What Did the Letter ‘T’ Stand For in Ernest T. Bass’ Name?

[@jimowens381]

One of my favorite lines from him was when he kept breaking out of jail. He looks and Andy and says "aggrivatin ain't it?"

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Lol

[@JohnnyUtah-71]

I remember an episode when Ernest T's sister was trying to marry Andy in some weird mountain ceremony! LOL

[@MaryHeimonen-zi3uk]

Love the episode when Barney dressed as the bride 😋 Have a terrific wk-end

[@barbaradavis4919]

That's so funny I've used that line on my husband

[@alphonsocarioti512]

Morris was a very talented guy. From directing to acting, he really did it all. Thanks.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

For sure

[@brianjones7660]

@@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585 voice over work especially!

[@FrankensteinLover]

Howard Morris was so Intelligent and what a Character he played in Ernest.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Very true

[@LLL-zt3fz]

Howard also did some voices for cartoons, especially the Flintstones and Jetsons.

[@reginaldgreen9753]

Another favorite line by Ernest T is " I don't chew my cabbage twice".

[@brianjones7660]

Twicet....

[@VickieBell-z7x]

Howard morris played ernest t bass very well i agree with you bob the t stands for trouble good video bob

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Thanks

[@CyndisKrist]

Loved that they always called him "Ernest T." instead of just "Ernest." Loved the episode where they were trying to make him into a gentleman. The wonderful Doris Packer was in that one, too.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

A great episode

[@naturekev]

"She called me a creat-sture!"

[@labeef1953]

How do you do Mrs. Wiley!😅😅

[@CyndisKrist]

@@labeef1953 🤣

[@robertshawiv1513]

Darn, you got me. I wanted to know what the T stood for. 🤣

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Me too😉

[@brianjones7660]

it stands for..... The Best Rock Thrower In The County, Charlene.

[@greggbaker7120]

Theophilus.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Lol

[@DebbieGreer-p6l]

Ernest T sounds more southern and mountain man-like than just plain Ernest. 😊

[@spiritwalkerperformer1689]

The writer's name was Everett Greenbaum, not Ernest. Just information, not a criticism.

[@obsoletebutneat]

Tiberius.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Lol

[@visaman]

Tiberius? 😂

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Lol

[@robyndowning2990]

That was Star Trek Captain James T. Kirk’s middle name. James Tiberius Kirk.

[@nicholasosb8015]

“Ernest T.?” “I hear ya!”

[@philliphoward7455]

I once saw Howard Morris being interviewed on a talk show ( maybe Dick Cavett , I'm not sure ), but it was a surprise hearing him converse like a normal, intelligent person. It was certainly a diversion from his on screen characters.

[@susansides473]

In My Fair Ernest T Bass, I loved it when Barney said If they wrote a play about this, nobody would believe it. Thanks Bob, hope your health is improving! God bless.

[@33VMUH]

Like the "S" in Harry S. Truman, Ernest T. Bass did not have a middle name, only a middle initial.

[@SurferJoe1]

I met Howard Morris a couple times (at the old collector shows at the Beverly Garland in North Hollywood) and once I made the very same comment this video does- that with only four appearances (my number) he had created one of the most unforgettable characters in television. He snapped back "SIX!" (His number). Embarrassed, I mumbled "Oh, yeah, I always forget about the color ones." Silence. Then I recovered and said "I'm also a big fan of George, the TV repair man". Morris snapped into his 'George' pose, and said "Yeaaahhhh..."

[@SidneyJohnson-p2n]

He did a different voice when he played the tv fix it guy when he was going to fix Helen's tv

[@marshmutt8975]

He's a nut!

[@josephhaas7636]

For those of you who loved Ernest T as much as I, if you have the time check out the movie, High Anxiety by Mel Brooks. Howard Morris (Earnest T. Bass ) was Mel Brooks psychologist. Another jem of his appearances ive truly enjoyed.

