George 'Goober' Lindsey of 'Andy Griffith Show' and 'Hee Haw' fame dead at 76

George 'Goober' Lindsey of 'Andy Griffith Show' and 'Hee Haw' fame dead at 76

Actor and comedian George "Goober" Lindsey, who starred on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Hee Haw," died early Sunday morning after an extended illness, sources tell Channel 4 News. He was 76 years old.

Lindsey was born in 1935 in Fairfield, Ala, and grew up in the small town of Jasper. Sources tell Channel 4 News the actor will be buried there, but funeral arrangements are still incomplete at this time.

He became interested in acting after seeing a production of "Oklahoma!" when he was just 14.

Lindsey worked as a teacher in his hometown after graduating in 1952 from the University of North Alabama, but soon moved to New York to pursue a career in theater. He did small parts in local productions and always dreamed of working in Hollywood.

He got his big break after 1962 when he moved to Los Angeles and signed with the William Morris Agency. Lindsey got roles on TV programs such as "The Rifleman," "Twilight Zone" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour."

Lindsey is probably best known for his role as Goober in the popular television series "The Andy Griffith Show." He originally auditioned for the role of Gomer Pyle, but fellow actor and Alabama native Jim Nabors ended up with the part. ::snipping2::

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