'The Andy Griffith Show' common denominator for Barney Fife, Helen Crump, and Otis Campbell

THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW ran on CBS from 1960-1968. This iconic series has continued in reruns and not been off the air for 61 years. Fans enjoy the episodes six decades later as much as they did when they first aired. The cast became like family to the viewing audience and each Mayberry resident is special for their unique individual personalities. There are three cast members, however, who have something specific in common that gives them a special distinction related to their time on the show.

The actors who portrayed Barney, Helen, and Otis changed history because of the initial impression they made on producers of the popular series. No one knows in the beginning stages of a television program what impact it will make and whether or not it will be received well by the viewing audience. What is known is that when something works, it works and the addition of these castmates on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW is one reason the town of Mayberry and its residents hold a special place in the hearts of viewers.

Don Knotts

Don Knots portrayed Deputy Barney Fife, Aneta Corsaut played school teacher Helen Crump, and Hal Smith was Otis Campbell the town drunk. These 3 beloved characters have a common denominator when it comes to life in Mayberry. Each of them came to THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW for one episode only and had no intentions of receiving a callback. They made such amazing first impressions that they were added to the cast for the duration of the series.

Don Knotts was supposed to only be in the pilot episode and joined the ensemble without any offer that employment would continue past that one episode. The chemistry between Knotts and Griffith was so strong on the first day of shooting that Executive Producer Sheldon Leonard was so impressed he offered Don Knotts a one-year contract and as they say, the rest is history.

Those who watched THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW each week agreed that Andy and Barney had a special bond and a comradery that assisted in giving the series its appeal. After leaving the hit series Don Knotts made several hit movies included by THE SHAKIEST GUN IN THE WEST, THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET, and THE LOVE GOD. He portrayed Mr. Hurley in the television series THREES COMPANY and also appeared on MATLOCK.

Hal Smith

Hal Smith was hired for one episode in season one of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW. His character Otis Campbell the town drunk brought a lot of laughs and Smith was offered a contract on the spot. During the final season of the series, Otis was not seen in the last 9 episodes because of the US Government. Congress was putting pressure on the networks to not air programming that seem to condone alcohol use so the role of Otis was discontinued. Hal Smith did revise his beloved character in the movie RETURN TO MAYBERRY.

Smith joined Don Knotts in the film THE GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN and he was the voice of Owl in the animated Winnie the Pooh cartoons for 30 years. The actor had over 300 roles in movies and television which include PERRY MASON, LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, THE GREAT RACE, HOGAN'S HEROES, and PETTICOAT JUNCTION.

Aneta Corsaut

Aneta Corsaut was only supposed to be in the one episode in season three where Opie and his friends did not like their history lessons. She was to portray the teacher on that one occasion only. Her performance impressed the producers of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW and they offered her a contract. Helen went from Opie’s teacher to becoming Andy’s steady girlfriend and the litle boy's stepmother.

Andy and Helen had a lot of adventures together and eventually married. Prior to becoming a member of Mayberry society Aneta Corsaut starred with Steve McQueen in THE BLOB. The actress also appeared on many other programs including MATTLOCK, DEATH VALLEY DAYS, ADAM 12, HOUSE CALLS, and GENERAL HOSPITAL.

There is an old saying that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. If Hal Smith, Aneta Corsaut, and Don Knotts had not made such great first impressions with the executives of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW the world would never have been able to enjoy watching Barney, Otis, and Helen. Without Aneta Corsaut, Hal Smith, and Don Knotts, Mayberry would not have been the same.