[@R8DRBeagle]

Live that movie. Saw it in the theaters and that was my introduction to Mel Brooks. Now, I'll have to rewatch it to see Howard . Thanks.

[@pete1445]

Thanks Bob Snapp for doing these clips! Been enjoying these for years. Just want you to know you are appreciated! Praying for your health! Eric

[@A2D4]

Howard Morris’s role in “Splash” was about as opposite from Ernest T as possible. Great actor.

[@PatrickSherman-dg6co]

He was the voice for cartoon character Atom Ant cartoon

[@naturekev]

I'd like to think it stood for Tubb, like the country musician Ernest Tubb. "Ernest Tubb Bass".

[@godsowndrunk1118]

T for trouble....

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

He didn't get along with the British guy. I'm British but not offended by the episode. He was rather a funny character.

[@stephenyoung2742]

Its TATER! Looked up the list of funny hillbilly names that's the only one with a T! They only used the T since parents had not enough education to spell and relatives used Earnest T since no one wanted to claim him has KIN!! Plus you can bet Tater was fighting words for Earnest T!

[@questfortruth665]

Maybe it was simply Ernest Tea Bass! 😁 His mom liked tea!

[@johnroy9654]

I would guess that T stand for TROUBLE" I saw Howard Morris perform live at a dinner theater with Elinor Donahue. After the show, he talked to the audience and even took questions. Very nice man.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Very cool

[@BelldandyAsuna]

I'm guessing Theodore or Thomas. Timothy?

[@scottmccollough1642]

It should have been "N" for Nut! Lol

[@marlenepearson3936]

I did not know this Bob 😮 I thought maybe it was for THE. You know, like Smoky THE Bear 🐻 (I know. Just Smoky Bear). Ernest THE Bass. 😆 🤣 BTW, your sound is fine. Listening on my phone. It's all I have. So...

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Thanks Marlene

[@SidneyJohnson-p2n]

He was the very 1st rapper.when he had only 24 hours to court Charlene when he was tapping on that empty can

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Howard Also did the voices of characters on the Flintstones my favorite was the gruesomes

[@timboslice1979]

Leonard Blush!

[@hannahs_house]

The masked sanger

[@kennethbode2017]

Just saw a post about Morris today on Facebook. He had a nice career

[@tycox8704]

Any chance it wasn’t a middle name initial? Instead, a pronunciation thing? Instead of Ernest… Ernes-tee?

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Anything is possible i guess, but i would think the guy that created the character would know😉

[@tycox8704]

Of course. Is the T in the credits or scripts?

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

@@tycox8704 not sure they gave character names in the credits rolling at the end of the show, mayberrywiki and imdb both use the T

[@JohnPotts-kq7kk]

I don't think it was a pronunciation thing because their are pictures of his mausoleum marker on youtube & above his name is the inscription, "IT'S ME, IT'S ME, IT'S EARNEST T." So it could be that even he didn't know. I like to think that the T. stood for trouble!

[@aschule5684]

That's so funny you said that, I was going to say the exact same thing LoL Earnest Tee ???

[@Desertson67]

I agree. The T should stand for trouble or trouble maker.

[@joezednick3197]

Yes,,,It should be T for trouble. I was pretty sure it was never mentioned what it stood for. I did see an Andy interview where Andy said if he played on more than 5 episodes, the show would have been called " The Ernest T Bass show "

[@brianjones7660]

