Jack of All Arts

Jim Nabors

Birth Name: James Thurston Nabors
Born: June 12, 1930
Birthplace: Sylacauga, Alabama, United States
Died: November 30, 2017 (aged 87)
Place of Death: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Gender Identity: Cisgender male
Pronouns: He/him
Sexual Orientation: Gay
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
Profession: Actor, singer, comedian
Years Active: 1954 – 2014

Early Life and Career

James Thurston Nabors was born on June 12, 1930, in Sylacauga, Alabama, to Fred Nabors, a police officer, and Mavis Pearl (née Newman). He had two older sisters, Freddie and Annie Ruth. Nabors grew up in a rural, tight-knit community where his musical talents were recognized early on. He sang in his church choir and for his high school chorus, honing his voice that would later captivate millions.

He attended the University of Alabama, where he majored in business administration and performed in skits, marking his first foray into acting. While at Alabama, Nabors joined Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. After graduating, he moved to New York City and worked as a typist for the United Nations, though he found the job unfulfilling. Seeking a better climate for his asthma, he relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he worked for WRGP-TV (now WRCB-TV) as a film cutter and sometimes appeared on a local show, Holiday for Housewives, as a substitute co-host.

Eventually, Nabors moved to Los Angeles and resumed film editing work at NBC. By night, he performed at The Horn, a Santa Monica nightclub known for cabaret-style acts. His stage persona combined a high-pitched comedic voice with interludes of deep baritone singing, an unusual and compelling contrast. It was during one of these performances that comedian Bill Dana discovered him and invited him to appear on The Steve Allen Show. Although the show was canceled before his segment aired, Nabors continued performing at The Horn.

In 1962, Andy Griffith saw Nabors’ act and was struck by his charm and unique stage presence. He offered Nabors a guest role as Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show. Initially planned as a one-time appearance, the character became so popular that Nabors was promoted to series regular and eventually given a spin-off, Gomer Pyle – USMC, which cemented his place in television history.

His act at The Horn caught the attention of comedian Bill Dana, who offered him an appearance on The Steve Allen Show, though the show was canceled soon after. His big break came when Andy Griffith saw him perform and cast him in The Andy Griffith Show as Gomer Pyle. Initially intended as a one-time character, Pyle became a regular and then the centerpiece of the spin-off show Gomer Pyle – USMC.

Television Stardom: The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Jim Nabors made his first appearance as Gomer Pyle in the The Andy Griffith Show episode “Man in a Hurry,” which aired in 1963 during the show’s third season. Initially introduced as a dimwitted but good-natured gas station attendant in Mayberry, Pyle’s character immediately resonated with audiences. The role was directly inspired by Nabors’ nightclub performances in Santa Monica, where he blended slapstick innocence with unexpected moments of operatic singing.

Due to overwhelming viewer response, Nabors became a recurring character on the show and soon one of its most beloved figures. His catchphrases, such as “Shazam!” and “Surprise, surprise, surprise!” became part of the cultural lexicon. His chemistry with Andy Griffith and comedic timing further solidified his place in television history.

In 1964, Nabors was given his own spin-off, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which followed Gomer as he joined the United States Marine Corps. The series co-starred Frank Sutton as the gruff but ultimately caring Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter. The show focused on the often comedic interactions between the naive Pyle and the exasperated Sgt. Carter, becoming a major success for CBS.

Unlike many military-themed shows of its time, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. steered clear of references to the Vietnam War, instead spotlighting themes of friendship, duty, and fish-out-of-water humor. Nabors’ character maintained his Southern charm and moral clarity, and the show provided a rare combination of comedy and sentimentality during a politically divisive era.

The series ran for five seasons, totaling 150 episodes, before Nabors decided to end the show in 1969. He explained his departure by saying he wanted to pursue new opportunities and explore different creative challenges. Nonetheless, the legacy of Gomer Pyle endured long after the series ended, with reruns continuing for decades and the character remaining one of the most iconic in American sitcom history.

Nabors eventually left the series, saying he wanted to pursue other opportunities and “reach for another rung on the ladder.” His portrayal of Gomer Pyle remains one of the most recognizable characters in American television history.

