And, some sad news – Maggie Peterson, whose character on “The Andy Griffith Show” developed an infatuation with Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor, has passed away, at the age of 81.  Patterson played the role of Charlene as part of the infamous Darling clan, for a number of years.

A post to her Facebook page said Peterson died in her sleep Sunday – with her family present.  According to that post, Peterson’s health took a turn for the worse after her husband, Gus Mancuso, died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 at age 88.

In a memorable 1963 episode, Peterson played the role of Charlene Darling, who along with her father and four brothers visited Mayberry – all cramming themselves into one hotel room as they waited for her fiance to arrive.   Andy lets the family spend a night in the courthouse and it’s then that Charlene becomes smitten with the sheriff –  it’s only when the fiancé gets to town that Charlene settles for her first love.  In the next season, the Darlings return to help Charlene find a young boy to become engaged to her new baby, and they pick Opie, played by Ron Howard, and the sheriff comes up with a scheme to show the family that his son isn’t the one they want.

Margaret Ann Peterson was born January 10th of 1941 in Greeley, Colorado.

According to IMDb, the Internet Movie Database site, she, her brother and two of his friends formed a small group that rode around on a pickup truck singing to people.   It was those tours which led to her discovery by director Bob Sweeney, and producer Aaron Ruben, who developed Griffith’s show.

The family said a private service will be held in the next few weeks.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)