Goober Pyle

Goober Pyle
The Andy Griffith Show character
George Lindsey as Goober Pyle in his signature beanie
First appearance	13 April 1964
Portrayed by	George Lindsey
Information
Gender	Male
Occupation	Auto mechanic
Significant other(s)	Anne Wilson
Children	none
Relatives	Braden Pyle (brother), Gomer Pyle (cousin)

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 first read for the part of Gomer Pyle, Goober's cousin, which went to actor-singer Jim Nabors. The two actors had similar backgrounds; Lindsey was from Jasper, Alabama, while Nabors was from Sylacauga, Alabama.

The character was introduced by Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith) as Goober Beasley, but he was referred to as Goober Pyle for most of his time on the show.

"Goober" is an Americanization of the West African Kongo language word "Nguba", meaning Peanut. "Goober Peas" is another variation of this term, and may have provided the inspiration for the character's original name. Goober was the cousin of Gomer Pyle who was initially often referred to by Gomer but never seen until his appearance in the episode "Fun Girls," which was the only Andy Griffith Show episode in which the two appeared together, although he would later appear in an episode of Gomer Pyle, USMC.

Both Pyle cousins worked at Wally's Filling Station, though not together, and were the show's comic relief. Lindsey was hired to fill the void when Gomer was spun off to join the United States Marine Corps. During season five, Goober was initially referred to as "Goober Beasley." To solidify the Gomer connection, his surname was changed to "Pyle." While Gomer always referenced Grandma Pyle, Goober never mentioned her.