Frances Bavier; Won an Emmy as ‘Aunt Bee’

Frances Bavier, an Emmy Award-winning actress remembered by millions of fans as the devoted Aunt Bee on “The Andy Griffith Show,” died Wednesday night at her home here. She was 86.

Miss Bavier was released early this week from Chatham Hospital, where she was being treated in the coronary care unit.

A native of New York City, Miss Bavier attended Columbia University and was a graduate of the American Academy of the Arts. She had more than 20 years of stage experience, including stints in vaudeville and on Broadway, where she appeared in such productions as “Kiss and Tell,” “Point of No Return” and “The Lady Says No.”

Miss Bavier became famous for her television role in the popular show starring Andy Griffith as a Southern sheriff, which she continued in the short-lived series “Mayberry RFD.” She won an Emmy for the role in 1967.

“Andy Griffith” was near the top of the ratings from October, 1960, to September, 1968, when Griffith left the show.

“Many episodes focused on her and she was essential to the success of the show,” said John Meroney, founder of the Andy Griffith Show Appreciation Society. “When she started on the show she was 57 and had more experience going in than any of the other cast members. She was the only one from a large city and the fact that she could portray Aunt Bee showed the depth of her talent.”

A private person, she had refused media requests for interviews for some time.

“She was never big on doing interviews. But in my conversations with her she was always open and willing to talk about her days on the Andy Griffith Show, “ Meroney said.