Jim Nabors Biography

Fast Facts

• First acting opportunity was in a skit show for his college fraternity
• After graduation, moved to New York and was a typist at the United Nations
• Moved to California on medical advice due to his asthma
• There he got a job as a film cutter for NBC and picked up extra work as a singer in a cabaret theater
• Cabaret performance was seen by Andy Griffith, who asked him to audition for a guest spot on The Andy Griffith Show
• The role was originally intended to be for one episode, but the popularity of the character led to a recurring spot on the show
• Hosted the variety program The Jim Nabors Show from 1969 to '72
• Earned five gold albums and one platinum album as a singer, with more than 25 albums recorded
• Owned a macadamia-nut farm in Hawaii
• Sang the traditional song "Back Home Again in Indiana" as part of the opening ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 more than 30 times