George Smith Lindsey was an American actor, best known for his role as Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and its successor, Mayberry R.F.D. He later reprised the role for many years on the long-running country music variety show Hee Haw. Beyond his iconic character, Lindsey dedicated himself to fundraising for the Special Olympics and established an annual film festival at the University of North Alabama. He remained a beloved television personality throughout his life, forever associated with the simple, good-hearted nature of Goober.