Jim Nabors, known for his role as Gomer Pyle in two TV shows, dies aged 87

The Alabama native, who had been living in Hawaii in recent years, died early Thursday at 87
Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a nightclub in LA
Nabors got his own spin-off Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. show that ran for five years
In 2013 Nabors married Stan Cadwallader, 64, his companion of 38 years.

By Dailymail.com Reporter and Daniel Roth For Dailymail.com and Reuters

Published: 18:07 GMT, 30 November 2017 | Updated: 21:19 GMT, 30 November 2017

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Jim Nabors, who starred in 1960s hit Gomer Pyle, has died.

The Alabama native, who had been living in Hawaii in recent years, died early Thursday Hawaii News Now reports. He was 87.

Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a nightclub in Santa Monica and appeared on his CBS sitcom The Andy Griffith Show from 1962 to 1964.

Jim Nabors, who starred in 1960s hit Gomer Pyle, died Thursday aged 87 in Hawaii

Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a Santa Monica nightclub in Los Angeles

He made numerous guest appearences on the Andy Griffith (pictured far ledt) Show with Ron Howard (child), Jim Nabors (upper right) and Don Knotts

Nabors got his own spin-off Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. show that ran for five years from 1964 to 1969

Headshot of American actor and singer Jim Nabors wearing a military uniform and cuddling a poodle, from his television series, 'Gomer Pyle, USMC'

The actor was signed for just one episode which aired in the third season but his character Gomer Pyle - a simple-minded and gentle auto mechanic - proved so popular that he went on to star in 23 installments.

It led to Nabors getting his own spin-off Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which followed the character after he joined the marines, and ran for five years from 1964 to 1969.

American comedian and singer Jim Nabors leans his chin on his hand and relaxes over a cup of coffee while at a rehearsal for a show, September 6, 1965

He also appeared in movies such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Cannonball Run II opposite pal Burt Reynolds.

Also a singer, Nabors recorded over two dozen albums, loved for his rich baritone voice and scored five gold and one platinum record.

In 2013 Nabors married Stan Cadwallader, 64, his companion of 38 years.

'I'm 82 and he's in his 60s and so we've been together for 38 years and I'm not ashamed of people knowing, it's just that it was such a personal thing, I didn't tell anybody,' Nabors told Hawaii News Now.

'I'm very happy that I've had a partner of 38 years and I feel very blessed. And, what can I tell you, I'm just very happy.'

Nabors said he met Cadwallader, a former firefighter in Honolulu, in 1975, and Cadwallader eventually went to work for him.

Sitcom: Nabors starred as popular character Gomer Pyle, a simple-minded and gentle auto mechanic who joined the marines

Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a nightclub in Santa Monica and appeared on his CBS sitcom The Andy Griffith Show from 1962 to 1964

Jim Nabors pictured behind the scenes at the New Stave Allen Show on November 1, 1961

Jim Nabors, who starred in 1960s hit Gomer Pyle USMC, died Thursday aged 87 in Hawaii

He also appeared in movies such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Cannonball Run II opposite pal Burt Reynolds (pictured left)

Nabors also made numerous guest appearances on some of the era's most iconic programs, including the Muppet Show

Jim Nabors and Jo Anne Worley during "Airport" Los Angeles Premiere at Hollywood Pacific Theater in Hollywood, California, United States

Nabors said he was open with his colleagues and friends about his sexuality, but that his marriage was a private affair not intended as a public statement in the national debate over gay marriage.

'I am not an activist, particularly. But I think every single human being has the right to choose the person they want to spend their life with,' Nabors said. 'That's not even an argument, it's just a God-given right.'

James Thurston Nabors was born in Sylacauga, Alabama on June 12, 1930. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Nabors moved to New York City and became a typist at the United Nations.

Nabors pictured with his husband, Stan Cadwallader , 64, his companion of 38 years

Due to a bothersome asthma condition, he soon relocated to Santa Monica, California and entered the television industry as a film cutter.

Following his successful comedy career where he made TV appearances on some of the era's most iconic comedy programs like the Carol Burnett Show, The Muppet Show and the Krofft Supershow, Nabors found more satisfaction working in nightclubs and doing theater.

Nabors' operatic voice also made him a favorite in Las Vegas and other showplaces.

He gradually retreated from the lime light and settled down with Cadwallader in semi-retirement.

He nearly died from in 1994 from Hepatitis B he contracted while traveling in India decades before from an unsanitized razor blade.

The condition almost killed him but was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant from doctors at UCLA with a little help from his old friend Carol Burnett.

Jim Nabors attends the 2014 IPL 500 Festival Parade during the 2014 Indy 500 Festival at on May 24, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jim Nabors made numerous appearances on The Andy Griffith show, which led to his own program in the 1960s

Actor Jim Nabors and friend attend Carousel of Hope Ball Benefit on October 18, 1994 at the Beverly HiltonHotel in Beverly Hills

: Actors Jim Nabors and Mary Ann Mobley attend the Junior League of Los Angeles Carnivale Gala on March 12, 2004 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills