One Member Of The Cast From ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Retired To ‘Mayberry’ In Real Life

Betty Lynn played Barney Fife’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou, in the beloved Andy Griffith Show, appearing in twenty-six episodes of the series. She also reprised her role in the 1986 sequel movie, Return to Mayberry. Betty’s time on the show influenced an important decision she would make in the final years of her life.

Upon retirement, Betty decided to make the town that inspired Mayberry her home after her house in California was burglarized. The late actress moved to Mount Airy, North Carolina, in 2007 and lived there until she died in 2021.

Betty did not intend to move at first

Betty initially moved to Mount Airy as a renter before permanently owning a home there. She had no idea about the area, even as Thelma on The Andy Griffith Show, her ignorance about North Carolina angered Andy Griffith, according to North Carolina Rabbit Hole.

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The small quiet town with a population of a little over 10,000 residents eventually had Betty’s heart, especially because it made her feel connected to the character that made her famous. She became well acquainted with the area in no time and once said she never wanted to leave.

Betty died in North Carolina at 95

Betty was pronounced dead in October 2021 at the age of 95. She had just celebrated her birthday about two months earlier following a short illness. A memorial service was held in her honor during the fan gathering Mayberry Days, which she showed up to annually.

A book about her life and career, Becoming Thelma Lou — My Journey to Hollywood, Mayberry and Beyond — was published after her death in August 2022 to celebrate her posthumous birthday. Besides The Andy Griffith Show, Betty featured in other television series like Matlock (which, of course, reunited her with Andy Griffith and Don Kotts) and The Little House on the Prairie as Bridget, but playing Thelma remained the career experience closest to her heart.