Ernest T Bass fun facts from The Andy Griffith Show

Howard Morris was beloved as Ernest T Bass on The Andy Griffith Show. Ernest T seemed larger than life, and it appeared he was a staple in Mayberry. Morris actually was only in five episodes of the iconic television series that ran on CBS from 1960 until 1968.

Ernest T Bass was a mountain man who would greet the citizens of Mayberry with "Howdy do to you and you. It's me, it's me, it's Ernest T.!" He was mischievous and caused a lot of grief for Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts).

Ernest T. has been described as a wild, belligerent hillbilly with a scruffy, unkempt appearance and a maniacal laugh. His method of often speaking in rhyme thrilled the viewing audience but caused Andy and Barney much aggravation.

The character's signature move is to throw rocks through windows, then run away laughing. Whenever Andy or Barney call him out on his antics, Ernest T announces: "You ain't seen the las' of Ernest T. Bass!"

This lovable character first appeared in the Season three episode #94, "Mountain Wedding." Ernest T. was determined to marry Briscoe Darling's (Denver Pyle) daughter Charlene (Maggie Peterson), who was already married to Dud Wash (Hoke Howell).

Mr. Bass says the wedding was not legal because there was no preacher, and he believes he still has a chance to win Charlene for himself. The Darling family decides to stage a fake wedding between Dud and Charlene, and when Ernest T steals the bride, he discovers that it was Barney Fife in disguise.

His next appearance was in the season four episode 98, Ernest T Bass joins the Army. The lovable character believes a uniform will cause women to be attracted to him. He does not pass the test to get into the armed forces, but Andy finds a solution. He gives the ruffian Barney's deputy uniform, and Ernest T heads for the hills, a happy man.

In episode 112, (Season Four), My Fair Ernest T Bass, the lovable Ernest T tries to impress a young woman named Ramona, whom he calls "Romena". Andy dresses him up in a suit, and he attempts to use good manners, but it is to no avail, Finally, Bass decides to just be himself and learns that Ramona prefers him that way.

In the Season five episode #133, "The Education of Ernest T. Bass," he believes that women will respect him more if he gets an education because he is unable to read or write. Eagle-eyed viewers point out a discrepancy because Ernest T often writes notes and attaches them to the rocks he throws.

Ernest T. sits in on Helen Crump's *Aneta Corsaut) elementary school class and earns a diploma, although he really did not learn anything. Andy encouraged Helen to have a ceremony and present the diploma to Ernest T just to get rid of him because he was annoying and disrupting the other students.

The final appearance of the trickster was in the Seasn six episode #162, "Malcolm at the Crossroads." This colorized episode is when Bass is fired as a crossing guard in favor of Malcolm Merriweather.

In 1986, Howard Morris joined Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and other cast members in the television movie Return to Mayberry.

Howard Jerome Morris was born on September 4, 1919, and passed away on May 21, 2005. He was an actor, director, and comedian who had roles on The Twilight Zone and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.

He lent his voice to characters on the animated series The Jetsons, The Archies, Garfield and Friends, The Flintstones, The Adam Ant Show, and many more.

Howard Morris also directed eight season four episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.

1. "Barney's Bloodhound"
2. "The Darling Baby"
3. "Andy and Helen Have Their Day"
4. "Three Wishes for Opie"
5. "Otis Sues the County"
6. "My Fair Ernest T. Bass"
7. "Barney's Physical"
8. "Family Visit"