NAMES IN THE NEWS : ‘Aunt Bee’ Out of Hospital
Frances Bavier, known to millions of television viewers as the kindly Aunt Bee on “The Andy Griffith Show,” was back at home today following a two-week stay at a hospital.
Bavier, 86, was released from Chatham Hospital on Monday. She was admitted to the hospital’s coronary unit Nov. 22.
At Bavier’s request, hospital officials would not release any information about her condition.
Bavier received more than 800 cards and letters from fans across the country while she was in the hospital, Administrator Roger Harrell said.
“She was well enough that her physician made the judgment that she could go home,” Harrell said.
In the TV series, Aunt Bee kept house for Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith, and his son Opie, played by Ron Howard, during the show’s successful run from 1960 to 1968. Bavier, a New York native, moved to Siler City, population about 5,000, in 1972 after 17 years as an actress. She reportedly fell for the small town’s charm while filming the Griffith show.
Bavier lives with attendants and several cats in a large stone house with 20 rooms.
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