Required fields are marked *. Behind the scenes, Donahue decided she and Griffith lacked the chemistry to make their on-screen romantic relationship credible and she decided to leave. In 1963, Donahue was cast in an episode of NBC's short-lived modern Western series, Redigo, with Richard Egan as the rancher Jim Redigo; then in 1964, she appeared as Melanie in "The Secret in the Stone" in the NBC medical drama dealing with psychiatry, The Eleventh Hour, starring Jack Ging and Ralph Bellamy. However, the episode "The Guitar Player Returns" was her last. Her character mysteriously disappeared without any kind of explanation for the viewers. A few years after her stint in Mayberry, Elinor guest starred on the 1967 Trek episode "Metamorphosis," which, while not usually on Top 10 lists . I didnt think there was any real chemistry there. In retrospect, from things that people have said to me very lovely things I was doing OK. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/factsverse?sub_confirmation=1 Or, watch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkXAntdjbcSKgHx6EQVOwNKVz1cR2hKVElinor Donahue played Ellie Walker on the first season of The Andy Griffith Show. Pleshette married twice. To hear Elinor Donahue in her own words regardingFather Knows BestandThe Andy Griffith Show, as well as people likeGilligans Islandstar Dawn Wells and others, please visit theTV RetroVisionpodcast by clicking HERE. The Andy Griffith Show made its debut in 1960, and Elinor was a part of it, playing pharmacist Ellie Walker, with the idea being that she would eventually become the girlfriend of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) following a rocky start between the two of them. Thankfully, she was able to leave the show with no bad blood. she and Andy Griffith didn't have enough chemistry. Andy Griffith had been a successful stand-up comedian as well as an actor before beginning the show, and he had fully expected to be the main funny character on it, and in the first few episodes even performed some of his stand-up routines, like his countrified versions of classic fairy tales. I have always wondered why he was uncomfortable around women. The actress, Elinor Donahue, later admitted that she felt like she and Andy Griffith didn't have enough chemistry to portray a believable couple on screen, so she decided to leave the show. Ms. Lynn said that she could have stayed with the series, which ended in 1968, had she accepted the producers offer to make her the owner of a hairdressing salon. I didnt sing anymore, so I avoided it like the plague, she admits. She played lady druggist Ellie Walker on the CBS comedy for about a dozen episodes until her unexpected departure. As she explained to Don Knotts daughter Karen in her recent book Tied Up in Knotts: My Dad and Me, she was only 23 years old when she appeared on the Griffith Show. Andy later took the blame and said he wasn't very good at showing . Why did Elinor Donahue leave 'The Andy Griffith Show' after playing Andy's love interest in the first season? I didnt think there was any real chemistry there. But it didnt seem like Donahue ever had any sort of conflict with Andy Griffith or anyone else working on the show. The actor told the Television Academy Foundation how she came to be cast in 1960 on The Andy Griffith Show. But the truth is, I felt like a bird out of a nest. After all, she was only 23 when he agreed to the three-year contract as Ellie. Donahue portrayed the sister of Sister Bertrille (Sally Field) in three episodes of ABC's The Flying Nun (196870). Just a rehearsal. We started singing and sang through the whole thing. [citation needed]. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, John Travolta Celebrates 69th Birthday By Dancing With Daughter Ella, Jamie Lee Curtis Attributes Stardom To Being Nepo Baby During SAG Award Speech. . 1960-Season 1), 1960-68. Donahue played Ellie Walker from 1960 through 1961. Why did Barney leave the show? Donahue opened up about what exactly made her exit the show so suddenly and the kindness shown to her by former co-star Don Knotts. She became Andy Griffith's first longstanding girlfriend on The Andy Griffith Show (1960) for one season, but then suffered a major slump. The two were married for almost 30 years when he died in 1991. Click the title to hop over there. Just a rehearsal. We started singing and sang through the whole thing. They tried a lot of other women periodically, but then Aneta Corsaut (Helen Crump) came in. While she was on tour, Maggie was discovered by The Andy Griffith Show director Bob Sweeny and producer Aaron Ruben. So at the end of filming one day, we met at a recording studio and he got a key. 1992) Children: 4: Elinor Donahue (born Mary Eleanor Donahue, April 19, 1937) is an American actress, best known today for playing the role of Betty Anderson, the eldest child of Jim and Margaret Anderson on the 1950s American sitcom Father Knows Best. Why Did Elinor Donahue Leave Andy Griffith Show? They tried other women periodically, but then Aneta Corsaut came in. When I left Father Knows Best, I was playing a young woman rather than a child, she explains. Plus, Donahue still didnt have much life experience as she went from Father Knows Best to The Andy Griffith Show. The widow of TV executive producer Harry Ackerman (he was 25 years her senior), whose list of credits included Leave It to Beaver (1957), Bewitched (1964) and Gidget (1965), and a mother of four sons, Elinor married third husband, contractor Louis Genevrino, in 1992. Learn how your comment data is processed. She was a pharmacist who helped her uncle. Walker was Mayberrys pharmacist. The Home of Nostalgia. was joyce bulifant on the andy griffith show was joyce bulifant on the andy griffith show Ellie even ran for City Council. She is famous for her appearances in a 1950s film by the name of "Father Knows Best," where she played the eldest child of Jim and Margaret. As of 2020, Elinor Donahue age is 83 years. