James Thurston "Jim" Nabors was born in Sylacauga, Ala. Because he
suffered from asthma, he moved to California, where he was scouted at
a Santa Monica nightclub and cast as hapless Gomer Pyle on The Andy
Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-1968). The character proved popular, and Jim
was given his own spin-off show on CBS, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. The sires
aired from 1964 to 1969.

Pictured left to right: Don Knotts, Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors