Jim Nabors (born June 12, 1930) is an American actor, singer, and comedian. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the good-hearted but naïve character Gomer Pyle on the two highly successful 1960s sitcoms: The Andy Griffith Show and its spinoff Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.. Given his goofy demeanor and voice on both Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle, it was surprising to many when he revealed a strong baritone singing voice and turned it into a successful recording career.
Nabors also appeared on a number of variety shows in the 1960s and 1970s, most notably The Carol Burnett Show and The Muppet Show. Carol Burnett considered Nabors her lucky charm, and he was always the first guest on every new season of Carol's show. Burnett and Nabors have long been close friends. Comedienne Minnie Pearl looked on Nabors as a surrogate son and he often vacationed with her and her husband.
Actor Burt Reynolds had used Nabors in a number of his movies during the 1980s.
He is also noted for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" (not the official state song, contrary to popular belief) during pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500.
He was born in Sylacauga, Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama. As of 2005, Nabors owns and operates a macadamia nut plantation in Hawaii.