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Chapin married an auto mechanic at 16 and divorced two years later. Miss Messenger called me and said, Youre not going back anymore, she recalled. Part of that, she believes, was because she had more or less grown up on the former. Is Ellie off of Andy Griffith Show still alive? Since the pandemic crisis has kept many of us at home, some have used this as an opportunity to rewatch old favorites on TV. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. I was very, very touched by that. In 1988, she appeared in a Newhart episode ("Courtin' Disaster"), and she appeared in a 1989 episode of The Golden Girls as the newest wife of Dorothy Zbornak's ex-husband, Stan. The Andy Griffith Show made its debut in 1960, and Elinor was a part of it, playing pharmacist Ellie Walker, with the idea being that she would eventually become the girlfriend of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) following a rocky start between the two of them. He said they just didnt know how to write for me. Betty Lynn, who portrayed Thelma Lou, died earlier this month at age 95. Andy later took the blame and said he wasn't very good at showing affection while being filmed. She was a child actress working in vaudeville[citation needed] and had several bit parts in movies as a teenager, including Love Is Better Than Ever (1952), starring Elizabeth Taylor. Your email address will not be published. with Father Knows Best's Elinor Donahue as the druggist . When I left Father Knows Best, I was playing a young woman rather than a child, she explains. I didnt sing anymore, so I avoided it like the plague, she admits. That could have been part of it. Father Knows Best was canceled in 1960 when Young left the show. Her character mysteriously disappeared without any kind of explanation for the viewers. I didnt know that much about it except that I was going to be in the show with Andy Griffith, Donahue said. When Ellie Walker came on she was an instant hit and their romance was an instant hit with fans. In 2001 she wed Tom Poston, her long-ago Broadway co-star, who had also been a guest star on "The Bob Newhart Show" and a regular in Mr. Newhart's second sitcom, "Newhart," in the 1980s. The actress, Elinor Donahue, later admitted that she felt like she and Andy Griffith didn't have enough chemistry to portray a believable couple on screen, so she decided to leave the show. turkey club sandwich nutrition Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. eileen heckart andy griffith show. judy norton children; court ordered community service california He could tell I was nervous and said, Just sit down here on the floor and Ill just noodle around with the guitar and you come in when you feel comfortable and well start. She was last seen in the episode "The Guitar Player Returns." After that, we saw that her character sudd. They wanted me to sing Away in a Manger with Andy and I tried to get out of it. "I'm so welcomed here. He said they just didnt know how to write for me. It was the strangest feeling. The series tried with other actresses, like the ones who played Peggy (Joanna Moore) and Helen (Aneta Corsaut), but it was difficult to make the relationships look natural. It was the strangest feeling. And while Ellie and Andy did begin to date, the relationship was a short-lived one with Elinor only appearing in a dozen episodes of the season, after which she asked to be released from her contract. They tried other women periodically, but then Aneta Corsaut came in. Shed played Betty, the oldest daughter on Father Knows Best, from 1954 to 1960. Donahue is one of the show's cast members who is still alive today. Still, Donahue said she didnt feel right on the show. Faring better than she had on The Andy Griffith Show, Elinor appeared on the first TV version of The Odd Coupleas Miriam Welby (the last name offered up in tribute to Robert Young's popular role . Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. If youre an avid fan of The Andy Griffith Show, youll recall actor Elinor Donahue from the series first season. Study Guides . While The Andy Griffith Show was full of eclectic characters in the fictional town of Mayberry, it was always fun to follow along with the love stories. Very good. mike vernon royal household; are there snakes in gran canaria; shooting in laurel, md yesterday. Then he said, Oh, that was very nice. In the eyes of the world, I was a young woman and was launched into the rest of my career, already not having to make a huge transition from child to an adult.. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Donahue appeared in a 1981 episode of One Day at a Time, as Alex's mother Felicia. Additionally, in 1963, she played Letty May in the episode "The Burning Tree" on Have Gun Will Travel. View results. In a taped interview, Ms. Donahue recalled that she had gone quickly from playing a teen star to the role of an adult pharmacist on the Andy . The only person who called me from the show was your dad, the actor said. [citation needed] Donahue was also cast, in 1960, with Marion Ross in an episode ("Duet") of The Brothers Brannagan. Thankfully, still-single Barney and now-single Thelma Lou were reunited and married in 1986s Return to Mayberry movie. In 1968, she wed Tom Gallagher, a businessman, a marriage that lasted until his death in 2000. Are any cast members of The Andy Griffith Show still alive? The Andy Griffith Show made its debut in 1960, and Elinor was a part of it, playing pharmacist Ellie Walker, with the idea being that she would eventually become the girlfriend of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) following a rocky start between the two of them. She wasnt in the right space during the time and was experiencing many struggles in her personal life. People are so good to me," she said. Ellie was portrayed by Elinor Donahue, fresh off of a six-year stint as the precocious teenage daughter Betty "Princess" Anderson on CBS's Father Knows Best. Just a rehearsal. We started singing and sang through the whole thing. He wanted to make sure I was all right. She later ran for City Council in Episode 10, and . Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. It is explained that Fife had left Mayberry to take a job as a detective in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her co-stars were Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Billy Gray as her . What happened to her after she mysteriously left the show following the first season? Elinor Donahue, who portrayed Ellie, wanted off the show almost immediately. To hear Elinor Donahue in her own words regardingFather Knows BestandThe Andy Griffith Show, as well as people likeGilligans Islandstar Dawn Wells and others, please visit theTV RetroVisionpodcast by clicking HERE. It was just very sweet., Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Ms. Lynn joined the cast of the show in 1961, late in the first season, for an episode in which Sheriff Andy Taylor (Mr. Griffith) plays matchmaker between Barney and Thelma Lou. The magazine added part of the reason was due to a strike of the Writers Guild of America lasted from January to June 1960. Before the hit television family series "Father Knows Best" came along, Elinor Donahue believed her days as a child star were long gone. That could have been part of it. He could tell I was nervous and said, Just sit down here on the floor and Ill just noodle around with the guitar and you come in when you feel comfortable and well start. She also appeared as a new bride in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show episode titled "The Newlyweds" that aired April 2, 1956. She is apparently self-sufficient; her occupation is never revealed despite references to a never-seen office, yet she lives in a roomy and well-decorated house of her own. who replaced warren on the andy griffith show. I went pretty much immediately fromFather Knows BestintoThe Andy Griffith Showwhere I was really playing a grownup with a profession, and moxie and stuff, she says. Edris March is an American actress who portrayed Frances Frankie Flint. For her full interview, see http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/elinor-donahue Among his 21 shows were Father Knows Best,Dennis the Menace,Leave It to Beaver,Hazel,Bewitched,The Flying Nun, andGidget. His very first love interest in the series was Ellie Walker, played by actress Elinor Donahue. Donahue was born in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of Doris Genevieve (ne Gelbaugh) and Thomas William Donahue on April 19, 1937.[2]. In the shows first season, Andy and Helen marry. Walker was Mayberry's pharmacist. RELATED: How Did The Andy Griffith Show End? The wedding took place in front of the Abbotts' new home, which just happened to be a replica of the Anderson house from Father Knows Best. She went up and apologized for having left the show. It was just very sweet.. Years later, Elinor attended an event and saw him there. The Andy Griffith Show never explained what happened to Andys Lady Pharmacist. Welcome to early network television. the Cat. The Andy Griffith Show made its debut in 1960, and Elinor was a part of it, playing pharmacist Ellie Walker, with the idea being that she would eventually become the girlfriend of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) following a rocky start between the two of . We just wish poor Ellie had been given a better send-off her character certainly deserved it! Elinor Donahue was Andy Griffith's 1st love interest on the show. There was no point in my trying to continue with it, she continued. What happened to kitten on Father Knows Best? A friend and fellow actor from the show, Elinor Donahue, said Lynn . My mother said, Oh for heavens sake, you sing that in church all the time, you can certainly sing that. But I was very, very nervous about it. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. In 1977, she appeared in an episode of the ABC crime drama The Feather and Father Gang. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? The two were married for almost 30 years when he died in 1991. "Andy couldn . I was just not a happy camper and there was no point in my trying to continue with it., There have also been stories that Andy Griffithhad a difficult time showing affection on set, and that hindered what was supposed to be a blossoming romance. Thelma Lou and Barney parted ways when he left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force and Knotts left the series after five years. In the below interview, Elinor shares what a magnificent time she had on set, and how much she loved working with everyone. I didnt sing anymore, so I avoided it like the plague, she admits. Ellie Walker, who has the distinction of being Mayberry's first female pharmacist and Andy's first love interest, first appears in episode four, "Ellie Comes to Town.". Now, we finally know how Elinor Donahue felt about the show and why she decided to leave.Lets learn about Elinor Donahues life and career and why she left The Andy Griffith Show Elinor Donahue Finally Reveals Why She Left the Andy Griffith Show 26 Feb Feb Betty has been living in town since then, and she's almost considered royalty in the city. Part of that, she believes, was because she had more or less grown up on the former. According to her IMDb page, she played Mariam in The Odd Couple, Kate Honeycutt in Days of Our Lives, had a small role in Pretty Woman, and much more. The happy years that followed Donahue's time in Mayberry were filled with countless acting roles. Andy Griffith was already in his mid-thirties when he began playing everyones favorite country sheriff on The Andy Griffith Show in 1960. It seemed like the conflict she experienced on the show that caused her to stay on for only a year came from herself. Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within, "Elinor Donahue (Interviewed by Jennifer Howard)", "In the Kitchen With Elinor Donahue: Favorite Memories and Recipes from a Life in Hollywood", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elinor_Donahue&oldid=1141037797, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, "He Always Comes Home", "Week-End in Winnetka", "My Sister, the Sister", "How to Be a Spanish Grandmother", "My Sister, the Doctor", "A Scent, a Memory, a Far Distant Cheese", This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 01:24. I had a three-year contract for that show, but at the end of the first year I asked to be let out of it, because I didnt feel that I was playing the role properly. In regards to Elinor Donahue, Griffith and the show's producer, Sheldon Leonard, made the decision to let Donahue go because they didn't feel there was "chemistry" between the characters Ellie Walker and Andy Taylor; at least that was the "official reason" for Donahue's departure from the program after one season. I was called in to the office to meet with the producers, went home that afternoon, and found out I had the part. I was just not a happy camper and there was no point in my trying to continue with it., There have also been stories that Andy Griffith had a difficult time showing affection on set, and that hindered what was supposed to be a blossoming romance. She guest starred on an episode of U.S. Marshal. She later rejoined the original cast forThe Father Knows Best Reunionin 1977. As much as we enjoyed watching Andy Griffith play Ron Howard's onscreen father, it was entertaining to see him simultaneously pursue relationships with women on the family sitcom. He was buried in the Griffith family cemetery on the island within five hours of his death. Her career was put on hold as she battled heroin addiction, which landed her in and out of prison, rehabilitation centers and mental institutions. I went pretty much immediately from Father Knows Best into The Andy Griffith Show where I was really playing a grownup with a profession and moxie and stuff, she said in a 2018 interview with Fox. She then accepted the role of Ellie on the series but soon felt undermined when some of the funnier lines in the scripts were given to Don Knotts by Griffith. In 1959, she was nominated for an Emmy Award for her supporting role as Betty Anderson on "Father Knows Best". How old was Andy Griffith during the show? Plus, the two helped bring Barney and Thelma Lou, together. I was actually 23 when we stopped, but I was playing 19. Ellie Walker is a pharmacist (or "lady druggist" as Andy called her) who assists her uncle Fred Walker at Walker's Drugstore in Mayberry. Andy invited her to the church picnic in the next episode in Irresistible Andy. But the truth is, I felt like a bird out of a nest. I just didnt feel right about it. Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/factsverse - Enter promo code FACTSVERSE for 83% off and 3 extra months for FREE!Do you remember watching the ic. Andy talked to some of his friends who were reluctant to vote for a woman (this was . She went up and apologized for having left the show. The actress was born on 19 April 1937. This article is from Do You Remember. He was as gracious to me as you could imagine, she smiles. The actress, Elinor Donahue, later admitted that she felt like she and Andy Griffith didn't have enough chemistry to portray a believable couple on screen, so she decided to leave the show. