TV Show: Gomer Pyle: USMC

What was originally meant to be a supporting character on The Andy Griffith Show turned into one of the most beloved characters on American TV. “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” made its debut on September 25, 1964, and the show gained strong ratings throughout its five-year stint. When the final episode aired on May 2, 1969, it held a number two spot in the ratings. Even today, the show still has a massive fanbase due to DVD sales and reruns. So, let’s take a look back on the cast of the show and dig up some trivia about the beloved sitcom.

Andy Griffith Discovered Jim Nabors

Andy Griffith discovered Jim Nabors, and saw him as the perfect “Gomer Pyle” character for The Andy Griffith Show. The popularity of the character meant it was natural for Nabors to star in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., as well as for him to host The Jim Nabors Hour and The Jim Nabors Show. Along the way, he even earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. He even found love and perhaps even happiness along the way. In 2013, he married his longtime boyfriend, Stan Cadwallader.