When Andy Griffith launched his legal drama Matlock in 1986, he welcomed several familiar faces from The Andy Griffith Show, including Don Knotts and Aneta Corsaut. However, one former cast member’s request for more lines led to her abrupt departure from the series.
Griffith poured his heart into Matlock, searching for a project that could match the depth of The Andy Griffith Show. In the role of Ben Matlock, a no-nonsense attorney with a love for frankfurters, he truly found his groove. Former co-star Nancy Stafford remarked on Griffith’s creativity, noting how he often added his own humorous bits to the script, like shoe-shining and hot-dog-eating gags.
As Matlock gained popularity, Griffith made efforts to incorporate elements from Mayberry, inviting former cast members to join him. Betty “Thelma Lou” Lynn played Matlock’s secretary, while Aneta Corsaut appeared as a judge. Griffith also brought in director Bob Sweeney and writer Aaron Ruben to add nostalgic touches.
Despite these efforts, not all former co-stars found a lasting place on the show. Lynn initially enjoyed her role as Matlock’s secretary but soon became dissatisfied with her limited lines. When she approached Griffith about having more dialogue, he dismissed her request. “They let me go as soon as they could,” Lynn later recalled. “I was upset with him because he wouldn’t listen.”
This disagreement resulted in a 20-year silence between the two, until Griffith reached out to Lynn for her opinion on a new role. After reconnecting, they maintained their friendship until Griffith’s passing in 2012.