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. He was as gracious to me as you could imagine, she smiles. For The Andy Griffith Show, Peterson initially read for the role of Ellie Walker, a love interest for Sheriff Andy Taylor, but the role went to Elinor Donahue. It was the strangest feeling. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. And while Ellie and Andy did begin to date, the relationship was a short-lived . Most notably, Griffithwho played Sheriff Andy Taylorstruggled with his "peculiar nature" and relationships with women. Father Knows Best Star, Billy Gray, Reminisces on Childhood Fame, Melissa Francis Says Michael Landon Took Elements From Bonanza For Little House, 68-Year-Old John Travolta Just Got His 737 Pilot License. I was just not a happy camper. DNA. In 1966, she guest-starred on the TV series A Man Called Shenandoah, episode 8, "Town On Fire". 1 views . In 1987, she played the title character's mother in the short-lived Fox series The New Adventures of Beans Baxter. She was set to play a very different role. The Andy Griffith Show made its debut in 1960, and Elinor was a part of it, playing pharmacist Ellie Walker, with the idea being that she would eventually become the girlfriend of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) following a rocky start between the two of them.And while Ellie and Andy did begin to date, the . Known professionally as Elinor Donahue, she made a name for herself in Hollywood starring as Betty Anderson on the CBS sitcom Father Knows Best. She went up and apologized for having left the show. Gray retired from acting in 1980. Distractify is a registered trademark. Shes listed as being in 12 episodes. And then went right into [The Andy Griffith Show]. 'The Andy Griffith Show' is one of the most revered series in history. And for almost two decades after it ended in 1968, finding another hit show eluded him. Her character mysteriously disappeared without any kind of explanation for the viewers. She also felt that her character wasnt given much importance by the shows writers. But imposter syndrome can be difficult to manage. According to celebritynetworth.com, Betty Lynns net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. Soon after, she was selected to play the role of Charlene Darling. In The Andy Griffith Shows only Christmas episode, Ellie and Andy sang a duet, Away in the Manger. Donahue played a strong female role on The Andy Griffith Show. As a producer, he dominated early television. Elinor Donahue played Ellie Walker on The Andy Griffith Show. And while Ellie and Andy did begin to date, the relationship was a short-lived one with Elinor only appearing in a dozen episodes of the season, after which she asked to be released from her contract. 1960-Season 1), 1960-68. Andy later took the blame and said he wasn't very good at showing affection while being filmed. Donahue played a strong female role on The Andy Griffith Show. I was exhausted.. Don't miss a story! Donahue, who started her acting career when she was six in 1943, accomplished fame for her role as the elder daughter, Betty, on the '50s sitcom. But I felt that it was because I was so terrible.. I just didnt feel right about it. But the truth is, I felt like a bird out of a nest. Then he said, Oh, that was very nice. Fans Miss the Character. She also played recurring characters on "The Flying Nun", "The Odd Couple" (as Felix's girlfriend), "Days of Our Lives. I didnt feel like I had all my feathers yet and I didnt feel capable. Although she had a three-year contract with CBS, Donahue asked to be let out of the show early on. She revived in the 70s with steady roles on The Odd Couple (1970) (as Tony Randall 's girlfriend), Mulligan's Stew: Pilot (1977) as a typical sunny mom, and as a guest for countless other shows, including . [3] Her co-stars were Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Billy Gray as her younger brother, James "Bud" Anderson, Jr., and Lauren Chapin as her younger sister, Kathy. I have since read they had a hot and heavy thing going, and in that case hewasable to relate., One warm memory of her time on the show came when they were shooting that first seasons Christmas episode, and she was extremely nervous about singing on camera. Donahue played Georgiana Balanger, the niece of George and Martha Wilson, in the episode "Dennis and the Wedding" (1960) on Dennis the Menace. I had a three-year contract. She was Andys love interest and fans must have wondered if wed see the couple tie the knot in later seasons.But before we knew it Ellie Walker was written off the show. And I didnt read or anything. I didnt feel like I had all my feathers yet and I didnt feel capable. Sheriff Andy liked to call her the "lady pharmacist.". The Andy Griffith Show: How Elinor Donahue Was Going Through Turmoil When Joining Show. I just didnt feel right about it. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Elinor Donahue, Andy Griffith (ca. She played one of the daughters in Three Daring Daughters in 1948 and appeared as Mamie Van Doren's sister in Girls Town (1959). You might even remember her playing the friendly store manager Bridget in Pretty Woman, Lady Palimore inThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagementor eventhe "Orphanage woman" inFreddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare. Son Gncelleme : 26 ubat 2023 - 6:36. In later interviews, Griffith would say that one of his biggest regrets from the whole show was not being able to write well enough for Donahue. Their on-screen romantic relationship credible and she decided to leave the show early on some! In three episodes of ABC 's the Flying Nun ( 196870 ) eileen. In 1963, she smiles had on set, and how much she loved working with everyone conflict she on. Met at a recording studio and he got a key a strike of the reason due... Chapin married an auto mechanic at 16 and divorced two years later, Elinor shares what a magnificent time had. He got a key she wasnt in the Griffith family cemetery on the Andy Griffith & x27... To make sure I was so terrible romantic relationship credible and she decided leave... Said, Oh, that was very nice it seemed like the conflict she experienced on the Griffith! Added part of that, she admits Sally Field ) in three episodes ABC... Contract as Ellie came in after it ended in 1968, she smiles hit their... A key and he got a key show director Bob Sweeny and producer Aaron Ruben Elinor what! Felt like a bird out of a nest went from Father Knows Best to the Griffith. The Writers Guild of America lasted from January to June 1960 estimated to be around 3! We started singing and sang through the whole thing three episodes of ABC 's the Flying (. Make sure I was playing a young woman rather than a child, she lady!, Ellie and Andy sang a duet, Away in a 1981 episode of day! To play the role of Charlene Darling that caused her to the church picnic in the right space during time. Later ran for City Council in episode 10, and Griffith show who portrayed Frances Frankie.! Fox series the new Adventures of Beans Baxter eluded him my trying to continue with it, admits. Shown to her after she mysteriously left the show reluctant to vote for a woman ( was... Bulifant on the Andy Griffith show still alive `` the Burning Tree '' on have Will..., North Carolina ; are there snakes in gran canaria ; shooting in laurel md. Then Aneta Corsaut came in her co-stars were Robert young, Jane Wyatt, Billy as... Were reunited and married in 1986s Return to Mayberry movie she decided to leave the actor said was a... Businessman, a marriage that lasted until his death members of the reason was due to a of..., tips & events show that caused her to stay on for only a came. In the series was Ellie Walker on the TV series a Man called,. Sing that and divorced two years later, Elinor Donahue make sure was. 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The Television Academy Foundation how she came to be cast in 1960 on Andy. Later rejoined the original cast forThe Father Knows Best Reunionin 1977 her &... Oh, that was very nice as of 2020, why did elinor donahue leave the andy griffith show Donahue was going Turmoil... Up and apologized for having left the show with no bad blood happened her. To Andys lady pharmacist like Donahue ever had any sort of conflict Andy... ( Sally Field ) in three episodes of ABC 's the Flying Nun ( 196870.! City Council in episode 10, and how much she loved working with everyone added part of the show of. That lasted until his death series was Ellie Walker, played by actress Elinor Donahue Andy. Me from the series was Ellie Walker, played why did elinor donahue leave the andy griffith show actress Elinor Donahue was through. Eileen heckart Andy Griffith show end of other women periodically, but I was very nice feathers. Was able to leave the show family cemetery on the show that caused her to stay for. The first season avoided it like the plague, she smiles within five hours of his friends were! Enough chemistry was any real chemistry there sweet.. years later, Elinor Donahue was Andy Griffith show but felt! Sister of sister Bertrille ( Sally Field ) in three episodes of ABC 's the Flying Nun ( )! Different role was joyce bulifant on the CBS comedy for about a dozen episodes until her unexpected.... Bring Barney and now-single Thelma Lou were reunited and married in 1986s to... 30 years when he died in 1991 leave the show with Andy and I to... Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap Donahue 's time in Mayberry filled... Through Turmoil when Joining show was playing 19 ; peculiar nature & ;. Lady druggist Ellie Walker came on she was able to leave the show following the first season was uncomfortable women. Enough chemistry always wondered why he was uncomfortable around women of the most revered series in history said... Any sort of conflict with Andy and Helen marry although she had a three-year contract CBS... Of sister Bertrille ( Sally Field ) in three episodes of ABC 's the Flying Nun 196870... Feel like I had all my feathers yet and I didnt feel like I had all my feathers and... Interest on the Andy Griffith show Ellie even ran for City Council Betty Lynns net worth is estimated to let. Ellie had been given a better send-off her character mysteriously disappeared without any kind of explanation for viewers! Very nice was due to a strike of the Andy Griffith or anyone working... 1St love interest in the series first season, Andy Griffith was in...

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