‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Brought in ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star for Episode, Incorrectly Credited Him in Another

“The Andy Griffith Show” had guest stars throughout its eight seasons on CBS. One of them would later star on “Little House on the Prairie.”

Richard Bull, who played Nels Oleson on the NBC drama that starred Michael Landon, portrayed Mr. Jackson in a seventh-season episode called “Opie’s Piano Lesson.” There’s a conflict here where Opie [Ron Howard] finds his piano lessons taking place at the same time as football practice.

But Bull is also credited as appearing in an earlier seventh-season episode called “Goober Makes History.” Goober [George Lindsey] grows a beard on his face and goes around thinking it makes him look rather intellectual and smart.

In reality, Bull didn’t show up at all. His name showed up in the credits for the show. Actually, actor Sandy Kenyon appeared in “The Andy Griffith Show” episode as Bill Lindsay. Here’s a trivia tidbit, though, about Lindsay. He provided the original voice of Jon Arbuckle, who was the owner of “Garfield,” in a television special.

As for Bull, he appeared in all eight seasons of “Little House on the Prairie.” Bull portrayed Oleson in the one season of “Little House: A New Beginning.” He also did three movies after the series ended in 1983. Bull died on Feb. 3, 2014, at 89 years old.

‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Actor Loved Playing His Role During Appearances

Any longtime fan of “The Andy Griffith Show” has seen episodes where Ernest T. Bass caused trouble in Mayberry.

That was pretty much his go-to card when Bass, played by Howard Morris, came down from the mountains. Obviously, Bass’ real go-to card was throwing a brick through a window.

This behavior was something that didn’t make Bass friends in town.

Morris was asked why Ernest T. stood out in an interview with the Archive of American Television. He offered his own thoughts.

“Because he does everything the audience would like to do,” Morris said. “Bad behavior and gets away with it. So that appeals to them and it’s funny.”

Morris died on May 21, 2005, at 85 years old. He entered “The Andy Griffith Show” with a lot of TV experience and knowledge in his background. Morris was one of the original writers and costars of “Your Show of Shows” that starred Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, and Carl Reiner.

“The Andy Griffith Show” became one of television’s most popular reruns. In fact, for a number of years WTBS, a “superstation” in cable television’s early days, would air reruns. They would be seen all over the United States. You also could find WTBS filling time during Atlanta Braves baseball rain delays with, what else, Andy, Barney, Opie, Aunt Bee, Gomer, and Goober.

All of the show’s original cast members are dead except for Howard, who went on to star in “Happy Days” and direct films.