Everett Greenbaum, not Ernest. He wrote MASH and other comedies as well. He was from Buffalo NY like me, and attended Bennett High on Main St. When he and Jim Fritzell wrote The Class Reunion, they took facts from their high schools to create Mayberry Union High, as described in the book Mayberry 101. Everett describes growing up on the west side of Main Street , going to PS 54, and so on. I lived across Main not far away on Rodney Ave. So what, right? I knew Ev was from BUF, and being Jewish, their enclave was in N. Buffalo and watching the episode, it hit me. They sang the fight song, Andy and Barney did, as they cleaned up after. "The orange and blue will try, try, try.." Our colors were orange and blue! When I read Mayberry 101, he explained it all!!Place names and so on. Bob....I moved to Boone NC to find out....I attended Mayberry Union High!!! My sons took me to Mayberry Days (since closed😑) and we....GOT THE T-SHIRT from my alma mater (its is pronounced to rhyme with tater, I am told) Beat that! Blesssings! 😇

[@brianjones7660]

What if the T in Ernest T Bass......was the first initial of the actor who played Mr Schwump? Now we have a clue....hmmmmm....take it Bob!

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

I had a friend, Rusty, in college who was from Mount Airy NC (aka Mayberry). Whenever he came around we'd say "it's me, it's me Rusty Rusty!" As a tribute to Ernest T. Bass

[@orangehornet57]

Howard Morris had a great career. I still remember the short article in Memories magazine. Sid Caesar wanted someone he could easily pick up. He told the producers to choose Morris. In the article Morris wouldn't give his age. It shared highlights of his career but not TAGS. He actually directed more episodes than he appeared in. According to Mayberry 101 he wasn't originally supposed to be in what became his final episode. We got to see him again in the reunion movie. This time he was pledged to Charlene. We don't know what happened to Dud or Ramona.

[@paulsarnik8506]

You COULD argue Earnest T. was full of himself. He boasted he was "the best rock thrower in the county". ! 🤓😎✌🏻

[@Lee-qp6gf]

He certainly was one of the best. Didn't know he was only in five. Thanks for your research, Cheers, Lee came in 5x5

[@masonbricke4568]

I am a fan of the mysterious middle initial. It seems to add something to a character, prompting us to think more about them and ponder a little. From what I have heard, Harry Truman's middle initial "S" didn't actually stand for anything. Both parents wanted to name him after a relative of theirs, and both of those names began with "S". They reached a compromise by giving him the initial, so it could stand for either person. And as Andy Griffith once said of Barney's character, anyone who had to live with Ernest Bass would kill him in the second week, for their own mental health. 😉

[@scifiwriter9541]

I never understood the appeal of Ernest T. Bass. Nothing funny about a crazy, mean, person.

[@robertjolly3021]

Only 5 episodes he appeared in. Wow !! Never would have guessed that. Such a great show for that time. 😎😎

[@anthonyjames4478]

As for "topical issues," the world has had more than enough of the "topical issues" presented by Hollywood's decedent portrayal of just plain, decent life. What AG did for its viewers was allow them to consider matters of a personal and heartfelt manner without the hypocrisy of Hollywood.

[@stephentresca3536]

Tiberius of course.. just like Captain Kirk.

[@jeanmoreno2428]

Hi Bob and everybody Thank you for the video really enjoyed it God Bless Much Love Jean

[@zackmax7184]

My P E Teacher in High School was Full of Himself too.

[@ziobruno9324]

Since there is no official middle name, I think it would be a play on words - Earnesty.

[@ronald-vt8ew]

Hey my friend when you and I are in Heaven let's go visit Mayberry and maybe we can go to the founders day parade and have some of Aunt bees fried chicken and johnny cake.

[@docadams7099]

Whatever the T. stood for, ol' Ernest was right proud of it. Like the gold tooth he was savin' up fer.

[@cjpreach]

Morris was also very funny in Jerry Lewis's "Nutty Professor"

[@DeniseEverett-e8u]

I guess we will never know what the T stands for, but I loved Howard Morris in the role! :)

[@charlesjordan1340]

Classic comedy. I think that in using the first name and the middle initial it gave a stern warning that what was being discussed was of a serious nature. Growing up when my parents began using all of my birth name it meant that things were getting serious. It was done for emphasis to let you understand that things were about to become interesting.

[@monabailey3093]

It's amazing how big of an impact this character made with so few appearances.

