City resident serves as extra in newly released movie
Bellefontaine area resident Tom Fogle spent many of his impressionable growing up years watching The Andy Griffith Show, and as an avid fan of the comedic TV show into adulthood, he has taken numerous trips to Mount Airy, N.C., to attend Mayberry Fest, a celebration in the town where the show was filmed.
This past week, he made a special trip to back to the North Carolina town with his wife, Karen, and his friend and fellow Andy Griffith fanatic, Doug Whites, for a special purpose — to walk the red carpet for the premiere for the newly released film, Mayberry Man, in which Fogle and Whites serve as extras.
“We filmed our parts about one year ago, and it was an absolute blast,” said Fogle, a recent Honda of America Mfg. at East Liberty retiree. “We learned an awful lot about film-making and were on the set for about 13 to 14 hours in one day.
“The movie is not a remake of ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ but it shares that same wholesomeness and family-friendly nature that draws us to the show. It was a lot of fun to rub shoulders with some of the stars and the Andy Griffith tribute artists who appear in the film. They showed such kindness to us and wanted to get to know us as well.”
The movie was released Thursday at select theaters across the country, including in Mount Airy, and will available to rent or purchase via Amazon Video beginning Friday, Oct. 1. The DVD also is available for purchase at www.mayberrymanmovie.com.
Mayberry Man tells the story of an arrogant movie star, Chris Stone, played by Brett Varvel, who is caught speeding in a small town. He is sentenced by a judge to attend Mayberry Fest.
The movie is written and produced by Stark Howell, a son of the late Hoke Howell, who played Dud Wash on The Andy Griffith Show.
About two years ago, Fogle said his wife learned that this movie was going to be produced and that there was an opportunity to help crowdfund the film, with the added unique chance to become an extra in the movie.
“She gave me the surprise of a lifetime when she told me I got to be in the movie,” the West Mansfield native said. “My friend, Doug, also joined me as an extra; we’re the biggest nerds of this show.
“My memories are of being 6 or 7 years old when I started watching the Andy Griffith Show, which now has been out for 60 years. It’s nostalgic for those of us who grew up in the 60s.
“It’s been in syndication ever since; it’s never been off the air. There are 260 episodes and eight seasons total, and I’ve seen each one so many times. We love playing trivia games about the show.”
Prior to participating as an extra in the film, Fogle said he had to select five outfits that he would take to the shoot and photograph them for the producers, so they could “get the look just right.”
Last fall, he and Whites traveled to Mount Airy for their big movie break. Fogle said he is potentially featured in five scenes in the movie, including ones shot at The Loaded Goat restaurant, Wally’s Service Station, the court house and a parade scene.
Mayberry Man also was filmed in Danville, Ind., where a similar Mayberry and Andy Griffith tribute festival takes place each year.
The movie is an official selection for the Heartland International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 7-17.