Who Is Howard McNear? Age, Biography and Wiki
Howard McNear was born on January 27, 1905, and passed away on January 3, 1969. In 2025, he would have been 120 years old if he were still alive. McNear is best remembered for his roles in classic television shows and films, particularly for his portrayal of Floyd Lawson, the barber in the iconic series The Andy Griffith Show.
McNear’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 1930s, and he gained significant recognition in radio before transitioning to television. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and fans of classic television.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1905 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | |
| Date of death | 3 January, 1969 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California |
Popularity
Howard McNear's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements of Howard McNear’s height and weight during his prime are not widely documented, reports suggest that he stood approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. As for his weight, estimates place it around 160 pounds (73 kg), though variations may have occurred throughout his life.
In 1961, McNear was cast as the vague, chatty barber Floyd Lawson on The Andy Griffith Show. In 1963, he suffered a stroke that rendered most of the left side of his body paralyzed. He left the series for nearly a year and a half to recover. Andy Griffith asked McNear to return to the series.
McNear agreed despite being unable to walk or stand, and the production crew accommodated him accordingly. Floyd was subsequently seen onscreen either seated or standing with support. Many scenes were shot with him sitting on a bench outside the barber shop, as opposed to trimming hair as before.
In most of his post-stroke scenes, McNear's left hand would be holding a newspaper or resting in his lap, while he moved his right arm and hand as he spoke his lines. In a 1964 episode, "Otis Sues the County", McNear's character is heard, but not seen, walking into the courthouse; the next scene shows Floyd already seated in a chair.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Howard McNear was married to actress and writer, Gertrude McNear. The couple shared a warm and affectionate relationship during their time together. There are no significant indications of affairs or extramarital relationships during McNear's life—his dedication to his family and career was paramount.
On January 3, 1969, McNear died at San Fernando Valley Veterans Hospital in California at the age of 63 of complications from pneumonia caused by a stroke. He was survived by his wife Helen and his son Christopher.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Howard McNear’s estimated net worth was around $1 million. In today’s terms, accounting for inflation and the continued popularity of his work, his net worth would likely be higher. Earnings from his career in radio, television, and occasional stage performances contributed to his financial standing.
Career, Business and Investments
Howard McNear’s career was primarily centered around acting. He achieved considerable fame on radio shows before transitioning to TV, where he portrayed memorable characters in various shows, including his most famous role as Floyd in The Andy Griffith Show.
Beyond acting, there are no significant records of McNear being involved in business ventures or investments; his focus remained on acting throughout his career. However, his performances have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
McNear studied at the Oatman School of Theater and later joined a stock company in San Diego. McNear also worked in radio from the late 1930s, including in the 1937–1940 radio serial Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police as ace operator Clint Barlow. McNear could be effective in such authoritative roles, but he gravitated more toward character roles, often comic.
Social Network
Although Howard McNear was not a part of modern social media, his legacy is celebrated across various platforms today. Fans and historians often discuss his work on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where classic television shows and their stars are fondly remembered.
Education
Howard McNear was educated at the University of Southern California, where he honed his skills in acting and theater. His education laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the performing arts.
In conclusion, Howard McNear may not be with us in 2025, but his contributions to entertainment and his memorable characters continue to live on, captivating audiences new and old.
