Betty Lynn:Thelma Lou and The Andy Griffith Show

Actress Betty Lynn passed away at age 95 on October 16, 2021. She is best known for her role as Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show. There are facts related to this talented woman that are quite interesting and may leave you saying " I didn't know that."

1. Thelma Lou had no last name

She was known as Barney's girl but Thelma Lou was never given a last name. Lynn once said that by season 4 she did not want a last name because everyone knew who she was without one.

2. She was only in five of eight seasons

Lynn came to The Andy Griffith Show in season two in 1961. She left in 1966 during season seven. Her character was dropped after Don Knotts left his role as Barney Fife. Knotts went on to fame in movies like The Incredible Mr.Limpet and The Shakiest Gun in the West. Barney took a job in Raliegh and Thelma Lou was written out of the series.

3. She was in only 26 episodes

Thelma Lou was part of the Mayberry gang but only appeared in 26 episodes of the series that ran from 1960-1968. Lynn was never signed to a contract on The Andy Griffith show in part because she was still under contract for the TV Western Texas John Slaughter at the time she was cast as Thelma Lou. The actress was quoted as saying "I didn't want to leave Thelma Lou. I really loved her. I enjoyed her. She was sweet and kind, she was so fun to play, and I loved working with Don Knotts — he was so wonderful."

4. Barney was not faithful to Thelma Lou

Barney dated Juanita who worked at the diner and other women during the time he was with Thelma Lou. If she knew, she never said anything about it. On occasion, she used Andy, Gomer, and even Opie to make Barney jealous but never had serious date.

5. Betty Lynn did not want her character with anyone but Barney

In the season six episode "The Return of Barney Fife", Don Knots and Betty Lynn return to Mayberry for their characters high-school reunion. Barney thought he was going to reunite with Thelma Lou, but discovers she has been married for six weeks to a man named Gerald Whitfield. Betty Lynn said she strongly objected to her character being married to anyone other than Barney. In order to get through the taping of the episode she pretended that Whitfield was a man she paid to pretend to be her husband so she wouldn't "be left in a lurch" with Barney. This episode is Thelma Lou's final appearance on The Andy Griffith Show.

6. Barney and Thelma Lou get hitched

During the 1986 television reunion movie Return to Mayberry. Thelma Lou reveals her marriage lasted only a year and ended in divorce. Barney finally marries Thelma Lou and legions of fans feel vindicated. The entire town came out for the nuptials and the Darlings showed up and provided the music.

7. Her occupation is never mentioned

Barney was the deputy sheriff but lived at Mrs. Mendlebright's boarding house. Thelma Lou was a single woman who lived in a big house but her occupation is never mentioned.

8. All about Betty Lynn

Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn was born on August 29, 1926. She never married or had children but said she was once engaged. In her later years, she moved to Mt.Airie North Carolina the hometown of Andy Griffith. Lynn said she observed a lot of things that were the inspiration for Mayberry. The actress continued to make appearances and greet fans until shortly before her death. Betty Lynn had movie roles and television appearances before and after The Andy Griffith Show. These include Television: Family Affair, The Mod Squad, Little House on the Prarie, and Matlock. Movies include; Meet me in Los Vegas, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Hangman and June Bride.