@@jdsundstrom I mean no disrespect to whomever played "Mr. Schwamp"--but he *does* bear an uncanny resemblance to Jerry Mathers. However, Mathers does *not* look creepy in the way this mystery man did.
Yep! He really did Great on The "Davey & Goliath" series! Also more off "Art Clokey`s" XLNT Genius work. You do know "Gumby" dontcha? We just do not have their "Naz" today! C`ya CJ-4-JC 4evr ......... '
Hal Smith was the voice of Daveys dad as well as Goliath and most of the other male voices on Davey and Goliath. He was credited as “Hal John Smith” on Davey and Goliath. He also provided voices in “Clutch Cargo” and so many other shows. He was a really talented guy,and from all accounts I’ve heard,a really nice person.
In the picture with Ronny the guy looks to be there as a friend of someone. No working clothes nut kinda nicely dressed. He was in an old movie before Andy Griffith show sometime in the 50s but not accredited. Great mystery
One who might know, and who may be easier to contact than his "hot-shot" brother is Clint Howard! While much younger, his Schwamp stories may not be as first-person as someone older, but he may have heard about him from Andy or Ron, and have THOSE memories! I fenced a little bit with Clint in N. Hollywood Park in the early '80s, and had I known the Schwamp mystery would be a thing, I'd-a asked him then and there!
Ron Howard has been asked and no he didn't remember his name. Ron was just a kid then and if he didn't have a scene with him he would not know his name. They all remember him just not his name. Clint doesn't even remember being on the show. He was 3 or 4 in his scenes. It's a mystery for sure. Sad that nobody remembers his name.
My 43 years of my peace officer... public safety duty was based in large part of the Andy Griffith show....Andy Taylor..... That maybe why I retired 2 times as a Chief of Police, 1 time as Chief Deputy Constable, and 1 time as s Senior Deputy Sheriff, in a line of duty stopping a homicide in progress All because I used understanding, logic and reason with kindness and love ..... that's also what gave me the ability to never become cold hearted and calus... God bless the cast, and God bless you sir and your family. Chief Jones
The iconic, yet always elusive Mr Schwamp. He always had a cheshire cat grin on his face. My favorite episode with "Patch" was his appearance at Mrs. Wiley's lonely hearts dance. Although he never had any spoken dialogue, his body language and facial expressions spoke volumes. You will always be remembered Mr. Schwamp!!!!
If they didn’t know what I was talking about I’m talking about Sarah and her boyfriend I can’t say his name but because when I put it on speaker don’t always come out right but that’s what I was talking about I hope they stay together I heard he’s going to ask her to marry again and she doesn’t really say he has but I hope down the line they do get married they belong together and he is trying to be a better man
Andys own father was in one episode seen walking out of a store right before Andy walks in. There are lots of cast and crew members in scenes throughout the series. Maybe Betty Lynn will remember him. She's still with us.
I didn’t even remember the character until you referenced Andy’s “…Old Man Schwamp” line. The series so put its lead characters front and center that for the relatively few background characters, they were REALLY background. One of the few true background The Andy Griffith Show characters that really stands out to me is Clint Howard’s ‘Leon.’
I have seen every episode at least a kazillion times and own the entire set on dvd. I can’t believe I never noticed this guy much or gave him a second thought! I wasn’t upset before, but now I am truly triggered over this! Nice job Dave🤣🤣!
Thank you for telling me that Ron Howard parents about his parents and I never watch the show so really only a few episodes so I can’t really comment on that
Another person who may know is Maggi Peterson, who played Charlene Darling, who is still alive. She and Andy remained close friends over the years, and she was also friends with Andy's best friend, Emmett. Emmett was the person that Andy gave all of the Mayberry artifacts to. He kept them in a barn for years and made it possible to open the Andy Griffith museum. If the guy was a close friend or relative of Andy's, Emmett's family may know.
Just saw an episode of Perry Mason. Season 7 Episode 3 The Case of the Drowsy Mosquito. He is in that episode during the trial scene that takes place in the bar room. He is leaning against the piano and is seen many times when they are showing Perry. There are many actors that did the Andy Griffith Show that also were in many Perry Mason episodes.
Actually, it wasn’t his hair at all; it was a toupee as worn back in the day. Other than “The Andy Griffith Show” and its spinoffs “ Mayberry R.F.D.” And “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” the only other screen appearance of the mysterious Mr. Schwump was in a Three Stooges film. I don’t know the title of the film, but The scene of him sitting at a restaurant table nearby while Moe tries to convince a patron to have the roast beef instead of turkey, is available here on TH-cam.
He was most likely a crew member or a studio employee. Somebody that was always around when they needed Mr. Schwamp to make an appearance. That would also explain the Perry Mason and Gomer Pyle USMC cameos.
I thought I've seen pretty much every one of the episodes....grew up with the show and still watch it, but I don't have any recollection of this man at all. Thing is, I usually notice details. Strange....nice episode....I will watch out for Mr. Schwamp from now on. :)
Andy Griffith was asked about this guy in an interview I once saw years ago. He could not remember his name but did remember the toupe. Andy said he was a studio employee who they used from time to time for the non-speaking albeit recurring and un-credited role. This show was shot with one camera and put together in the editing room. Unless Andy and this guy were in the same frame, like sitting on the bench, Andy would not necessarily be present.
Mr. Schwamp could have been Andy's stand-in. A lot of times, stand-ins of similar height and appearance are used so an actor can take a break from the hot lights while the producers and camera operators work with blocking a shot. Mr. Schwamp does have height similar to Andy's. Or perhaps he's an extra used for crowd scenes.
