Jim Nabors’ final years included marrying his 38-year-old boyfriend and living in his $12 million beachfront home “The Andy Griffith Show” made almost all its stars household names. Jim Nabors played Gomer Pyle.
When he first starred in the 1960-1968 TV show, Nabors’ character wasn’t meant to be so important. Nabors’ role as a Mayberry gas station attendant was so popular he became a series regular. His character had his own spin-off show, “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” from 1964 to 1969.
Before
Nabors starred in “The Jim Nabors Hour” after “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” to showcase his baritone singing voice. He appeared on “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Lost Saucer,” and “The Love Boat.” At the behest of his good friend Burt Reynolds, Nabors agreed to star in three of his films – “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” alongside country superstar Dolly Parton, “Stroker Ace” and “Cannonball Run II.” The last film earned Nabors a Golden Raspberry Award.
Nabors reprised his role as Gomer Pyle in “Return To Mayberry” Nabors performed in Hawaii and Vegas.
Nabors married Stan Cadwallader in January 2013. He never publicly came out as gay, but he said he never hid it. After his marriage, he told Hawaii News Now he wasn’t ashamed.
I’m 82 and he’s in his 60s, so we’ve been together for 38 years. I’m not ashamed of people knowing, but it was such a personal issue, I didn’t tell anyone.
“I’m privileged to have a 38-year relationship. I’m extremely delighted.”
In the 1960s, Nabors met Cadwallader, a fireman in Honolulu. Nabors relocated to Hawaii in the 1970s and bought a 500-acre macadamia ranch. In 1992, he bought a 5,900-square-foot oceanfront plantation mansion in Honolulu. The two-story home had five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and an upper-floor living room with a covered lanai. It had a pool and pool house. After Nabors’ death, the estate sold for $12 million, $3 million less than asked.
From this home, Nabors and Cadwallader traveled to Seattle in 2013 to exchange vows on Jan. 15, 2021. Nabors said a judge performed their hotel room wedding. Some neighbors were witnesses. The low-key ceremony pleased Nabors.
“I’ve never made it public. Since childhood, so come on. Not really. I’ve never hidden it,” Nabors said.
“No big deal.” We went through this 38 years ago with a friend. We exchanged vows, and that was that. We were a couple.”
He said he and Cadwallader should marry.
“It’s pretty obvious that we had no rights as a couple, but after 38 years together, something has to happen. At my age, it’s probably best.”
After receiving a Walk of Fame star in 1991, Nabors contracted hepatitis B in India in 1994 and needed a liver transplant. From 1972 to 2014, Nabors performed before the Indianapolis 500.
Nabors died of natural causes in his Honolulu home on Nov. 30, 2017. Nabors died after a long illness, according to his husband.
“He was a great man. So much for him. Cadwallader said he’ll be missed.
His death was mourned by Larry King and Carol Burnett. The USMC saluted Nabors: “Semper Fi, Gomer Pyle.” Rest in peace, Honorary Marine Jim Nabors.”
Jim Nabors was gay and married his longtime boyfriend before he died. Are you a 1960s and 1970s fan? Share his tale with family and friends who may find it motivating.
