Late Jim Nabors may have been known for his quirky on-screen characters, however, his fans may not have known that he was harboring a secret for most of his life.
Jim Nabors became a household name almost as soon as he made his acting debut. He was an instant hit and beloved by many, but the actor never revealed his true self to his audience.
After he left Hollywood, he opted for the quiet shores of Hawaii. He lived on the island for a while until he sold his properties.
Actor Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle, a gasoline station attendant on “The Andy Griffith Show.” | Source: Getty Images
Behind his cheerful characters was a Southern kid who battled asthma, which was the catalyst for Nabors to discover his voice talent. As an adult, Nabors captivated viewers with his baritone voice, his stellar appearances on TV variety programs, and his comedic acts.
In addition, while the Alabama native was living a very successful public life, he hid a significant part of his identity that involved his love life.
Nabors Was Low-Key A Gay Man
A studio portrait of singer Jim Nabors wearing a cardigan sweater and posing with one hand in his pocket in 1965. | Source: Getty Images
In January 2013, the singer revealed that he had been in a three-decade-long relationship with a man named Stan Cadwallader, who was 18 years his junior. Nabors said he never mentioned that fact about his life because it was a private matter:
“I’m 82, and he’s in his 60s, so we’ve been together for 38 years, and I’m not ashamed of people knowing. It’s just that it was such a personal thing. I didn’t tell anybody. “I’m very happy that I’ve had a partner of 38 years, and I feel very blessed.”
The couple met in 1975 when Cadwallader was a firefighter based in Honolulu. After that, he worked for his future husband, and sparks flew.
Comedian Jim Nabors posing while wearing a shirt paired with an...