@@docadams7099 Could have been, but not according to Andy Griffith. Also, he was not of a similar height as Andy Griffith. He is closer in height to Doris Packer and she was short. See season 4 episode 17. Also, in the scene where Andy and Mr. Schwump were sitting on the bench outside the Sheriff's office. One can see that he is much shorter than Andy by the way each is sitting on the bench. Andy's legs and torso are much longer. TAGS made extensive use of stand ins since it was shot with one camera. For instance a conversation between two individuals talking, such as Barney and Andy when you see one face and not the other, a stand in would be used. Don Knotts and Andy Griffith would not be talking to each other. That would be put together when editing.
Oh, I loved his character. Every time Andy would say hi to him- Mr. S. Had that million dollar smile. I would love to know who he is. I’m a huge Andy fan. Thanks! 😊
I remember him very well and I remember that other old guy who you saw all the but he never talked either he had a mustache and wore a hat he was on a lot of episodes I guess he was what they call the town people... very good 👍 vlog my friend...
I think he was one of those rarely appreciated things in modern television: a pure extra. He was there to give a sense of continuity, depth, and breadth to the town of Mayberry, all things he could accomplish by being seen and talked about, not by expositing himself. I can't cite specific examples, but I think if you look back on a lot of TV from before the 1970s, you will see more Mr. Schwamps than you might have realized, and that was the whole point: you were not supposed to think too much about them as they were literally part of the scenery. The key to good stories is good context, and Mr Schwamp was a great tool to setting context. As for who this particularly actor is, I am not sure it really matters who he was. You see, some people don't want the spotlight, even as they stand in it. They just want to help and don't expect nor pursue recognition. I suspect Mr. Schwamp was one of those many good-hearted people who give freely of their time for friends and family, because they like to and can, and we don't know who he is because his friends know he wouldn't like it if they told.
I think he was a government agent working for child protection to make sure Ron Howard wasn't being overworked as a child actor. Just being hands-on getting a feel of what was really going on.
Look for a stagehand that worked on all of those shows and you will probably find out who he is. Chances are he's a stage manager or stagehand who had equity points and could be filmed. He probably had to be in the union or was applying to be in actors equity. I was I entertainment for years and have often been used in uncredited crowd shots at the network I worked for. I would bet he is part of the longstanding production crew.
If Ron Howard is unreachable, then maybe one of his co-stars form Happy Days might know the answer, and be reachable. And if they do not know the answer, then they might be able to contact Ron for the answer.
good afternoon dave. on your last video about the actor who played screech on saved by the bell, didnt he write a book that ticked off his save by the bell co stars? and i remember watching who wants to be a millionaire and the question was about saved by the bell. the answer was screech, i was the only one in my family to know it. have a good weekend dave. when is the next game night?
I never knew who mr schwamp really was but I remember him well in Andy Griffith Dave there are theories nobody knew who he really was but thanks for sharing this video obviously he was a liked character in Andy Griffith thanks for the info Dave great classic video Dave 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Darn! A few years ago, I used to live in Burbank and would see Ron and Clint Howard around town and in Toluca Lake many times. Wish I knew about this mystery then. I certainly would have asked them if they knew the guy’s name.
This is a continuing mystery. I’m not sure Ron Howard would know as he was very young then. There are other mystery people in other series such ad Dick van Dyke produced by the same production company that shared many supporting actors like Alan Melvin who appeared multiple times in both Dick van Dyke and Andy Griffith shows. I think he was in the old Phil Silvers show also. One actress that was in a ton of different series was Aimzee Strickland who in thd first yesr of TAGS was tried out in one episode as a potential girlfriend for Barney. One mystery actress I have never found info on was in Dick van Dyke episode with the title something like “Where sre you Antonio Stradivarius?” where Rob has amnesia. It’s as if these people tried acting on TV once and quit or in the case of Mr. Schsump was not really an actor but was involved in production and so was handy when they needed him to fill in a continuing bit part. Have you considered whether they actually used his real name? It does sound that it’s made up like Helen Crump,Not very flattering names and they rhyme. It could be Mr. Schwump in real life had no children or family to remember him. As time passes the possibility of anyone knowing who he was is rapidly diminishing or already gone.
He did speak once I believe in the one with Ernest T. Bass. Where they tried to pass Ernest off as someone else at a dance. I may be wrong, but I think he did say a few words.
My theory: In the movie Apollo 13, Ron Howards mother, Jean Howard, play's Jim Lovell's mother. Go do a seach for images of her in that role. In my opinion, there are some striking similarities between her faceial structure and that of Mr Schwamp. Look at the nose and especially the rather wide lower jaw. My theory - Mr Schwamp was related to Jean Howard - possibly even a brother or uncle.
I've never heard of this mystery! From his facial features, I thought maybe he was related to Howard McNear, aka Floyd the Barber. Whoever he was, the fact that he was in several different series besides Andy means he either made quite the impression backstage, or he was close to someone involved in all the different shows. Maybe a casting agent or writer. Or a common production company? I love this kind of stuff, and would be perfectly fine with it if we never know his identity.
In Floyd Lawson the barber’s first appearance on the series, Howard McNear is not playing him. I don’t know the actor’s name playing Floyd in his first series appearance, but he appears to have been an older man than Mr. McNear was. The character was recast, with Howard McNear playing Floyd Lawson for the rest of the series.
I read somewhere that he was always the butt of jokes among the cast and crew because of that outrageous toupee. Yet that family photo seems to indicate either his hair was real, or he was wearing a better rug than in the show.
I don't know how to contact him. And...even if I did, I probably wouldn't. The video is just designed to be another fun look at The Andy Griffith Show.
