‘The Andy Griffith Show’: Besides Don Knotts, Only One Actor Won an Emmy for Performances on Show
“The Andy Griffith Show” was a cultural touchstone. From the show’s well-rounded cast, right down to the show’s endearing storylines, the 1960s sitcom was a primetime hit. Even now, five decades since the last episode aired, the popular series draws viewers into the re-runs.
The show first premiered on CBS in October of 1960. The final episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” aired in April 1968.
During the show’s successful run, it received a total of seven Emmy nominations, winning five overall.
Don Knots was clearly a series favorite, at least when it came to the Emmy awards. The Barney Fife actor won a total of four Emmys between 1962 and 1967. Each of the awards was for Outstanding Performance In A Supporting Role By an Actor. These were awarded in 1962, 1963, 1966, and 1967.
While Knotts was an award-winning hit, another one of the show’s actors also received the ultimate Emmy nomination in1967.
Another “Andy Griffith” Star Earns Coveted Emmy
Frances Bavier, who portrayed the maternal Aunt Bee, won the Emmy for Outstanding Performance In A Supporting Role By an Actress. The actress won this recognition in 1967.
Aunt Bee is the aunt of Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith). She comes to the Taylor residence to act as house manager. She cares for Taylor, who is a widower, and his young son, Opie (Ron Howard). Aunt Bee is the ultimate caretaker. Known for her amazing cooking skills, Aunt Bee epitomizes the maternal caretaker character. Bee is known for spoiling her family, and neighbors with her “downhome,” and wholesome meals. She often steps in as a sort of mother figure for young Opie.
Frances Bavier graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1925. In 1957, the actress landed a role on the “Eve Arden Show” portraying Eve Arden’s on-screen mother, Nora Martin. She also guest-starred on “Perry Mason” that same year.
A few years later, the actress found herself guest-starring in an episode of “Make Room For Daddy,” also known as “The Danny Thomas Show.” According to the IMDB page, Bavier played a character by the name of Henrietta Perkins on the popular series. This particular “Make Room For Daddy” episode also featured Andy Griffith in his Sherrif Andy Taylor role. The episode also featured Ron Howard who portrayed Taylor’s son, Opie. This episode was technically a pilot for “The Andy Griffith Show” which featured Bavier as Aunt Bee.
