Howard McNear: Movies & Box Office

Howard Terbell McNear (January 27, 1905 – January 3, 1969), an actor known for his notable presence in American stage, screen, and radio. He is fondly remembered for his original voice of Doc Adams in the radio version of Gunsmoke and as Floyd Lawson (Floyd the Barber) on The Andy Griffith Show (1961–1967). McNear had his education in acting at the Oatman School of Theater and later joined a stock company in San Diego. His fruitful career did not only end in acting, but he also made notable contributions to the radio industry from the late 1930s. He was part of the 1937–1940 radio serial Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police as the ace operator Clint Barlow. McNear's talents were not just limited to authoritative roles; he often played character roles, often comic. He served as a private in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. In acting, McNear had over one hundred film and television guest spots and even starred in an uncredited role in the 1953 film Escape from Fort Bravo. McNear's promising career took a toll in 1963 when he suffered a stroke that paralyzed most of the left side of his body. Undeterred by the stroke, McNear agreed to return to the Andy Griffith Show despite being unable to walk or stand. Unfortunately, he later began struggling with remembering his lines and had to leave the show in its seventh season in 1967. He passed away in 1969 due to complications from pneumonia caused by a stroke. Despite his departure, McNear left an undeniable mark on the American television and radio industry.