Jim Nabors
RETURN TO INDEX
Born Name:
James Thurston Nabors
Born Date: June 12, 1930
Born Place: Sylacauga, Alabama
Died Date: November 30, 2017
Died Place: Honolulu, Hawaii
Occupations: Actor, singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Jim Nabors was best known for his iconic portrayal of the lovable, naïve Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Though famous for his high-pitched, goofy Gomer voice, Nabors was secretly a highly accomplished baritone singer who sold millions of records.
Early Life & Discovery:
Education: Graduated from the University of Alabama, where he acted in skits.
Early Career: He relocated to Southern California for his health, settling in Santa Monica to moonlight as a singer and cabaret comedian at a popular nightclub called "The Horn". It was there that he was discovered by actor and comedian Andy Griffith.
Television Career:
The Andy Griffith Show (1962–1964): Nabors was brought onto the show as a one-shot gas station attendant named Gomer Pyle. His affable, country charm was a massive hit, and he quickly became a series regular.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964–1969): Due to the immense popularity of the character, a spin-off was created following Gomer's enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. The show was a tremendous ratings success.
Variety Shows: Following Gomer Pyle, Nabors starred in his own musical-comedy variety program, The Jim Nabors Hour (1969–1971). He was also a frequent and beloved guest on The Carol Burnett Show.
Musical Career:
Despite being stereotyped by his high-pitched comedic voice, Nabors possessed a rich, booming baritone singing voice.
He released dozens of albums consisting primarily of romantic ballads, inspirational, and gospel songs.
For over three decades (1972–2014), Nabors performed the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" during the pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500, becoming a cherished race tradition.
Later Life: Nabors largely stepped away from Hollywood to enjoy his later years in Hawaii, where he operated a macadamia nut and tropical flower plantation.
Born Date: June 12, 1930
Born Place: Sylacauga, Alabama
Died Date: November 30, 2017
Died Place: Honolulu, Hawaii
Occupations: Actor, singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Jim Nabors was best known for his iconic portrayal of the lovable, naïve Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Though famous for his high-pitched, goofy Gomer voice, Nabors was secretly a highly accomplished baritone singer who sold millions of records.
Early Life & Discovery:
Education: Graduated from the University of Alabama, where he acted in skits.
Early Career: He relocated to Southern California for his health, settling in Santa Monica to moonlight as a singer and cabaret comedian at a popular nightclub called "The Horn". It was there that he was discovered by actor and comedian Andy Griffith.
Television Career:
The Andy Griffith Show (1962–1964): Nabors was brought onto the show as a one-shot gas station attendant named Gomer Pyle. His affable, country charm was a massive hit, and he quickly became a series regular.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964–1969): Due to the immense popularity of the character, a spin-off was created following Gomer's enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. The show was a tremendous ratings success.
Variety Shows: Following Gomer Pyle, Nabors starred in his own musical-comedy variety program, The Jim Nabors Hour (1969–1971). He was also a frequent and beloved guest on The Carol Burnett Show.
Musical Career:
Despite being stereotyped by his high-pitched comedic voice, Nabors possessed a rich, booming baritone singing voice.
He released dozens of albums consisting primarily of romantic ballads, inspirational, and gospel songs.
For over three decades (1972–2014), Nabors performed the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" during the pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500, becoming a cherished race tradition.
Later Life: Nabors largely stepped away from Hollywood to enjoy his later years in Hawaii, where he operated a macadamia nut and tropical flower plantation.