James Thurston Nabors, better known as Jim Nabors, is a multi-talented entertainer! He is an actor, singer and comedian.
He is most famous for his role as Gomer Pyle, but he also has a successful singing career and performing comedy.
Although known primarily for his role as Gomer Pyle, Nabors also appeared in many other television shows and films, demonstrating his diverse talents.
He is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and his skills will continue to be loved for many years to come.
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- Full name: James Thurston Nabors
- Stage name: Jim Nabors
- Date of birth: June 12, 1930
- Died: November 30, 2017 (87 years old)
- Birthplace: Sylacauga, Alabama, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: actor, singer and comedian
- Height: 1.83m
- Parents: Fred Nabors, Mavis Nabors
- Siblings: Freddie Mae Danelutt, Ruth Collins
- Spouse: Stan Cadwallader
- Children: unknown
- Relationship: married
- Net worth: 40 million USD
Early life and education
Jim Nabors was born on June 12, 1930 in Sylacauga, Alabama, United States, to parents Fred Nabors and Mavis Nabors.
He had two siblings, Freddie Mae Danelutt and Ruth Collins, and was raised by his parents in a loving family.
Nabors attended the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1951.
Career
Jim Nabors had a varied career before finding success on The Andy Griffith Show. Although he started as a film cutter, he never gave up his dream of acting.
His big break came when he landed a gig at a Santa Monica nightclub, where he portrayed a character similar to Gomer Pyle.
This led to him being discovered and cast by Andy Griffith as the humorous and lovable Gomer Pyle, a role that catapulted him to stardom.
Gomer’s success as a character on The Andy Griffith Show led to his spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, USMC, which lasted for five seasons.
Despite the show’s cancellation, Nabors continued to enjoy success in the entertainment industry. He had his own variety show, became a regular performer in Las Vegas and even acted in movies with Burt Reynolds.
Nabors’s enduring popularity and talent have enabled him to have a successful career beyond his iconic role as Gomer Pyle.
In addition to his successful career in the oil industry, it may surprise many that Nabors also has a talent for singing.
He has released more than 30 albums showcasing his rich baritone voice in a variety of genres, including ballads, pop, gospel and country music.
This unexpected talent added another dimension to his legacy and endeared him to fans around the world.
Awards and appointments
- Golden Globe Award: Nominated Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy for his role in “The Jim Nabors Hour” (1969) IMDb: imdb.com
- Daytime Emmy Award: Nominated for Outstanding Host or Host in a Talk, Service or Variety Series for “The Jim Nabors Show” (1978) IMDb: imdb.com
- Photoplay Awards: These awards are no longer given but Nabors received nominations for:
- Gold Medal for Variety Star (1967)
- Gold Medal Most Popular Comedy Star (1975) IMDb: imdb.com
Social Media
Jim Nabors does not have a social media account.
Personal life
Jim Nabors, the actor and singer beloved for his role as Gomer Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show,” lived a happy and fulfilling life with his partner Stan Cadwallader in Honolulu, Hawaii.
They were together for more than 38 years before marrying on January 29, 2013, just one month after same-sex marriage became legal in their state.
Although there is no information that the couple had any children, they had a strong and loving relationship until Nabors’ death on November 30, 2017.
He passed away peacefully in his hometown, surrounded by the love of his partner and friends.
Filming
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1964) as Gomer Pyle
- Gomer Pyle, USMC (1964–1969) as Gomer Pyle
- The Lucy Show (1966) as himself
- Now Jim Nabors (1969–1970) as Host
- The Flip Wilson Show (1973) as a guest
- The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1974) as a guest star
- Sesame Street (1971) as a performer
- The Love Boat (1981) as a guest star
- Return to Mayberry (1986) as Gomer Pyle
- The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry (1993) as Gomer Pyle
- Stroker Ace (1983) as Lugs Harvey
Net value
Jim Nabors is a beloved American actor, singer, and comedian who has entertained audiences for decades.
He is best known for his iconic role as Gomer Pyle in the film “The Andy Griffith Show” and its subsections “Gomer Pyle, USMC”
Despite his success and a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death in 2017, Nabors remained humble and generous, using his fame and wealth to support charities and different purposes.
He will always be remembered as a talented and kind individual.