a kissif shes up for it. A: With help including The Andy Griffith Show Book by Ken Beck and Jim Clark, here are some answers: It was on The Danny Thomas Show, which included the pilot for Griffiths show, that we learned that Andys wife Opies mom died when Opie was a speck of a baby., Barney was fond of Juanita Beasley, a local waitress, who was never seen onscreen. I like cashews. Andy also had to go there. (1976) The Runaways (1979) House Calls (1980-81) . Im very grateful. Betty and the man were engaged three times, and every time they broke up, Betty would give him back a gold necklace that he had gifted her early on their relationship. For Betty, the rumors of an affair between her and Don were, on the one hand, disrespectful because he was a married man, but on the other hand flattering, as she explained: I finally told Don we have to look at this a different way. Thank you very much. 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 . Betty Lynn on "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars," a CBS television anthology series, February 25, 1955 | Photo: GettyImages. Lynn appeared as Thelma Lou on the show from 1961 until 1966. Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). 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. Mother and son did not have a happy time. 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 . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Elizabeth Ann Theresa Betty Lynn was born on August 29, 1926, in Kansas, Missouri. Jack Prince (Rafe Hollister) 1971. Once, he pointed his rifle at Bettys mom pregnant belly and threatened to shoot. 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. 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