15 Rare Photos from ‘The Andy Griffith Show’—See Behind-the-Scenes Mayberry Moments
Andy Griffith, Don Knotts and the rest of the cast had a great time on camera and off, as we reveal
Well now, I tell ya, there’s just somethin’ about the town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show that makes folks wanna slow down a bit, take a deep breath and just enjoy the simple things in life. It’s the kind of place where you’d love to slip away from all the hustle and bustle, prop your feet up on the porch and spend a little time swappin’ stories with good folks like Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Floyd the Barber (Howard McNear), and even old Otis (Hal Smith) when he ain’t sleepin’ off one of his visits to the jail.
And the best part? That easygoing, small-town charm comes through even when you take a peek behind the scenes. We’ve gathered up some fine-lookin’ photos that show the heart and fun of makin’ the show. So go on, pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade, settle into a nice comfy rocker and take a gander at the simple joys of Mayberry.
1. Now, c’mon, Boys, let’s just get along!
It looks much more serious than it really is as Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) demonstrates a wrestling move on Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife (Don Knotts).
2. Hopefully Don Knotts doesn’t pass out here
This publicity shot for The Andy Griffith Show is a fun moment between little Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), Barney Fife and Opie’s dad, Andy.
3. Dancin’ in Mayberry
A bit of dancing fun with Jim Nabors, Don Knotts and Andy Griffith. Notice Gomer’s outfit: this was after the character was spun off into his own series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
4. Two views of Andy
This photo of Andy Griffith was taken during season 6 of The Andy Griffith Show on the Deilu lot. Here he’s standing in front of his publicity portrait that was hanging there.
5. A Desilu Production
When people hear the name Desilu Production, they usually think of Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy, but at the time of The Andy Griffith Show, they had one of the biggest studios in the world where a wide variety of shows were filmed.
6. A couple of Mayberry Kings
Andy Griffith Show producer Danny Thomas with his star. Interestingly, the show began as what’s called a “backdoor pilot” on an episode of The Danny Thomas Show. So popular was Andy with audiences that he was given his own show.
7. Slow down, y’all!
Public service announcement delivered by Andy and Opie Taylor.
8. Lunchtime
Andy Griffith and Don Knots enjoy a bit of lunch (though Andy does seem distracted) during the shoot day of an episode of the series.
9. ‘Not too short now, Floyd’
Howard McNear (who portrayed Floyd the Barber) and Andy Griffith enjoy a laugh on set.
10. Opie’s ‘lost’ brother
Well, it looks like Opie Taylor has a brother! Actually, it’s actor Ron Howard who does, the laughing guy on the right being his brother Clint, also a child actor at the time.
11. Public Service Announcement, part 2
Now that’s a biiiiig firecracker, which is probably why the sheriff of Mayberry and his boy Opie are alerting people to the fact that they need to be extra careful on the Fourth of July.
12. A cute moment between Andy and Ron
Andy Griffith and Ron Howard in a nice moment between scenes on the Desilu lot. There was a true bond between the two of them that viewers could feel watching the show.
13. The fishin’ trio
It looks like the “boys” are having a great time at the fishin’ hole. Somehow it looks like Ron Howard should be wearing that cowboy hat instead of Don Knotts.
14. Why go to a car wash when you can do it yourself?
We’re not sure of the circumstances of this one, but Andy Griffith and Don Knotts seem to be having a good time as Andy washes down a car.
15. How’s this for a welcome to Mayberry?
Don Knotts, Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors on the set of The Andy Griffith Show, coming across like the Mayberry Welcome Wagon.
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