Music and Variety Career

Nabors revealed his surprisingly rich baritone voice to television audiences during appearances on The Andy Griffith Show and The Danny Kaye Show. His performance of “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” in a 1967 episode of Gomer Pyle – USMC became one of the series’ most memorable moments, showcasing his remarkable vocal range and emotional depth.

In 1965, he signed with Columbia Records and began a prolific recording career. His debut album, Jim Nabors Sings Love Me with All Your Heart, was a commercial success and was later certified Gold by the RIAA. He followed it with more than two dozen albums, including the Gold-certified Jim Nabors Sings the Lord’s Prayer and Jim Nabors Christmas Album. His repertoire included romantic ballads, pop standards, gospel, and country songs. During the late 1970s, he also recorded with Ranwood Records.

Nabors headlined his own variety show, The Jim Nabors Hour (1969–1971), which reunited him with his Gomer Pyle co-stars Frank Sutton and Ronnie Schell. Despite mixed critical reviews, the show earned solid ratings and a 1970 Emmy nomination. Afterward, Nabors launched a national concert tour, further establishing his reputation as a live performer.

He was a frequent and beloved guest on The Carol Burnett Show, appearing in every season premiere. Burnett considered him her good-luck charm, and their personal friendship lasted over 50 years. Nabors also made appearances on shows such as The Flip Wilson Show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, Sesame Street, and The Muppet Show. In 1973, he sang the national anthem at Game One of the World Series.

In 1976, he co-starred in The Lost Saucer, a children’s television show by Sid and Marty Krofft, in which he played Fum, an android traveling through time. He continued to perform in live shows in Las Vegas, Reno, and across the country throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1982, he made his theatrical stage debut as Harold Hill in The Music Man at Burt Reynolds’ Dinner Theatre in Jupiter, Florida, alongside Florence Henderson.

From 1997 to 2006, Nabors starred in A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors, a Honolulu-based holiday stage production featuring a mix of Hawaiian and mainland performers. He also maintained a tradition of singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 from 1972 to 2014, becoming a cherished part of the race’s pre-ceremony ritual.

His last major public singing engagement was at the 2014 Indianapolis 500, where he announced his retirement from performing due to health reasons.

He hosted The Jim Nabors Hour (1969–1971), which featured music, sketches, and guest stars including former co-stars. He was a recurring guest on The Carol Burnett Show, appearing in the premiere of every season and becoming close friends with Burnett, even serving as godfather to her daughter.

Nabors was a regular live performer throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including a Vegas show, concert tours, and performances in theatrical productions like Man of La Mancha and The Music Man. He also performed the national anthem at the 1973 World Series and continued singing publicly into the 2000s.

He became beloved in Indiana for singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 nearly every year from 1972 to 2014. His performances became a treasured tradition at the event.

Later Career

After concluding Gomer Pyle – USMC and wrapping The Jim Nabors Hour, Nabors faced some difficulty breaking away from his Gomer persona, which led to typecasting in television and film. Despite this, he remained a popular entertainment figure throughout the 1970s and beyond.

In 1973, Nabors took on his first dramatic role in an episode of The Rookies, portraying a man manipulated into becoming an assassin. He continued appearing on variety programs including The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Flip Wilson Show, and Sesame Street. That same year, he sang the national anthem at Game One of the MLB World Series.

Nabors starred in The Lost Saucer (1975–1976), a children’s science fiction comedy by Sid and Marty Krofft. He played Fum, a clumsy android traveling through time alongside Ruth Buzzi’s character, Fi. While the show was short-lived, it introduced Nabors to a new generation of viewers.

During the 1980s, Nabors was invited by close friend Burt Reynolds to act in three films: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), where he played Deputy Fred; Stroker Ace (1983), where he played a comedic pit crew member; and Cannonball Run II (1984), in which he made a brief cameo. While reviews were mixed or negative, his individual performances were generally well-received by fans.

In 1986, Nabors reunited with the cast of The Andy Griffith Show in the made-for-TV movie Return to Mayberry, once again stepping into Gomer’s shoes. He also filmed a comedy pilot titled Sylvan in Paradise for NBC, where he portrayed Sylvan Sprayberry, a hotel bell captain in Hawaii. The pilot did not lead to a series.

