Howard McNear Suffered TWO Strokes During the Andy Griffith Show

Did you know that Howard McNear suffered two separate strokes over the course of The Andy Griffith Show and that he filmed many episodes of the series without the use of the left side of his body? There were many beloved characters on The Andy Griffith Show, but Howard McNear’s Floyd the barber was arguably one of the most popular. Even though he wasn’t the focal point of the series, the character of Floyd the barber provided a much-needed comedic backbone to the show that it couldn’t survive without. This comedic backbone came as a result of actor Howard McNear’s studied comedic chops. Prior to taking his role in the series, Howard had been working in the industry for many years.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Floyd the Barber Was One of Mayberry’s Best Residents
01:03 - Howard McNear Brought Floyd to Life
02:07 - Howard McNear Suffered a Stroke During Filming
03:10 - The Andy Griffith Show Couldn’t Work Without Floyd
03:39 - Howard Continued Performing While Paralyzed
04:00 - Floyd the Barber Returns!
04:58 - Howard’s Final Appearance
05:31 - The Actor Started Out on Radio
06:07 - Howard’s Personal Life
06:34 - Outro
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The character of Floyd the barber was introduced in 1961, while The Andy Griffith Show had premiered in 1960. Howard came on the show while it was still in its first season, and ended up staying on the show until 1967. However, during the timespan, the actor was forced to take a nearly two-year-long break as a result of a debilitating stroke that he suffered in 1963. Sadly, this wouldn’t be the last stroke that he would suffer while filming the series.
Following his 1963 stroke, Howard McNeal lost the use of the left side of his body. The actor thought he was never going to return to work, but Andy Griffith ended up asking him to come back. Andy felt that Howard was important enough to the series that it would be worth filming around the actor’s new handicap. Instead of writing Howard’s paralysis onto the show, the crew simply found ways to film Howard from the side. Both the audience and the show’s creative staff were apparently happy with the result, and Floyd the barber was back! Sadly, he wouldn’t be back for very long. Join Facts Verse as we take a look at how Howard McNear suffered TWO strokes during The Andy Griffith Show.
Howard McNear Suffered TWO Strokes During the Andy Griffith Show

[@FactsVerse]

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[@gmb858]

In the 1980's I bought a pink t-shirt with a screen print of Howard McNear's picture on it in his character as Floyd the Barber. I found the ad in Rolling Stone for $14.99. I was the only person I ever knew who had a "Pink Floyd" t-shirt . I wore it until it wore out sometime in the 90's. Everybody burst out laughing when they first saw it.

[@psw4763]

It was noticeable when he started sitting down in alot of scenes and only moving one arm. Still he was a great actor. Thank you for good video.

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@janicechamberlain9067]

He was so funny. Rest In Peace.

[@EmmaWhitaker-gf3uc]

Now that I know about his strokes, I agree, it's noticeable. But he was so wonderful as Floyd the Barber, I never noticed back then! I also bought a DVD set so that my son could enjoy the show as well.

[@scubahellodon1]

Floyd was my hero. I’m a stylist and his picture hangs in my salon. I would freak new clients out by first bowing and saying ‘I’m not worthy!’ to his picture.

[@vanrosamond8504]

I love this show. 1 of the best ever. Howard was awesome. RIP

[@FactsVerse]

We're glad to know that you love the Andy Griffith Show! Which episode is the most iconic for you?

[@maddyhayes617]

He also portrayed a music instructor on I ❤ Lucy.

[@angelodelacuesta3882]

Im 59 years old ,& still watching this great show,so sad most of them are deseased may they rest in peace they made our lives a little better.

[@FactsVerse]

We're happy to know that you're still watching the show! What episode are you currently on?

[@footy2rock]

@@FactsVerse I'm watching it for the first time I'm 52 and there hasnt been any reruns where i was living in the 70s and 80s

[@norms3913]

Ron Howard is the only one that still remains

[@RockNRoller66]

Long live Ernest T Bass!