@@jdsundstrom That's not nice Dave to get us all worked up about such a central issue in world affairs and then go soft on us. Get the FBI on the trail, or better yet put Fife on the case and he can "rare back and say, 'gettin' closer every day'."
@@marcsavard2186 And...to make things worse, apparently Ron Howard has been asked and he doesn't know Schwamp's real name either. If only we could get that legendary lawman Bernard P. Fife on the case! 🙂
@@jdsundstrom In all seriousness he could easily have been a bachelor with no next of kin, and he doesn't look like he would have been a crew member as he appears pretty out of shape. So I'm guessing he was a relation or friend of someone connected with the show, like Thomas was the brother of Danny. But who is still the mystery. TAGS financial records if still around would be helpful.
I've watched a lot of Andy Griffith over the years and have never seen this character. I don't know that I've seen every episode though but either I haven't or just never noticed him. Hope you get your answer one way or the other Dave.
Mr. Schwump or sometimes Schwamp appeared 26 times on the show and had no lines. His only job was to sit on the bench in front of Floyd’s barber shop. The guy was never given credit and us trivia buffs are still trying to find out his name. The word was that he was a friend of Andy’s who was jobless and down on his luck and he hired him as an extra. Since he always froze when the cameras were on and couldn’t do his lines, Andy said “just sit there” and he did, all those years.! In 2012 an April Fools joke claimed he was Patch Wimmers and another rumor was that he was Ron Howard’s uncle, his moms brother Joe Speegle, then we heard Andy’s uncle Nathan Nunn and then we heard he was Hanz Grimp a long time extra in the movies going back to the 40’s., then Jerry Mather’s father, then Danny Thomas’s brother Mikal Jacobs. All are incorrect……and no one knows yet.!!The only one that sounds remotely possible is the one being an extra as he has been seen in movie background scenes for years. OK ready? New rumor. He came from Germany after WW II and couldn’t speak English and all he could get was extras in movies. Now that sounds possible!
I once heard a few years back that he was the older brother of Floyd the barber and had learning disabilities but was used as an extra. For the life of me I can’t recall who told me that, it was a very long time ago. I’m old enough to remember that show when it was brand new. I hope that info pans out. ✌🏻🇺🇸
When this video was recommended to me I thought it was a picture of Andy Griffith and Jerry Mathers(nowadays) so I'm crushing it today. So here's my plan, we get a bunch of us subscribers together(virus be damned) we fly to Hollywood or Hollyboob(whatever they are calling it these days) we are all wearing our matching t-shirts that let's everyone know we mean business(and that we are definitely not part of a cult) because we are the Sundstrom Storm. We'll be The Avengers for TH-cam, solving mysteries and putting right what once went wrong, and we will confront Ron Howard and get to the bottom of this case. M. Night Shyamalan twist ending, we have Howard surrounded and knowing he is defeated he goes all Mission Impossible and takes of his face/mask revealing that Ron Howard is actually and has always been Mr. Schwamp. Fade to black.
I kind of hope they keep the mystery going. it is fun to speculate about Mr. Schwump. It is one of those things you just want to know but you don't want to because then the mystery would be gone. Btw, it's weird but I know exactly what episode that picture at 1:54 of Mr. Schwump in Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. is from, it is called "The Welsh rabbit fiend," where Gomer starts sleepwalking and yelling at Sgt. Carter every time Gomer eats "welsh rarebit"(as Gomer calls it) at a little cafe. Weird that I know all that but I still don't know who Mr. Schwump is.
Now that is really interesting. I am so curios. Now I want to know who this man is😅😊. He looks like a very affable guy I will book a ticket to Mayberry😂. Your favorite fan, Jody
Speaking of Robert Stack, I will always associate a kind of unease with him. I used to love the watch the original series Unsolved Mysteries, even though it almost always gave me chills.
Here's another mystery. What ever happened to Chuck Cunningham 🤔. After the second season he just disappeared and the family never spoke of him again. Sounds like foul play to me. Also Ron Howard was in both shows, maybe someone should have a little talk with him 🤔.
While I would never do disservice to Mr Schwamp, I would rather talk about Otis. He is among my favorites. I live in a county with three prisons! And a large new jail. And I bet none of them has a nicer, better behaved inmate than Otis. I wish my alcoholic father had been the kind of drunk Otis was.
A future Jerry Mathers, in the Twilight Zone , trying to relive his youth. Only to find out you can't go back. And stuck on the wrong show as well. Jerry Mathers, in The Twilight Zone.
Maybe Arlene Golonka's surviving relatives can tell us who played Mr. Schwamp. Buddy Foster is still around; perhaps he knows. Richard Thibideraux may remember (he played Johnny Paul Jason). Other people who may know who played Mr. Schwamp would be Dick Van Dyke and Larry Mathews, as their show was also on Desilu.
Perhaps he was a friend or family member that came to visit Andy for a few days now and then from out of town and was put to work so he could spend time with Andy in a legit manner on the set
The only thing I have heard about this character was that he was a part of the production staff but thar doesn't make much sense since he appeared in 28 episodes as an extra. I do like the idea that he was a friend, perhaps a childhood friend of Andy's whom Andy wanted to help The man was a beloved actor since he was always smiling though he never spoke a word. I am a diehard fan of the show and even got pretty much all the trivia questions (so far) correct about the show. The few I have gotten wrong were a few minor details I missed while watching the shows many reruns over the years. I would love to own the complete series just because I lovecthe show so much.
