Opie's (Ron Howard) real life dad actually appeared in one episode of the AGS. I was amazed at this fact. Even in 1963 while the show was in production it had a family appeal which it still carries to this day.

https://www.ajc.com/news/national/watch-rance-howard-appeared-alongside-son-ron-these-andy-griffith-show-clips/O7aJlV2nHqOy5W3CamQGYI/

Opie wasn't real. Ron Howard was real.

I remember Rance Howard in the gold truck episode as a FBI agent, and a bus driver for cousin Virgil.

Your right I forgot about those appearances.

Its TAGS not AGS BTW.

Rance Howard was in a couple of episodes.

His real life brother (Clint Howard) was in several episodes. He played Leon. Just for the heck of it his real life dad (Rance) and brother (clint) were also in Seinfeld