Nabors relocated full-time to Hawaii in 1976, launching The Jim Nabors Polynesian Extravaganza, a stage show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. After a hiatus caused by burnout, he returned to the stage in 1984 with a headlining act in Las Vegas and other cities. He made his theatrical debut as Harold Hill in The Music Man alongside Florence Henderson at Burt Reynolds’ Dinner Theatre in Florida.

His later stage work included A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors, a Honolulu holiday production that ran from 1997 to 2006. He also continued annual appearances at the Indianapolis 500, singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” until his retirement from the event in 2014.

Though he largely retired from public life in the 2000s, Nabors occasionally appeared at events, gave interviews, and received honors from military and civic organizations. He remained a beloved figure until his death in 2017.

In 1973, Nabors took on his first dramatic role in an episode of The Rookies, portraying a man manipulated into becoming an assassin. He continued appearing on variety programs including The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Flip Wilson Show, and Sesame Street. That same year, he sang the national anthem at Game One of the MLB World Series.

Nabors starred in The Lost Saucer (1975–1976), a children’s science fiction comedy by Sid and Marty Krofft. He played Fum, a clumsy android traveling through time alongside Ruth Buzzi’s character, Fi. While the show was short-lived, it introduced Nabors to a new generation of viewers.

During the 1980s, Nabors was invited by close friend Burt Reynolds to act in three films: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), where he played Deputy Fred; Stroker Ace (1983), where he played a comedic pit crew member; and Cannonball Run II (1984), in which he made a brief cameo. While reviews were mixed or negative, his individual performances were generally well-received by fans.

In 1986, Nabors reunited with the cast of The Andy Griffith Show in the made-for-TV movie Return to Mayberry, once again stepping into Gomer’s shoes. He also filmed a comedy pilot titled Sylvan in Paradise for NBC, where he portrayed Sylvan Sprayberry, a hotel bell captain in Hawaii. The pilot did not lead to a series.

Nabors relocated full-time to Hawaii in 1976, launching The Jim Nabors Polynesian Extravaganza, a stage show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. After a hiatus caused by burnout, he returned to the stage in 1984 with a headlining act in Las Vegas and other cities. He made his theatrical debut as Harold Hill in The Music Man alongside Florence Henderson at Burt Reynolds’ Dinner Theatre in Florida.

His later stage work included A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors, a Honolulu holiday production that ran from 1997 to 2006. He also continued annual appearances at the Indianapolis 500, singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” until his retirement from the event in 2014 due to health limitations.

In 1994, Nabors contracted hepatitis B during a trip to India, resulting in liver failure. With the help of Carol Burnett, he underwent a successful liver transplant at UCLA. His experience led him to become an advocate for the American Liver Foundation and increased public awareness of organ donation and liver disease.

Though he largely retired from public life in the 2000s, Nabors occasionally appeared at events, gave interviews, and received honors from military and civic organizations. He remained a beloved figure until his death in 2017.

He reprised Gomer Pyle in the 1986 reunion film Return to Mayberry and starred in a pilot called Sylvan in Paradise, which was not picked up. He later staged a successful concert series in Hawaii, where he had relocated with his partner in 1976.

Health and Personal Life

In 1994, Nabors suffered a life-threatening health scare when he contracted hepatitis B during a trip to India. While shaving with a straight razor, he cut himself and became infected. The disease led to liver failure, and his prognosis was initially grim. Carol Burnett, his longtime friend, intervened by connecting him with the liver transplant program at UCLA. The transplant was successful, and Nabors later became an advocate for organ donation and liver health awareness, working with the American Liver Foundation.

Nabors had been dealing with asthma since childhood, which also influenced his decisions to relocate from New York to Tennessee and later to California and Hawaii for health reasons. In his later years, diminishing health, including a weakened immune system, prompted him to reduce his public appearances and eventually retire fully in 2014.

Nabors came out publicly in January 2013 when he married his longtime partner, Stan Cadwallader, in Seattle, Washington. The couple had been together since 1975 and wed shortly after same-sex marriage became legal in the state. Cadwallader had previously worked as a firefighter in Honolulu, where the two met and built a life together. The ceremony was private, attended by a small group of close friends.

