Andy Griffith was one of the most beloved actors of his era. He created characters with strong personalities and old-fashioned values on the hit shows “The Andy Griffith Show” (1960-68) and “Matlock” (1986-95).
There’s a reason both shows often air as reruns: People like Andy Griffith. Griffith brought a few actors from “The Andy Griffith Show” to appear on “Matlock.” He also referenced his other famous show from time-to-time.
“Matlock” was a courtroom drama with a different tone from the original family comedy. Andy had changed, as well. By that point, his thick hair had turned white-gray but he still had his trademark curls.
Andy created a role for his friend Don Knotts on “Matlock” in 1988. For 17 episodes, Knotts played Ben Matlock’s neighbor, Les Calhoun, but the character was eventually abandoned when writers decided the tone was not right for the drama.
Aneta Corsaut, who played Helen Crump on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Mayberry R.F.D.,” appeared in seven episodes of “Matlock. In six episodes, she portrayed Judge Cynthia Justin. In another episode, 1990’s “The Mother,” she played Sarah Richards.
Betty Lynn, who portrayed Thelma Lou on “Andy Griffith” appeared on “Matlock” in four episodes in 1986. She portrayed Ben Matlock’s secretary.
“Matlock” writers would sneak references to “Andy Griffith” episodes into the show from time to time.
Here are four Easter eggs we found in the show:
“The Good Boy,” 1989
In this episode, Ben Matlock questions suspects in a murder, including a former housekeeper of the victim’s. The family accused the housekeeper of stealing small objects from them across eight years.
When someone asks Ben, “Do you know what a kleptomaniac is, Mr. Matlock?” Ben responds, “Yeah. I used to know a fellow who pronounced that word ‘kleptomenorac.’”
Don Knott’s character Barney Fife, known for mispronouncing words, used the word “kleptomenorac” in the Andy Griffith episode “Guest of Honor” in 1962.
“The Juror,” 1993
In this episode, Ben Matlock gives his daughter, Leanne MacIntyre, a new fly rod and says it’s for when they go fishing on Myers Lake.
The fictional Myers Lake was mentioned often in “The Andy Griffith Show.”
“The Heist,” 1995
When the character Ed Wingate is taking a bath, he sings the song, “Santa Lucia.” That’s a reference to the song performed by the Mayberry choir in the episode “The Song Festers.” Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle is asked to sing rather than Barney, leading to problems and, of course, laughs.
“The Fighter,” 1990
In this episode, Ben and Les Calhoun are discussing karate as a form of martial arts for self-protection. Les gives Ben a demonstration, which just happens to be – practically move for move – the same “judo” demonstration Barney gave Andy in the episode “Andy, the Marriage Counselor.”
