TMC
04-03-2026, 04:22 AM
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In this episode of That's Classic! Throwback Thursday, John tells a short personal story about Ronnie Schell and his son Greg. In the video, John talks with Ronnie Schell ‘Duke Slater’ about his behind the scenes moments on Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., as well as his career after the show. Ronnie shares stories of his close friendship with Jim Nabors ‘Gomer’ as well as insights into other co-stars like Frank Sutton. He also talks about how Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. still holds a special place in the hearts of fans, even fifty years after it ended. This is a must-listen for any fan of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., or anyone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes story!
Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.
0:00 🎬 Introducing That’s Classic Throwback Thursday
0:08 ❤️ John’s personal connection to Ronnie Schell
1:01 😂 Yarmy’s Army, comedy legends, and Michele Lee predicting Maroon 5
4:53 🇺🇸 How Ronnie got the role of Duke Slater on Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
6:43 🌟 Ronnie’s big break and the one show he regrets missing
7:30 🐱 Disney films, The Cat from Outer Space
10:44 📺 Leaving Gomer Pyle for Good Morning World
12:03 🌟 Goldie Hawn played Ronnie’s girlfriend — and proved him wrong
14:38 🔁 Returning to Gomer Pyle and why the show ended
16:23 📉 Why CBS canceled hit “hick shows”
18:22 🎰 Ronnie’s long Vegas career and favorite stars
21:17 📼 Jim Nabors gave Ronnie the only Gomer Pyle outtakes
22:14 ❤️ What Jim Nabors was really like
24:08 🎙 Ronnie on Groucho Marx and You Bet Your Life
30:16 🏕 Inside the Gomer Pyle sets, backlot, and filming locations
32:45 🤝 Don Knotts, Barney Fife, and what he was really like
39:03 🎭 Carol Burnett, Vegas, Joey Bishop, Tom Jones, and Danny Thomas
47:25 🤫 Behind-the-scenes stories fans never knew
53:36 🇺🇸 Why the Marines respected Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
57:34 📍 Mayberry Days, fan memories, and Ronnie’s closing thoughts
In this episode of That's Classic! Throwback Thursday, John tells a short personal story about Ronnie Schell and his son Greg. In the video, John talks with Ronnie Schell ‘Duke Slater’ about his behind the scenes moments on Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., as well as his career after the show. Ronnie shares stories of his close friendship with Jim Nabors ‘Gomer’ as well as insights into other co-stars like Frank Sutton. He also talks about how Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. still holds a special place in the hearts of fans, even fifty years after it ended. This is a must-listen for any fan of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., or anyone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes story!
Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.
0:00 🎬 Introducing That’s Classic Throwback Thursday
0:08 ❤️ John’s personal connection to Ronnie Schell
1:01 😂 Yarmy’s Army, comedy legends, and Michele Lee predicting Maroon 5
4:53 🇺🇸 How Ronnie got the role of Duke Slater on Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
6:43 🌟 Ronnie’s big break and the one show he regrets missing
7:30 🐱 Disney films, The Cat from Outer Space
10:44 📺 Leaving Gomer Pyle for Good Morning World
12:03 🌟 Goldie Hawn played Ronnie’s girlfriend — and proved him wrong
14:38 🔁 Returning to Gomer Pyle and why the show ended
16:23 📉 Why CBS canceled hit “hick shows”
18:22 🎰 Ronnie’s long Vegas career and favorite stars
21:17 📼 Jim Nabors gave Ronnie the only Gomer Pyle outtakes
22:14 ❤️ What Jim Nabors was really like
24:08 🎙 Ronnie on Groucho Marx and You Bet Your Life
30:16 🏕 Inside the Gomer Pyle sets, backlot, and filming locations
32:45 🤝 Don Knotts, Barney Fife, and what he was really like
39:03 🎭 Carol Burnett, Vegas, Joey Bishop, Tom Jones, and Danny Thomas
47:25 🤫 Behind-the-scenes stories fans never knew
53:36 🇺🇸 Why the Marines respected Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.
57:34 📍 Mayberry Days, fan memories, and Ronnie’s closing thoughts