Though Nabors’ sexuality had long been known within entertainment circles, it was never widely publicized until their marriage. A persistent false rumor from the 1970s alleged he had married actor Rock Hudson. The story originated from a prank invitation to a fictitious wedding, supposedly between Hudson and Nabors, where Hudson would take the surname of Nabors’ famous character, becoming “Rock Pyle.” The joke spiraled out of control and led the two actors to avoid being seen together in public.

In addition to his home in Honolulu, Nabors maintained a residence and farmed a macadamia plantation on Maui for 25 years, later selling it to the National Tropical Botanical Garden while retaining rights to farm the land. He also owned a summer home in Whitefish, Montana, where he spent time during the 1990s.

Nabors came out publicly in 2013 when he married his longtime partner, Stan Cadwallader, in Seattle, after same-sex marriage became legal in Washington. The two had been together since the 1970s. While his sexuality was not publicly discussed for much of his career, it was known to many in his personal and professional circles.

A long-standing but false rumor once claimed Nabors had married actor Rock Hudson. The hoax was based on a joke invitation and ultimately led to both men distancing themselves publicly to avoid the speculation.

Death and Tributes

Jim Nabors died peacefully at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 30, 2017, at the age of 87. His husband, Stan Cadwallader, confirmed that Nabors’ health had been declining for some time. Though his death was due to natural causes, it marked the end of an era for fans who had grown up with his humor, kindness, and music.

Tributes poured in from across the country and the world. The United States Marine Corps, for whom Nabors had become an unofficial symbol through his portrayal of Gomer Pyle and his honorary promotions within the Corps, issued a statement reading, “Semper Fi, Gomer Pyle. Rest in peace Jim Nabors, one of the few to ever be named an Honorary Marine.”

Carol Burnett, his longtime friend and frequent collaborator, expressed deep sorrow: “My heart is heavy. I’m grateful he was a large part of my life. I miss him. I love him.” Their friendship had spanned over five decades.

Other tributes included comments from political figures such as Karen Pence, then Second Lady of the United States and former First Lady of Indiana, who tweeted about his beloved performances at the Indianapolis 500. IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan called Nabors “the voice of ‘Back Home Again in Indiana.’” Broadcaster Larry King referred to Nabors as “a gentle man with immense talent.”

Media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, Deadline Hollywood, and The Hollywood Reporter published extensive obituaries reflecting on his television legacy, musical contributions, and impact on American pop culture. Fans, fellow entertainers, and military veterans alike mourned the loss of a performer whose sincerity, humor, and warmth transcended generations.

Legacy and Honors

Jim Nabors’ legacy spans television, music, and live performance, marked by a persona that brought warmth, sincerity, and humor into American households for over five decades. His portrayal of Gomer Pyle became a cornerstone of mid-20th-century television, embodying a type of gentle, earnest comedy that resonated across political and cultural divides.

His long-standing tradition of singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 became one of the event’s most cherished elements, creating a unique bond between Nabors and generations of race fans. He performed it nearly every year from 1972 to 2014, missing only a few due to illness or scheduling conflicts.

Nabors received numerous accolades throughout his life:

  • He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991.
  • The state of Alabama named a section of U.S. Route 280 “Jim Nabors Highway” in his honor in 1978.
  • In 2001, he was made an Honorary Lance Corporal by the U.S. Marine Corps, and in 2007, he was promoted to Corporal. In 2013, he was named an Honorary Sergeant during the Marine Corps’ 238th birthday celebration.
  • In 2006, he was inducted into the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame.
  • Hawaii Pacific University awarded him the Fellow of the Pacific Award for leadership and service.
  • In 2007, he was honored alongside Senator Daniel Inouye at “A Night of American Heroes” for contributions to American culture and patriotism.

His musical achievements were also recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with three of his albums certified gold: Jim Nabors Sings Love Me with All Your Heart, Jim Nabors Christmas Album, and Jim Nabors Sings the Lord’s Prayer.

