Nabors later revived the role in a spin-off show called 'Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.'
Jim Nabors, who delighted TV audiences as the bumbling Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and the character's subsequent spin-off show, has died. He was 87.
The death of the actor, comedian and singer at his Hawaii home was announced by his husband, Stan Cadwallader, who told The Associated Press that his health had been declining in recent years following a liver transplant two decades ago.
He skyrocketed to fame after he was discovered by Andy Griffith, who cast Nabors as the lovable yet slow-witted gas station attendant Gomer Pyle in the third season of the hit '60s sitcom.
The character was such a national sensation that Nabors got his own spin-off, Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C., which aired between 1964 and 1969.
Among his film roles were Take Her, She's Mine, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Cannonball Run II.
Nabor also appeared on The Carol Burnett Show and The Lost Saucer and The Love Boat on the small screen.
In addition to his film and TV credits, Nabors also sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" prior to the Indianapolis 500 numerous times between 1972 to 2014.
He married Cadwallader, his longtime partner, in 2013 after same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington state.
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