[@dmtm1111]

@@norms3913Ellie is alive as well.

[@francisclause9307]

I would of been honored to have Floyd cut my hair!!!

[@jamesmosley8675]

There was a ton of talent on that great show. Floyd the barber was one of my favorites.

[@FactsVerse]

We agree! Thank you for watching our content. Be on the lookout for our next video!

[@trent3872]

My favorite Floyd episode is when the 3 female convicts took him and barney hostage lol.

[@FactsVerse]

We vividly remember that episode too! Thanks for bringing back memories ♥

[@EmmaWhitaker-gf3uc]

Yes, that one was priceless!

[@vahneb7260]

I never noticed as a kid. It was a wonderful show.

[@FactsVerse]

We agree! Thank you for watching our content. Be on the lookout for our next video!

[@truthteller8459]

I live in Los Angeles and there were locations of a barbershop named 'Floyd's' here, but they all closed during the Covid Pandemic. If it was named after this character, and what a wonderful, loveable character he was, I don't honestly know but in my heart the shops were, and always be, named after Floyd the Barber. RIP dear special person, you brought so much joy and belly laughter to me as a child in this role. I heard he suffered a Stroke, but I didn't know it was two.

[@pamelamays4186]

Here in San Diego there's a chain of barber shops called Floyd's Barbershop

[@FactsVerse]

Fun stuff, thank you for sharing this information.

[@jackkircher1755]

His last appearance was in the episode where the printer made a mistake in a gas station promotion where THE TOTAL prize money was $200. But when goober added it, he forgot to draw the line before the total and the printer thought it was a GRAND prize. It's great they were able to use him even after he turned ill. It is noticeable that they never showed him walking after his stroke. Once when he came into the courthouse in one scene. Yiu hear his voice greeting Andy as he enters but the camera only falls shows him after he was seated. He couldn't walk or stand without support. Even when he was giving a haircut, he was leaning against a contraption the stage hands made for him. The thing was, itvwas totally unnoticeable abd he appeared to me standing straight up. He also had great moral support from his wife and the cast.

[@slomo1716]

Yes, Howard was dearly loved and suffered two strokes. REST IN PEACE KIND SIR!!!

[@FactsVerse]

Howard McNear will be missed. May he find peace 💗

[@rogersmith4834]

My late friend, Parley Baer, played Mayor Roy Stoner of Mayberry, a recurring role for the run of the show. He and Mr. McNear were close friends, and on days they were shooting together, Parley swung by and picked up Mr. McNear for rides to the studio. Howard McNear also played the doctor, a key witness, in the courtroom drama, ANATOMY OF A MURDER, directed by Otto Preminger. Co-stars were James Stewart, George C. Scott, Lee Remick, and Ben Gazzara. But no one will forget him as Floyd the Barber.

[@avlisk]

One of the best casts ever put together on radio was Gunsmoke. Baer was perfect as Chester Proudfoot, William Conrad perfect as Matt Dillon, and of course Howard as Doc. As an OTR fan, Howard appeared in probably hundreds of shows: cop shows, detective shows, dramas, comedies, usually playing a quirky character to perfection. He even started out as an action hero in Speed Gibson. He was one of my favorites.

[@saleemahfareed4790]

Howard McNear Rest In Peace 🌹💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@FactsVerse]

May Howard McNear find peace 🙏

[@paulyricca3881]

👴🏻🥃AWW SHUT UP

[@paulyricca3881]

@@FactsVerse🥃👴🏻 SOOO HOWS YO MOTHER DOIN?

[@saleemahfareed4790]

I love Floyd he was very funny and they didn’t mention that Howard McNear was the second Floyd not the first 😊👍🏾💙

[@FactsVerse]

Us too! Thank you for sharing your sentiments. What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@davidcarbone3385]

Other than the 4 main characters of Andy, Opie, Barney, and Aunt Bee, Floyd was the best character and the best comedy actor. Wish he were in every episode. And, I cannot disagree he was a favorite character because he was for me. Seemed to be a good man as well as a very good entertainer. rip

[@no34ever]

Floyd was a great actor. I saw him in an episode of Leave it To Beaver. He was a barber on that show to.

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we agree! Thank you for watching our content. What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@patsyguzman9012]

Aye Floyd i loved the way he talked especially when he say why yes god bless

[@jackkircher1755]

Andy respected Howard so much he encouraged him to return. Everyone loved him because he was to meek and gentle in real live as his character unlike Aunt Bee who was the exact opposite of her character and hated Andy for the entire run of the shoe. I was initially sad during the episode when the barbershop was sold but then it became Emmitt's Fix-it shop. He was equally sweet. BTW, HIS character was named fir Andy's best friend he grew up with. I liked that Emitt was the focus of several episodes

[@kenblair6622]

Andy didn't much like her either

[@andrewwalden104]

Another facet of his life not mentioned is Howard McNear’s voice characterisations on many animated shows of the times, most notably “The Flintstones” … his distinct speech pattern can be heard in a number of characters, usually medical doctors, psychiatrists, veterinarians, &c. “My-my-my … oh, I see, yes!”

[@jamesburton3572]

one of the best shows ever...

[@FactsVerse]

We strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. Which episode appealed to you the most?

[@jamesburton3572]

the one when Opie killed the baby bird was very heart warming but all the Black and white ones were good didn't care for the color one,when Barney left it wasn't the same

[@Darvec]

Howard McNear was a noted radio actor. He did play Doc Adams in Gunsmoke, but when the show transitioned to TV, it wasn’t William Conrad who played Doc Adams. It was Milburn Stone. William Conrad played Matt Dillon on the radio Gunsmoke. He was replaced by James Arness for TV as Conrad was viewed as overweight. William Conrad eventually starred in the TV show Cannon. Parley Baer played Chester on the radio version of Gunsmoke and also played with McNear in the Andy Griffith Show. Other than this little faux pas, excellent portrayal of McNear as Floyd!

[@loron99]

Great video, one of my favorite sitcoms of all times, thank you

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@robertwalegir8677]

Howard McNair play the travel agent in blue Hawaii where I was hired as a local tour guide he was lovable you’re so goofy just like on the Andy Griffith show and that part may God bless him and his family

[@ruthjesse6759]

I did not know he had 2 strokes. Thank u

[@johnwright291]

I saw him in a movie that was made in the late 30s or early 40s and he played a very menacing convincing tough guy.

[@byronbrewer33]

Something that you did not mention is that the last episode on which Floyd actually walked on camera before that second stroke was the episode in which the three female convicts escaped and held Barney and Floyd hostage. It was one of Floyd's most hilarious. Also, one misstated fact said that William Conrad who later portrayed Cannon portrayed Doc in the TV days of Gunsmoke. Actually, Conrad portrayed Matt Dillon on the radio series. Thanks for a great video. Floyd was always a hoot!

[@docadams7099]

To this day, I love Howard McNear's portrayal of Floyd. One of his best episodes is in season 3's "Floyd the Deceiver", in which we learn he has built his reputation of being a well-to-do businessman to impress a woman he has met in correspondence. He flies into a real tizzy around his shop and declares his intention to pack up and move to Nashville! He was so hilarious as Floyd!

[@byronbrewer33]

@@docadams7099I love that episode. I have a friend who loves it too, but his favorite section is one I would not even select. He likes the part where Floyd is in Andy's office with an empty suitcase tryong to get Andy to feel sorry for him and help portray him as a rich businessman. When Andy finally agrees, Floyd keeps repeatedly saying "You're a prince, you're a prince!" Anytime I do something for my friend, he posts a picture of Floyd from that scene and writes overtop, "Byron, you're a prince" LOL! The humor of Floyd the character is in a class by itself.

[@EmmaWhitaker-gf3uc]

He certainly was!

[@docadams7099]

Howard McNear also turned up on "Leave It To Beaver", playing a barber (Can you imagine THAT?)