[@danieltaylor4819]

Couldn't stand the Ernest T Bass episodes.

[@ernestdalton5085]

Lol 😆 trouble is right! He was a great actor and played the part to the hilt!

[@timbrown8038]

I have a cat named Woodrow T. Cat. The T stands for trouble. He's a lovable little Woody though.

[@edithrector2806]

Maybe the T stood for talented, because he was.

[@chuckwhitton9591]

No answer. Click bait again.

[@stephaniechaffin1154]

Maybe just maybe his name was Ernest Tee Bass.

[@woodyw6891]

Ernest Troublemaker Bass

[@drbonesshow1]

The T stood for Talmud. He was a Jew.

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

I'm happy you are over your cold.

[@Colorado_Native]

Trouble with a capital T?

[@jasonrodgers9063]

Like Harry S. Truman!

[@TheJayrockerr]

Tiberius, of course. Just kidding. I enjoy your channel! God Bless 🙏✝️.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Thanks! God bless!

[@ceceliastappler1427]

I love the Mayberry show

[@kc0lif]

i saw howard Morris on bob newhart show.

[@DeboDell]

What a wonderful actor

[@docadams7099]

My favorite Ernest T. Bass scene is when he keeps breaking out of jail. Two guys are hauling a large piece of glass when Ernest T. threatens to break it. Barney decides to confront Ernest T. and yells at him to drop his rock. When Bass refuses, Barney breaks the glass with his gun! Ernest T. was hilarious, Barney was hilarious, and the two of them together were double the fun!

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

A great scene!

[@sufiameen6093]

Love TAGS and ❤ learning trivia offered. God bless you and the information presented here.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Thanks! God bless!

[@Kw1161]

I always thought that the “T” stood for trouble just like my dog’s..😂! Have a great day!

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Lol

[@juliogonzales5441]

ANOTHER GREAT CHARACTER 😅

[@490Believer]

What is that thing on Griffith’s neck in the first image? You may have to zoom in to see it clearly. It looks like a microphone wire or could be just a deep wrinkle in his neck skin.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

I dont see anything

[@michaelbyars8004]

Howdy do to you and you

[@JjJimerson]

Ernest The Bass😂

[@opinionatedone2561]

Its me, its me, its earnest t.is written as his epitaph Think i learned that from landrum c Undeniably talented as howard was, he was my least favorite character... over the top histrionics Earnest TROUBLEMAKER bass?

[@rhrh2025]

HogetT! LOL

[@simpleman5688]

Tipper gore?

[@jkellum147]

Thomas

[@marietarallo3403]

Bob, You are sounding much better today. I prayed for you to get over your cold. ErnestT. Bass was also a rapper before rap music was cool. In the episode Mountain Wedding. He performed a rap song.

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Old aunt mariah...i read howard morris actually wrote it..thanks so much for the prayers

[@paulsoxl7739]

Trout

[@dd0422]

I agree Bob, it stood for "trouble". LOL. And, plus, they needed a a letter that rhymed with, " it's me, it's me, it's Earnest T." 😄

[@ggcookshealthymeals]

The “T” stood for trouble. lol

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

I could use a healthy meal or two...got any recipes for a guy with gerd?

[@bbsqtlead4939]

Howard also notably played Elmer Kelp, the father of Jerry Lewis’ character in The Nutty Professor (1963).

[@carolynpurser7469]

I agree, I think it stood for Trouble too😅

[@billlong1206]

Thanks Bob 😊

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Glad you enjoyed it Bill

[@Mutlap]

The patch on the military personnel stands for the 29Th Light Infantry, I served in the Unit in the National Guard, 1988

[@theandygriffithshowfactsan3585]

Thank you for your service!

[@camickelson]

He was a good character, and they even went a little deeper on who Ernest T Bass was. Andy and Barney got a uniform for him.

[@wandahall4435]

Wow ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