Goober Pyle is a fictional character in the American TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and its later sequel series Mayberry RFD. He was played by George Lindsey. Lindsey initially read for the part of Gomer Pyle, Goober's cousin, which eventually went to actor-singer Jim Nabors. The two actors had similar backgrounds; Lindsey was originally from Jasper, Alabama, while Nabors was originally from Sylacauga, Alabama. The character was initially introduced by Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith) as Goober Beasley, but he was referred to as Goober Pyle for the majority of his time on the show.