[@lishamarlar4597]

I didn't know he had two strokes during the show. I think 3rd season was his last. I noticed too he sat down alot . In his last episodes. He was the best on the show.

[@FactsVerse]

We agree! Thank you for watching our content. Be on the lookout for our next video!

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

My dad's favorite carector on the show. My dad's mother got pregnant when she was a young teen and when she had my dad she didn't want to leave her parents. So my dad was raised by older people like Floyd it's probably why he liked him. I never seen my grandfather but he was always referred to as that mean German lol ? The closest I been was through a DNA test that showed over half my DNA was German. The other half was British lol. That is another mystery I never looked into.

[@michaellaughlin8457]

Floyd the barber was always a great actor on the Andy griffith show very entertaining to watch and I do every day with reruns on tv but didn’t know he had 2 strokes on the show last one I remember was goobers contest in 67 dying in 69 from complications from his 2nd stroke 🤷‍♂️🤔👍

[@terrycanales23]

Here is a fun fact about Floyd! Grunge band Nirvana did a song about Floyd the barber, of the same name. " Floyd the Barber ". Cool song, really cool !

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 Thank you for sharing

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@maestromike91971]

I liked his character. He was very funny. One of my favorites was the drunk man who used to come down and locked himself in his cell.

[@erin19030]

Floyd also played Doc Holiday on radio in the 1940’s

[@kimberlyholt2241]

No, I did not know that. I never noticed. I loved Floyd!

[@FactsVerse]

We're happy to know that you love Flord! What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@albertwells8503]

I always wondered if Jack Dodson’s character of Howard was a tribute to Howard McNear.

[@norms3913]

Howard mcnear appeared in a episode of leave it to beaver as a barber

[@jackkircher1755]

Not long before his death, Howard Sprague bought the place and had to raise the rent abd Floyd contested it. Andy then used psychology on both of thrm to gdtvthtm to reconcile. After his death, the shop turned into Emmitt's (,the name of Andy childhood best friend) fix-it shop which was used in only a few episodes

[@larryshaver3568]

Howard didn't die till after the Andy Griffith Show had ended

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

This is a sloppy presentation. It claims Howard died during filming. No, he didn’t. Later, it claims he died two years “after 1965.” Wrong again.

[@louoldschool7047]

I saw him at the v.a. hospital in the late 60's

[@straycat5695]

Love that show.

[@FactsVerse]

We're happy to know that you love the Andy Griffith Show! What is your favorite episode?

[@midwestarcher]

Floyd the barber is not gone. He's an emergency doctor at the Topeka, KS VA emergency room. Trust me I've had him twice as a doctor and he is the same as a doctor as he was a barber in Mayberry.

[@docadams7099]

Does he dramatically announce that he's gonna pack up and move to Nashville?

[@midwestarcher]

@@docadams7099 naw he just he just doesn't listen to you and repeats the same questions about what your problem is that brought you to the ER no matter how many times you repeat yourself or how slow you say it. Quite frustrating.

[@kerots1109]

Never Knew, Such a Shame... He was One of my Fav's..

[@FactsVerse]

Glad to know that you learned something new about Howard. Which episode of the show is the most memorable for you?

[@kerots1109]

@@FactsVerse 2 are my favorite... one with the haunted house... love otis...have you done one one him? And the one with Buddy Epsen and the fishing lure.....well the sisters running the still was good too and Floyd renting a chair to the gangsters... I guess too many to pick just one 😆

[@maestromike91971]

He was a very funny man. It’s a shame he had to work on the show like that. He was a Trooper for working like that.

[@pamelamays4186]

I noticed that his amount of dialogue was limited.

[@saisofttevault4548]

Very nice, except for a small error. William Conrad was Matt Dillon on the radio version of Gunsmoke, and never played Doc Adams on the television version. Instead, Milburn Stone played Doc Adams on television.

[@Capohanf1]

In the thumb nail one of the pics is Parley Baer not Howard McNear.