Well, this is quite the intrigue you're raising here. The whole video I was thinking Opie... errr I mean Ronnie..... ummmm, I mean Mr. Howard might know. But he was just a kid then and might not have known every actor. I've seen every B&W episode and a lot of them many, many times over but I don't remember this actor's face. But I do remember that "old man Schwamp" line from Barney. Is the actress standing by him @1:16 in your video from the Mayberry Historical Society or is she the socialite who Ernest T. tried to impress with his new-found manners.
I've sent Ron Howard a message on Twitter. If he responds, I'll let everyone know ASAP. Regarding your question, I'm not sure. I need to go back and watch those episodes again.
She also was in another episode in which Barney Fife is taking " voice" lessons and she encourages him to sing solo in the choir . Gomer Pyle was picked by the director to replace Barney. He pretended to lose his voice so as to keep from hurting Barneys feelings. Elanora Poultis was her name in that episode. Not sure if spelled correctly. But thought it was worth a mention.
Harvey Bennett one of the last living writers was also asked at a Mayberry event and he didn't know either. This is a true mystery. Probably not married with no kids so it's going to be almost impossible to find out now.
A truly wholesome show. No F bombs no violence. Just values and good living.
And comedy don’t forget!
An older Jerry Mathers went back in time to do the show. Obviously.
Oh my goodness...I think you've figured it out, Bravo NinetySeven!
I thought about Jerry Mathers too. The resemblance is uncanny. Perhaps a relative of Mr. Mathers?
Thank you for telling me about Ron Howard’s father
@@jdsundstrom I mean no disrespect to whomever played "Mr. Schwamp"--but he *does* bear an uncanny resemblance to Jerry Mathers. However, Mathers does *not* look creepy in the way this mystery man did.
I thought the same thing about Mr. Schwamp looking like a member of the Mathers family.
Mr. Schwamp is one of my most favorite people in Mayberry. Sometimes it's better not to know. Makes him more special.
You are very wise, Patty!
I really loved the man who played Otis.
Hal Smith was awesome. th-cam.com/video/Oo_gbTVcNek/w-d-xo.html
He was also the 1st barney rubble
Yep! He really did Great on The "Davey & Goliath" series! Also more off "Art Clokey`s" XLNT Genius work. You do know "Gumby" dontcha? We just do not have their "Naz" today! C`ya CJ-4-JC 4evr .........
'
Hal Smith was the voice of Daveys dad as well as Goliath and most of the other male voices on Davey and Goliath. He was credited as “Hal John Smith” on Davey and Goliath. He also provided voices in “Clutch Cargo” and so many other shows.
He was a really talented guy,and from all accounts I’ve heard,a really nice person.
In the picture on the story,I thought Mr Schawp could have been Jerry Mathers.
If Ron ever reveals the truth, I hope you're interviewing him. Considering your love of this show, you deserve the answer more than most of us!
I've got to think that Ron knows!
In the picture with Ronny the guy looks to be there as a friend of someone. No working clothes nut kinda nicely dressed. He was in an old movie before Andy Griffith show sometime in the 50s but not accredited. Great mystery
One who might know, and who may be easier to contact than his "hot-shot" brother is Clint Howard! While much younger, his Schwamp stories may not be as first-person as someone older, but he may have heard about him from Andy or Ron, and have THOSE memories!
I fenced a little bit with Clint in N. Hollywood Park in the early '80s, and had I known the Schwamp mystery would be a thing, I'd-a asked him then and there!
@@jdsundstrom Theirs always Clint Howard or Betty Lynn you can chase....lol
Ron Howard has been asked and no he didn't remember his name. Ron was just a kid then and if he didn't have a scene with him he would not know his name. They all remember him just not his name. Clint doesn't even remember being on the show. He was 3 or 4 in his scenes. It's a mystery for sure. Sad that nobody remembers his name.
My 43 years of my peace officer... public safety duty was based in large part of the Andy Griffith show....Andy Taylor.....
That maybe why I retired 2 times as a Chief of Police, 1 time as Chief Deputy Constable, and 1 time as s Senior Deputy Sheriff, in a line of duty stopping a homicide in progress
All because I used understanding, logic and reason with kindness and love ..... that's also what gave me the ability to never become cold hearted and calus...
God bless the cast, and God bless you sir and your family.
Chief Jones
Thank you for your decades of service, Chief Jones!
@@jdsundstrom you are welcome... you were/are my boss.....I enjoyed working for you.
Now that you show him , I remember him well. Thanks!
You're welcome, Tammy!
The iconic, yet always elusive Mr Schwamp. He always had a cheshire cat grin on his face. My favorite episode with "Patch" was his appearance at Mrs. Wiley's lonely hearts dance. Although he never had any spoken dialogue, his body language and facial expressions spoke volumes. You will always be remembered Mr. Schwamp!!!!
Aside from any of the other actors or crew members, I'm sure a search of old payroll records at the studio could answer the question.
Now...if only we could find those old payroll records!
If they didn’t know what I was talking about I’m talking about Sarah and her boyfriend I can’t say his name but because when I put it on speaker don’t always come out right but that’s what I was talking about I hope they stay together I heard he’s going to ask her to marry again and she doesn’t really say he has but I hope down the line they do get married they belong together and he is trying to be a better man
How can you look him up in payroll records if you don't know his name?
Andys own father was in one episode seen walking out of a store right before Andy walks in.
There are lots of cast and crew members in scenes throughout the series. Maybe Betty Lynn will remember him. She's still with us.
Great suggestion!
Not anymore. We lost her last fall
She had been asked at Mayberry days by people putting on the event years ago and she didn't remember his name either. RIP Betty
He's what's known as a Watcher. He was sent there to make sure the timeline doesn't get messed up when Opie discovers his latent powers.
Love it!
