Ohioan brings Mayberry to life by impersonating Barney Fife
MASSILLON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man is bringing a bit of Mayberry to life by impersonating Barney Fife, the lovable deputy from “The Andy Griffith Show.”
The Independent newspaper in Massillon reports Todd Beckett has embraced others’ observations that he looked a lot like the character played by Don Knotts.
He shaved his beard, slicked back his hair and decided there really was a resemblance. He’s picked up some of Fife’s mannerisms, donned a uniform and replica handgun and even keeps a bullet in his front pocket, just as Fife did.
The car improvement shop owner even renovated his 1963 Ford Galaxie to resemble Fife’s black and white squad car.
The self-described Mayberry enthusiast says the one feature he has trouble matching is Fife’s high-pitched tone. Beckett’s voice is much lower.