[@hungrysoles]

i see what was wrong in his later performances.. He also has a funny segment in the movie, THE FORTUNE COOKIE(1966).

[@bobwallace9814]

"And now.......shaaampooooos" Says Floyd after hiring Barbara Eden who had just moved to town. On a side note, he was on The Untouchables as a bomber that blew up his victims. He acted and spoke just like Floyd.

[@jamesmclamb3682]

Most people that occasionally watch The Andy Griffith Show think Barney Fife was the greatest character. But those who are huge fans of the show realize how great the character Floyd Lawson really was.

[@patmelton43]

Loved Floyd

[@dheller777]

He also appeared in the Elvis movie Blue Hawaii.

[@michaelbodnar1424]

He also appeared with Elvis in "Follow That Dream", and "Fun in Acapulco".

[@conservativehippie9736]

You asked about subjects to bring up... well what was the deal about marijuana being mailed to Bob Denver or was it the woman that played Mary Ann? What was that about, I want details lol. Thank you for this video btw...I tell people about how they'd have to strap him in a chair even. Most didn't know as Howard was a professional.

[@bird401]

Floyd interrupted himself while acting even more than Dick Cavett did when interviewing.

[@1952creswell]

Barney was the funniest guy on the show but Howard was close behind in the 2nd spot. I actually think that Floyd's funniest parts came after his first stroke. His slowed speech made him funnier.

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@1952creswell]

@@FactsVerseTwo other funny characters were Mayor Pike and little Leon. Little Leon carried two 6 shooters but was always quick on the draw with his PB&J sandwich.

[@tracibateman1345]

Howard McNear

[@davidrandall7436]

He died. Jan3. 1969

[@davidhensley76]

Was this script copied & pasted from multiple sources? Did nobody read it before recording it?

[@donp.289]

He also appeared in 2 Elvis Presley films .

[@drbonesshow1]

They used a double for several of his scenes.

[@rubylevan6860]

i knew he suffered one stroke but not the second one

[@westerlywinds5684]

I always thought Floyd had a slight British English accent.

[@jameschavez6400]

To bad I think if they thought fast foward they could have been important in making awareness of hemipoligic ,like me with left side paralyzed it something also that Howard continued after stroke itfeels ominous that it could happen again I try to do little as possible to keep stabilized ,but that’s V fear paralyzed so I’m ow Howard mcnear had a bravery I don’t have

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍

[@519djw6]

*Howard McNear was the second funniest character on "The Andy Griffith Show." Only Don Knotts eclipsed him when it came to comedy.*

[@cheaptricked]

I actually like post stoke Floyd better….and I think he is the Floyd we all associate with.

[@Wootangtw]

Sad…

[@MsBackstager]

:)

[@hhhggg4687]

I say shame on Andy for wanting him to return for Andy's own selfish reasons. The tv show.

[@conservativehippie9736]

More I've learned about AG...I wonder 😔

[@hhhggg4687]

I know what you mean. He was definitely not like Andy Taylor in true life.

[@Stewieboy1995]

He could have said no and Andy wanted him back. They say in the video Howard wanted to get back to work. Maybe he liked being on set and working with the actors. Don’t need to trash Andy, he wanted Howard back. He could have said no and he obviously wanted to come back

[@hhhggg4687]

@@Stewieboy1995 your missing the point. Yes, Floyd ( the actor who played Floyd) could have said no. But why did Andy want him back? For the tv show. For Andy's own selfish reasons, he wanted him back for the show. Not because he wanted to come back..

[@stevegillespie7160]

You're missing the point. Howard could have said no. Andy wanted to include his friend again. Howard's wife said it would be good for Howard. I, having a disability myself, am appalled you think someone else should decide what's best for someone with a disability. Howard knew what he wanted.

[@gibby100]

Plenty of contradictions in this video, could’ve been half as long without the repeating info

[@davidurban6813]

He was so annoying I don't know whose more annoying him.or Don Knotts