I didn’t even remember the character until you referenced Andy’s “…Old Man Schwamp” line. The series so put its lead characters front and center that for the relatively few background characters, they were REALLY background. One of the few true background The Andy Griffith Show characters that really stands out to me is Clint Howard’s ‘Leon.’
I have seen every episode at least a kazillion times and own the entire set on dvd. I can’t believe I never noticed this guy much or gave him a second thought! I wasn’t upset before, but now I am truly triggered over this! Nice job Dave🤣🤣!
I know, right?
Lol. I just wrote the same thing.
He should have received extra notice since he was the one who pinched Earnest T Bass at Mrs. Wiley's Tea Dance.
@@genevestal9740
HAHAHAHAHAHA i will have to watch for that next time it's on.
@@genevestal9740 Ah excellent, thank you. I’ll have to go back and watch for that!
At first glance Mr Schwamp looks like he could be a relative of Goober's.
He does!
Clint Howard. "Leon"is approachable and will talk about the show maybe he knows
That's an option!
He's not that approachable, stays out of any limelight nowadays.
I love this video.
What a delightfully curious mystery.
Thanks Dave.🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, Anton!
There were quite a few mysteries in Mayberry! At least the handsome Mr. Schwamp did not mysteriously disappear like Andy's wife and girlfriends!
Thank heavens, Mac!
Thank you for telling me that Ron Howard parents about his parents and I never watch the show so really only a few episodes so I can’t really comment on that
Andy's wife didn't just disappear, she died some time before the first episode. But now all those girlfriends...they might need to drag Myer's Lake.
@@pattien6687 -LOL!
It's on the credits at the congress library you will find it there
Another person who may know is Maggi Peterson, who played Charlene Darling, who is still alive. She and Andy remained close friends over the years, and she was also friends with Andy's best friend, Emmett. Emmett was the person that Andy gave all of the Mayberry artifacts to. He kept them in a barn for years and made it possible to open the Andy Griffith museum. If the guy was a close friend or relative of Andy's, Emmett's family may know.
The first words out of my mouth is that he was Jerry Mathers' dad.
There is a resemblance. The nose the smile
I really enjoyed your presentation. Just subscribed, and am looking forward to more! Thanks!
Welcome aboard, Joel! I look forward to reading more of your comments.
Just saw an episode of Perry Mason. Season 7 Episode 3 The Case of the Drowsy Mosquito. He is in that episode during the trial scene that takes place in the bar room. He is leaning against the piano and is seen many times when they are showing Perry. There are many actors that did the Andy Griffith Show that also were in many Perry Mason episodes.
How about a remembering Christopher Plummer tribute, who just passed away from a fall at age 91.
Great suggestion. I will do one. Probably not for a few weeks though.
I have always wondered who was the actor who played Mr. SHWAMP. Incredible that we still don't know.
Sounds like a similar role like Featureman (Tom Willett) had on Dear John.
He also never talked.
In classic Columbo, they had a guy like this, a old man with his hair slicked back who appeared in every episode and was a mystery as well.
Actually, it wasn’t his hair at all; it was a toupee as worn back in the day. Other than “The Andy Griffith Show” and its spinoffs “ Mayberry R.F.D.” And “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” the only other screen appearance of the mysterious Mr. Schwump was in a Three Stooges film. I don’t know the title of the film, but The scene of him sitting at a restaurant table nearby while Moe tries to convince a patron to have the roast beef instead of turkey, is available here on TH-cam.
There was several people that were always part of a crowd standing around
He was most likely a crew member or a studio employee. Somebody that was always around when they needed Mr. Schwamp to make an appearance. That would also explain the Perry Mason and Gomer Pyle USMC cameos.
I thought I've seen pretty much every one of the episodes....grew up with the show and still watch it, but I don't have any recollection of this man at all. Thing is, I usually notice details. Strange....nice episode....I will watch out for Mr. Schwamp from now on. :)
Keep an eye out!
Andy Griffith was asked about this guy in an interview I once saw years ago. He could not remember his name but did remember the toupe. Andy said he was a studio employee who they used from time to time for the non-speaking albeit recurring and un-credited role. This show was shot with one camera and put together in the editing room. Unless Andy and this guy were in the same frame, like sitting on the bench, Andy would not necessarily be present.
Good info, Tripp. Thanks!
Mr. Schwamp could have been Andy's stand-in. A lot of times, stand-ins of similar height and appearance are used so an actor can take a break from the hot lights while the producers and camera operators work with blocking a shot. Mr. Schwamp does have height similar to Andy's. Or perhaps he's an extra used for crowd scenes.
@@docadams7099 Could have been, but not according to Andy Griffith. Also, he was not of a similar height as Andy Griffith. He is closer in height to Doris Packer and she was short. See season 4 episode 17. Also, in the scene where Andy and Mr. Schwump were sitting on the bench outside the Sheriff's office. One can see that he is much shorter than Andy by the way each is sitting on the bench. Andy's legs and torso are much longer. TAGS made extensive use of stand ins since it was shot with one camera. For instance a conversation between two individuals talking, such as Barney and Andy when you see one face and not the other, a stand in would be used. Don Knotts and Andy Griffith would not be talking to each other. That would be put together when editing.
Mr schwamp tried to pinch him but he just giggled and ran away
Oh, I loved his character. Every time Andy would say hi to him- Mr. S. Had that million dollar smile. I would love to know who he is. I’m a huge Andy fan. Thanks! 😊
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Terri!
I remember him very well and I remember that other old guy who you saw all the but he never talked either he had a mustache and wore a hat he was on a lot of episodes I guess he was what they call the town people... very good 👍 vlog my friend...
