George Lindsey, who spent nearly 30 years as the grinning Goober on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Hee Haw," has died. He was 83. FILE - This Feb. 5, 1998 file photo shows actor George Lindsey, who portrayed Goober, in the television series "The Andy Griffith Show". Lindsey, who spent nearly 30 years as the grinning Goober , has died, Sunday, May 6, 2012.