Although Los Angeles native Howard McNear had a long career on radio and in films, he will forever be remembered for his memorable - and scene-stealing - portrayal of Floyd the Barber in the long-running The Andy Griffith Show (actor Don Knotts once said that playing Floyd wasn't much of a stretch for McNear, as his real personality was pretty much like Floyd to begin with). McNear started his career in radio, where he played Doc Adams in "Gunsmoke" for many years. In films he often played congressmen, hotel managers or other such figures, although he did on occasion play villains. While working on the "Andy Griffith Show" he suffered a massive stroke. After he recuperated he had trouble using his arms and legs, and when he returned to work on the show he was always seen either in a close-up or sitting down (often in a chair outside the barber shop while chatting with Barney and Andy). He died in 1969 in Hollywood.


During his third year on the "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960) he suffered a massive stroke that greatly affected his left shoulder, most of his left arm and his legs. In earlier episodes, he is seen freely walking about. All episodes after this time either have him photographed in close-up, sitting or, secretly, propped up by a brace.