I'm glad you enjoyed it, David!
I think he was one of those rarely appreciated things in modern television: a pure extra. He was there to give a sense of continuity, depth, and breadth to the town of Mayberry, all things he could accomplish by being seen and talked about, not by expositing himself. I can't cite specific examples, but I think if you look back on a lot of TV from before the 1970s, you will see more Mr. Schwamps than you might have realized, and that was the whole point: you were not supposed to think too much about them as they were literally part of the scenery. The key to good stories is good context, and Mr Schwamp was a great tool to setting context.
As for who this particularly actor is, I am not sure it really matters who he was. You see, some people don't want the spotlight, even as they stand in it. They just want to help and don't expect nor pursue recognition. I suspect Mr. Schwamp was one of those many good-hearted people who give freely of their time for friends and family, because they like to and can, and we don't know who he is because his friends know he wouldn't like it if they told.
I think he was a government agent working for child protection to make sure Ron Howard wasn't being overworked as a child actor. Just being hands-on getting a feel of what was really going on.
Maybe he was one of the characters Dads or relatives who was used as an extra once in awhile
Just one more reason to watch the Andy Griffith show to look this guy
Wow. I've been watching this series since it started and NEVER noticed him.
Sneaky feller!
@@jdsundstrom
Lol
Take care
Stay safe and thanks for the mystery.
Oh wow!
Now I will definitely be looking for this Mr. Schwamp when I watch the show.
Legend has it his hair is still is acting.
He looks like what Jerry Mathers....
Looks like today.
Have you seen the latest ME-TV promos with Mathers? He barely looks like that now.
Look for a stagehand that worked on all of those shows and you will probably find out who he is. Chances are he's a stage manager or stagehand who had equity points and could be filmed. He probably had to be in the union or was applying to be in actors equity. I was I entertainment for years and have often been used in uncredited crowd shots at the network I worked for. I would bet he is part of the longstanding production crew.
He also appeared on ‘Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.’
If Ron Howard is unreachable, then maybe one of his co-stars form Happy Days might know the answer, and be reachable. And if they do not know the answer, then they might be able to contact Ron for the answer.
Possibly. If I ever visit with Don Most or Anson Williams, I will ask.
good afternoon dave. on your last video about the actor who played screech on saved by the bell, didnt he write a book that ticked off his save by the bell co stars? and i remember watching who wants to be a millionaire and the question was about saved by the bell. the answer was screech, i was the only one in my family to know it. have a good weekend dave. when is the next game night?
Next week...but it will be over on my new channel. Search for "Dave Sundstrom Live" and subscribe so that you will be notified.
@@jdsundstrom i found it buddy. i just subscribed
Thanks Kenneth!
I never knew who mr schwamp really was but I remember him well in Andy Griffith Dave there are theories nobody knew who he really was but thanks for sharing this video obviously he was a liked character in Andy Griffith thanks for the info Dave great classic video Dave 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
You're welcome, Cade!
Thanks Dave appreciate it
Darn! A few years ago, I used to live in Burbank and would see Ron and Clint Howard around town and in Toluca Lake many times. Wish I knew about this mystery then. I certainly would have asked them if they knew the guy’s name.
Missed opportunity!
This is a continuing mystery. I’m not sure Ron Howard would know as he was very young then. There are other mystery people in other series such ad Dick van Dyke produced by the same production company that shared many supporting actors like Alan Melvin who appeared multiple times in both Dick van Dyke and Andy Griffith shows. I think he was in the old Phil Silvers show also. One actress that was in a ton of different series was Aimzee Strickland who in thd first yesr of TAGS was tried out in one episode as a potential girlfriend for Barney. One mystery actress I have never found info on was in Dick van Dyke episode with the title something like “Where sre you Antonio Stradivarius?” where Rob has amnesia. It’s as if these people tried acting on TV once and quit or in the case of Mr. Schsump was not really an actor but was involved in production and so was handy when they needed him to fill in a continuing bit part. Have you considered whether they actually used his real name? It does sound that it’s made up like Helen Crump,Not very flattering names and they rhyme. It could be Mr. Schwump in real life had no children or family to remember him. As time passes the possibility of anyone knowing who he was is rapidly diminishing or already gone.
Ron Howard probably doesn't know who this gentleman is. Not like he was an adult yet and knew what was going on during the show
He did speak once I believe in the one with Ernest T. Bass. Where they tried to pass Ernest off as someone else at a dance. I may be wrong, but I think he did say a few words.
I can't remember him speaking...but I've been wrong before!
He looks like the grown up Jerry Mathers.
I guess he could've been Jerry's dad.
Mr Schwamp was just a slightly more visible Mayberry character than Juanita at the Diner and Sarah the switchboard operator.
I've heared the name but never remember seeing the character on the Andy Griffth show. but then I've not seen every single episodes of the show.
I've always liked Mr. Shwamp.
I feel like I could have been a friend of his.😊
My theory: In the movie Apollo 13, Ron Howards mother, Jean Howard, play's Jim Lovell's mother. Go do a seach for images of her in that role. In my opinion, there are some striking similarities between her faceial structure and that of Mr Schwamp. Look at the nose and especially the rather wide lower jaw. My theory - Mr Schwamp was related to Jean Howard - possibly even a brother or uncle.
I've heard that theory before and I agree there are similarities.......If that's the case then Ron and Clint Howard should know who he is.
Wow I have no memory of this guy. May be hes a MANDELA effect
The reason you don't remember him is because he had no speaking lines ever.
I know, but 26 episodes?🤔. What about the movies? How did you know? Did you see him in something, or hear about it? I’m seriously dying of curiosity!
I noticed him on the show...but only after reading about it decades ago.
Didn't he try to pinch ETB.
He was in more episodes than Ernest T Bass!!!
While it's not clear to me it seems that in a interview with Ralph Emory on TNN years ago Àndy touched base on this.
That interview can be found on TH-cam. I'll have to check it out.
A big fan of the AGS and this guy slipped by me. What about asking Themla Lou if Ron Howard is not talking? As far as I know, she is still alive.
I'm starting with Ron. I've reached out to him on Twitter.
I've never heard of this mystery! From his facial features, I thought maybe he was related to Howard McNear, aka Floyd the Barber. Whoever he was, the fact that he was in several different series besides Andy means he either made quite the impression backstage, or he was close to someone involved in all the different shows. Maybe a casting agent or writer. Or a common production company? I love this kind of stuff, and would be perfectly fine with it if we never know his identity.
Truthfully, I'm fine if we never find out either. The mystery is what makes it fun!
Ron Howard has said in interviews that he didn't remember his name
The pic of Schwamp with Ronny Howard is't Schwamp .Take a close look . He isn't wearing a toup and he doesn't have the same nose.
In Floyd Lawson the barber’s first appearance on the series, Howard McNear is not playing him. I don’t know the actor’s name playing Floyd in his first series appearance, but he appears to have been an older man than Mr. McNear was. The character was recast, with Howard McNear playing Floyd Lawson for the rest of the series.
Last name of the actor was Baldwin...if I remember correctly.
Interesting. I must’ve missed this character.
very good. Someone needs to ask Ron or his brother Clint
That guy in the Howard movie still is not the same guy. The Schwamp guy wore a toupee - the other guy didn’t
I don't ever remember seeing Him SEEN most all of ANDY and Gomer but i guess since he never talked he was just in the back ground,
I read somewhere that he was always the butt of jokes among the cast and crew because of that outrageous toupee. Yet that family photo seems to indicate either his hair was real, or he was wearing a better rug than in the show.
And the ears, wow!
Andy didn't want to stand in the stag line with Mr. Schwump!!
He sure didn't!
Why is it so hard for someone to contact Ron Howard and ask him about this man? I’m sure he gives interviews all the time.
I don't know how to contact him. And...even if I did, I probably wouldn't. The video is just designed to be another fun look at The Andy Griffith Show.
@@jdsundstrom That's not nice Dave to get us all worked up about such a central issue in world affairs and then go soft on us. Get the FBI on the trail, or better yet put Fife on the case and he can "rare back and say, 'gettin' closer every day'."
@@marcsavard2186 And...to make things worse, apparently Ron Howard has been asked and he doesn't know Schwamp's real name either. If only we could get that legendary lawman Bernard P. Fife on the case! 🙂
@@jdsundstrom In all seriousness he could easily have been a bachelor with no next of kin, and he doesn't look like he would have been a crew member as he appears pretty out of shape. So I'm guessing he was a relation or friend of someone connected with the show, like Thomas was the brother of Danny. But who is still the mystery. TAGS financial records if still around would be helpful.
I've watched a lot of Andy Griffith over the years and have never seen this character. I don't know that I've seen every episode though but either I haven't or just never noticed him. Hope you get your answer one way or the other Dave.
I'm working on it, James. I've reached out to Ron Howard on Twitter. 🙂
Mr. Schwump or sometimes Schwamp appeared 26 times on the show and had no lines. His only job was to sit on the bench in front of Floyd’s barber shop. The guy was never given credit and us trivia buffs are still trying to find out his name. The word was that he was a friend of Andy’s who was jobless and down on his luck and he hired him as an extra. Since he always froze when the cameras were on and couldn’t do his lines, Andy said “just sit there” and he did, all those years.! In 2012 an April Fools joke claimed he was Patch Wimmers and another rumor was that he was Ron Howard’s uncle, his moms brother Joe Speegle, then we heard Andy’s uncle Nathan Nunn and then we heard he was Hanz Grimp a long time extra in the movies going back to the 40’s., then Jerry Mather’s father, then Danny Thomas’s brother Mikal Jacobs. All are incorrect……and no one knows yet.!!The only one that sounds remotely possible is the one being an extra as he has been seen in movie background scenes for years. OK ready? New rumor. He came from Germany after WW II and couldn’t speak English and all he could get was extras in movies. Now that sounds possible!
Thanks for the extra info, Will. I suspect we may never get to the bottom of this mystery!
What episode did he flub his line on?
I've never heard the episode identified...but I imagine it's the one where he makes his first appearance, "My Fair Ernest T. Bass".
Not that he would necessarily notice it or remember, some should tweet Ron Howard about it.
Great suggestion! Twitter might be the way to go.
He squealed on the Mob and was In witness protection. Hiding in plain sight.
I once heard a few years back that he was the older brother of Floyd the barber and had learning disabilities but was used as an extra.
For the life of me I can’t recall who told me that, it was a very long time ago. I’m old enough to remember that show when it was brand new.
I hope that info pans out.
✌🏻🇺🇸
Hmmm. I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the tip!
When this video was recommended to me I thought it was a picture of Andy Griffith and Jerry Mathers(nowadays) so I'm crushing it today. So here's my plan, we get a bunch of us subscribers together(virus be damned) we fly to Hollywood or Hollyboob(whatever they are calling it these days) we are all wearing our matching t-shirts that let's everyone know we mean business(and that we are definitely not part of a cult) because we are the Sundstrom Storm. We'll be The Avengers for TH-cam, solving mysteries and putting right what once went wrong, and we will confront Ron Howard and get to the bottom of this case. M. Night Shyamalan twist ending, we have Howard surrounded and knowing he is defeated he goes all Mission Impossible and takes of his face/mask revealing that Ron Howard is actually and has always been Mr. Schwamp. Fade to black.
