US sitcom actor George Lindsey, who found fame as petrol station attendant Goober Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show, has died at the age of 83.

The Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home in Nashville said George Lindsey had died on Sunday following a brief illness.

George Lindsey played Goober on the Andy Griffith Show from 1964 to 1968.

He went on to play the same character in Hee Haw from 1971 until it ended in 1993. His other TV credits included M.A.S.H. and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.

US sitcom actor George Lindsey, who found fame as petrol station attendant Goober Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show, has died at the age of 83

“America has grown up with me,” George Lindsey said in an interview with the Associated Press in 1985.

“Goober is every man, everyone finds something to like about ol’ Goober,” he added.

In a statement released by the funeral home, Andy Griffith said: “George Lindsey was my friend. I had great respect for his talent and his human spirit.”

George Lindsey also appeared in several movies, including Cannonball Run II.

And he lent his voice to animation films such as Robin Hood, The Rescuers and The Aristocats.

George Lindsey began his professional acting career on Broadway in the musicals Wonderful Town and All American.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.