Posthumously, tributes from institutions like the U.S. Marine Corps and wide-reaching media coverage further cemented his status as a beloved national figure. His legacy endures through reruns, recordings, and the memories of his kindness and sincerity shared by friends, colleagues, and fans.

He was also nominated for Emmy and Daytime Emmy Awards and received several gold records from the RIAA.

Discography

Jim Nabors recorded 28 albums and numerous singles throughout his music career. His releases spanned romantic ballads, gospel hymns, patriotic songs, and holiday standards. Below is a comprehensive list of his known albums:

Several of these albums reached commercial success, particularly among audiences that appreciated sentimental and religious music. His smooth baritone and warm delivery helped build a loyal following and defined a unique niche in American pop and spiritual music.—

Filmography

Film:

  • Take Her, She’s Mine (1963) – Clancy (uncredited)
  • The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) – Deputy Fred
  • Stroker Ace (1983) – Lugs Harvey
  • Cannonball Run II (1984) – Pvt. Homer Lyle

Television:

  • The Steve Allen Show (1961)
  • I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster (1963) – episode: “The Carpenters Four”
  • Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1963) – Claude (2 episodes)
  • The Danny Kaye Show (1963–1964) – Himself (2 episodes)
  • The Andy Griffith Show (1962–1964) – Gomer Pyle (23 episodes)
  • Gomer Pyle – USMC (1964–1969) – 150 episodes
  • The Lucy Show (1966) – guest appearance
  • The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967) – Himself
  • The Dean Martin Show (1968) – Himself
  • The Don Rickles Show (1969) – Himself
  • The Leslie Uggams Show (1969) – Himself
  • The Jim Nabors Hour (1969–1971) – Host/Various characters (51 episodes)
  • Sesame Street (1970–1971) – Himself (2 episodes)
  • The Johnny Cash Show (1971) – Himself
  • The Flip Wilson Show (1972–1973) – Himself (2 episodes)
  • The Rookies (1973) – Corley Curlew
  • The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1973–1974) – Himself/Various characters
  • The Lost Saucer (1976) – Fum (16 episodes)
  • The Muppet Show (1976) – Himself/Billy Lee Boomer/Bakery Guard
  • The Sonny & Cher Show (1976–1977) – Himself/Various characters
  • The Love Boat (1977–1981) – various characters (3 episodes)
  • The Jim Nabors Show (1978) – Host
  • Buford and the Galloping Ghost (1978) – voice of Deputy Goofer McGee
  • Aloha Paradise (1981) – guest appearance
  • Knight Rider (1983) – Passerby
  • Return to Mayberry (1986) – Gomer Pyle (TV Movie)
  • Sylvan in Paradise (1986) – Sylvan Sprayberry (TV Movie)
  • Hi Honey, I’m Home! (1991) – Gomer Pyle

Sources

  • Encyclopedia of Alabama – “Jim Nabors” profile
  • The New York Times – Obituary by Richard Severo, November 30, 2017
  • The Los Angeles Times – Obituary by Dennis McLellan, November 30, 2017
  • The Hollywood Reporter – Obituary and tribute, November 30, 2017
  • Variety – “Jim Nabors, TV’s Gomer Pyle, Dies at 87”
  • Deadline Hollywood – “Jim Nabors Dies: ‘Gomer Pyle’ Star Was 87”
  • Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Rosemarie Bernardo, coverage on Nabors’ death and local legacy
  • Associated Press – Tributes from national figures and Indianapolis 500 coverage
  • IMDb – Full filmography and TV appeara
  • American Liver Foundation – Post-transplant advocacy and education
  • Archived Jim Nabors Official Website – Biography, discography, and press information
  • United States Marine Corps – Statements on honorary promotions and tributes
  • KHNL News – Coverage of Nabors’ 2013 marriage and transplant recovery
  • Aiken Standard – Local Alabama coverage and early life biographical data
  • St. Petersburg Times, Deseret News, and other newspaper clippings from the 1960s–1980s
  • Snopes – Debunking the Rock Hudson marriage rumor
  • YouTube – Archival footage of Nabors’ Indianapolis 500 performances
  • Turner Classic Movies (TCM) – Film credits and role listings
  • AllMusic – Jim Nabors discography and artist overview
  • RIAA – Gold album certifications
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