Love it!
I kind of hope they keep the mystery going. it is fun to speculate about Mr. Schwump. It is one of those things you just want to know but you don't want to because then the mystery would be gone.
Btw, it's weird but I know exactly what episode that picture at 1:54 of Mr. Schwump in Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. is from, it is called "The Welsh rabbit fiend," where Gomer starts sleepwalking and yelling at Sgt. Carter every time Gomer eats "welsh rarebit"(as Gomer calls it) at a little cafe. Weird that I know all that but I still don't know who Mr. Schwump is.
Truthfully, I'm with you. The fact that it is still a mystery is what makes the whole thing so much fun to talk about.
Now that is really interesting. I am so curios. Now I want to know who this man is😅😊. He looks like a very affable guy I will book a ticket to Mayberry😂. Your favorite fan, Jody
I saw him on an episode of Gomer Pyle USMC in the Welsh Rarebit episode.
Speaking of Robert Stack, I will always associate a kind of unease with him. I used to love the watch the original series Unsolved Mysteries, even though it almost always gave me chills.
I think that's exactly what Robert wanted to do.
Here's another mystery. What ever happened to Chuck Cunningham 🤔. After the second season he just disappeared and the family never spoke of him again. Sounds like foul play to me. Also Ron Howard was in both shows, maybe someone should have a little talk with him 🤔.
I see you found my video. 🙂
While I would never do disservice to Mr Schwamp, I would rather talk about Otis. He is among my favorites.
I live in a county with three prisons! And a large new jail. And I bet none of them has a nicer, better behaved inmate than Otis.
I wish my alcoholic father had been the kind of drunk Otis was.
Otis was a fun character...and Hal Smith the actor was awesome. You've seen this video, right? th-cam.com/video/Oo_gbTVcNek/w-d-xo.html
If this character appeared in a TV show today, it could be called The Return of Schwamp Thing.
That's a good one! 😂
@@jdsundstrom Thanks!
Does he play dr. Kelso in scrubs?? Looks similar
Nope. Not Dr. Kelso.
He tried to pinch Ernest T Bass when he crashed Mrs Wiley's party, showing his bravery.
Mayberry was such a friendly town, yet Schwamp was never invited over for dinner!
So sad!
Maybe he likes leg of lamb, Andy's favorite dish
He looks like Jerry Mathers.
A future Jerry Mathers, in the Twilight Zone , trying to relive his youth. Only to find out you can't go back. And stuck on the wrong show as well. Jerry Mathers, in The Twilight Zone.
Looks like he is related to Goober.
Maybe Arlene Golonka's surviving relatives can tell us who played Mr. Schwamp. Buddy Foster is still around; perhaps he knows. Richard Thibideraux may remember (he played Johnny Paul Jason). Other people who may know who played Mr. Schwamp would be Dick Van Dyke and Larry Mathews, as their show was also on Desilu.
Great suggestions, Daniel!
I thought it was Jerry Mathers at first look. Of course he would have been super young back then. 🤦♀️
Like many others here my first thought was "The Beaver." But Jerry Mathers would have bee in his 20s. As he looks here is how he looks now in 2021.
He sure does look like Jerry Mathers...but you're right, the timing doesn't work.
He was Clara and Jenny's Mt .Pilot "moonshine runner"... "Only in town for a pick-up Barney"....
Do the show credits not NAME who played the role ?
Nope.
Perhaps he was a friend or family member that came to visit Andy for a few days now and then from out of town and was put to work so he could spend time with Andy in a legit manner on the set
The only thing I have heard about this character was that he was a part of the production staff but thar doesn't make much sense since he appeared in 28 episodes as an extra.
I do like the idea that he was a friend, perhaps a childhood friend of Andy's whom Andy wanted to help
The man was a beloved actor since he was always smiling though he never spoke a word.
I am a diehard fan of the show and even got pretty much all the trivia questions (so far) correct about the show. The few I have gotten wrong were a few minor details I missed while watching the shows many reruns over the years.
I would love to own the complete series just because I lovecthe show so much.
I always thought Mr Schwump was an old man version of Beaver Cleaver🤷🏻♂️
*Schwamp
Well, this is quite the intrigue you're raising here. The whole video I was thinking Opie... errr I mean Ronnie..... ummmm, I mean Mr. Howard might know. But he was just a kid then and might not have known every actor.
I've seen every B&W episode and a lot of them many, many times over but I don't remember this actor's face. But I do remember that "old man Schwamp" line from Barney. Is the actress standing by him @1:16 in your video from the Mayberry Historical Society or is she the socialite who Ernest T. tried to impress with his new-found manners.
I've sent Ron Howard a message on Twitter. If he responds, I'll let everyone know ASAP. Regarding your question, I'm not sure. I need to go back and watch those episodes again.
@@jdsundstrom I can save you the time . Yes this woman was the same one. Both in this scene and as the socialite afformentioned.
She also was in another episode in which Barney Fife is taking " voice" lessons and she encourages him to sing solo in the choir . Gomer Pyle was picked by the director to replace Barney. He pretended to lose his voice so as to keep from hurting Barneys feelings. Elanora Poultis was her name in that episode. Not sure if spelled correctly. But thought it was worth a mention.
Harvey Bennett one of the last living writers was also asked at a Mayberry event and he didn't know either. This is a true mystery. Probably not married with no kids so it's going to be almost impossible to find out now.
It is truly a mystery that will most likely be forever unsolved!
Is he not list by name in the credits?
Nope.