Trivia

During his third year on the The Andy Griffith Show (1960), he suffered a massive stroke that greatly affected his left shoulder, most of his left arm, and his legs. In earlier episodes, he is seen freely walking about. All episodes after this time either have him photographed in close-up, sitting or secretly propped up by a brace.

Portrayed Charles "Doc" Adams on CBS Radio's "Gunsmoke" (1952-1961).

Howard McNear's grandfather Franklin "Frank" Ellis McNear was a private in Company B, 36th Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. His unit saw action at The Wilderness, Fredericksburg, and Petersburg, Virginia and at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and many other locations.

Father: Frank Ellis McNear (1868-1930). Mother: Inzetta M. Spencer (1872-1924). Siblings: Frank Wood McNear (1896-1957), Ruth Ellis McNear (1898-1899), Ellis Hedges McNear (1899-1979).

Began his career in vaudeville.

Served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.