Goober Pyle is a fictional character in the American TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and its sequel series Mayberry RFD. He was played by George Lindsey. Lindsey first read for the part of Gomer Pyle, Goober's cousin, which went to actor-singer Jim Nabors. The two actors had similar backgrounds; Lindsey was from Jasper, Alabama, while Nabors was from Sylacauga, Alabama. They were the show's comic relief. Lindsey was hired to fill the void when Gomer was spun off to his own TV series, Gomer Pyle, USMC. During season five, Goober was initially referred to as Goober Beasley. To solidify the connection to Gomer, Goober's surname was changed to "Pyle." Lindsey wrote a book, Goober in a Nutshell, about his experience playing Goober.
