What is Opie short for on The Andy Griffith Show?
'The Andy Griffith Show' was the 60th most watched TV show. In 2016. According to Howard himself, who once explained the origin of the name to Jay Leno, Opie was named after bandleader and actor Opal “Opie” Taft Cates, a popular clarinetist from swing-era Arkansas.
Rather than having some unattractive name like Oscar Percival Taylor that was turned into O.P. or Opie, Ron Howard told Jay Leno on “Tonight” that his character was named after bandleader-actor Opal “Opie” Taft Cates, who once boasted a radio audience of 35 million.
The origin of the name 'Opie'
“The name came from a bandleader from the 1940s who used to tour the South,” Howard revealed. “Andy [Griffith] particularly admired this bandleader, so I think he suggested the name.” Speaking on the role that started his acting career, Howard said, “I was the sheriff's son growing up.
That's because in an episode of The Danny Thomas Show where Opie loses his pet turtle because it was stepped on Andy reveals that he lost Opie's mom when he was "the least little speck of a baby". Opie's Mom was also mentioned in a later episode of the Andy Griffith Show entitled Wedding Bells for Aunt Bee.
There are two explanations of the origin of the character's name. One is that Opie was named after bandleader and radio actor Opie Cates; the other is that he was named for Opie Shelton (1915–1999), a childhood friend of Griffith, who went on to become president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
from The Century Dictionary.
noun An opiate; opium.
Believe it or not, it traces back to the old Viking name "Asbjorn" ("God bear," essentially). The diminuative nickname of Asbjorn evolved from "Asbie" to "Obby" to "Oppy" to "Opie," which could mean "Son of Asbjorn." What would Barney say if he knew Andy perhaps had Viking blood?
On that show, there was a scene that mentioned Opie's mother. But the episode did not give a cause of death or even reveal her name. In the episode, an upset Opie ran into the sheriff's office because Mrs. Balford had stepped on and killed his pet turtle, Wilford, in front of the ice-cream parlor.
Andy and Helen return to Mayberry for a visit and bring their new baby, Andy Jr. with them.
Harry "Opie" Winston is a fictional character on the FX television series Sons of Anarchy, played by Ryan Hurst. He was a member of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, the son of SAMCRO co-founder Piney, a member of SAMCRO, and best friend of Jax since childhood.
How old was Opie when the show started?
Do all that, and don't forget to have as many laughs as you can along the way. Ron Howard played Sheriff Andy Taylor's son Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960 to 1968 beginning when he was 6 years old (he was 5 when the pilot aired in 1959).
Joanna Moore loved working on 'The Andy Griffith Show'
“I liked the Griffith show better than anything else I've ever done,” she said. “Everyone on the program is so nice. The show is well organized and there is no rush.

Home life. Andy Taylor lives in the fictional, sleepy community of Mayberry, North Carolina. Andy is a widower and father to one young son, Opie.
The "R.F.D." in the title "Mayberry R.F.D." stands for "Rural Free Delivery", a service by the Post Office to deliver mail to outlying areas in the countryside.
Black-and-white seasons (1960–1965)
Aunt Bee, full name Beatrice Taylor, is the paternal aunt of widower sheriff Andy Taylor and great-aunt to his son Opie Taylor.
Harry "Opie" Winston is a fictional character on the FX television series Sons of Anarchy, played by Ryan Hurst. He was a member of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, the son of SAMCRO co-founder Piney, a member of SAMCRO, and best friend of Jax since childhood.
The "R.F.D." in the title "Mayberry R.F.D." stands for "Rural Free Delivery", a service by the Post Office to deliver mail to outlying areas in the countryside.
On that show, there was a scene that mentioned Opie's mother. But the episode did not give a cause of death or even reveal her name. In the episode, an upset Opie ran into the sheriff's office because Mrs. Balford had stepped on and killed his pet turtle, Wilford, in front of the ice-cream parlor.
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