Mitch Jayne was an American actor best known for his roles in “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Return to Mayberry,” and for his work as a musician and writer. He was born on July 5, 1928, in Hammond, Indiana, and passed away on August 2, 2010, in Eminence, Missouri.
Personal and Family Life
Mitch Jayne spent much of his life in the Ozarks of Missouri, where he taught in one-room schools and worked as a radio disk jockey at KSMO Radio. He was known for his humorous talks about the Ozark language and its ties to Middle English. Mitch had a passion for storytelling, and he published several books throughout his career.
Career
Jayne played bass with the popular band The Dillards, which he joined in California during the early 1960s. While with the group, he became known as part of the Darling family on “The Andy Griffith Show.” In addition to his musical career, Mitch wrote multiple humor columns and several published books, earning a humanitarian award for his last work, “Fiddler’s Ghost.”
Death and Legacy
Mitch Jayne died on August 2, 2010, from complications related to cancer. His contributions to music and television left a lasting impact, and he was honored posthumously when The Dillards were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame in September 2009.
Filmography
| Type | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Return to Mayberry | Mitch Darling | 1986 |
| Actor | The Andy Griffith Show | Mitch Darling | 1963–1966 |
| Writer | A Christmas Card from Branson | Writer | 2013 |
| Soundtrack | The Marty Stuart Show | writer: “Dooley” | 2011 |
| Soundtrack | The Porter Wagoner Show | writer: “Dooley” | 1967–1978 |
| Soundtrack | The Andy Griffith Show | writer: “There Is A Time” | 1964–1965 |