Thelma Lou

Thelma Lou was a fictional character on the long-running 1960s American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. She was played by Betty Lynn.

Thelma Lou was Barney Fife's girlfriend on the The Andy Griffith Show, and appeared numerous times on the series from 1961 until 1965. Her first appearance was in episode #22, "Cyrano Andy" during Season 1. It was mentioned that Barney had met Thelma Lou at a funeral; however in a later episode, it was revealed that she attended Mayberry Union High, graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor.

Little is known about Thelma Lou, despite her large role in the series. Aside from her romance with Barney Fife, she was given very little character development during the series' run. She was generally portrayed as a sweet-natured, caring person who genuinely had an understanding for Barney, despite his ostentatious antics. She sang in the church choir and was also an accomplished cook, known for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). Strangely, Thelma Lou's last name was never given on the show (it could be assumed that "Lou" was her surname, although it is unlikely since everybody, including Barney, always referred to her by both names). Another detail that was never mentioned was her occupation, although she was apparently self-sufficient since she lived alone and owned her own home.

The details surrounding Barney and Thelma Lou's relationship are unclear as well. It is certain that Barney dated other women besides her (mainly, diner waitress Juanita). Whether they had an open relationship, or Thelma Lou just didn't know about the other women, is uncertain. However, Thelma Lou stated that Barney was the man she wanted to marry and be the father of her children, and Barney once told Thelma Lou, "You're the only one I ever gave a hoot for." A running gag on the show involved Barney and Thelma Lou spending a "quiet evening together" and somebody walking in on them to find Barney's hair mussed and lipstick prints all over his face.

Barney and Thelma Lou went their separate ways when Barney left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force (coinciding with Don Knotts's departure from the series in 1965). In "The Return of Barney Fife" (episode #176), Barney returns to Mayberry for their high school reunion, intent on getting back with Thelma Lou, only to discover she was engaged to another man. This episode marked Thelma Lou's final appearance on the series.

Their relationship came full circle in the 1986 television reunion movie, Return to Mayberry when Barney finally married Thelma Lou.