Contact:  Christine Mallette

               Executive Director

               765-593-0764

Date: July 6, 2004 

Ronnie Schell, "Duke Slater" from television's "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C."  to throw out the first pitch at this Thursday's Indianapolis Indiana's game.

New Castle, IN - The Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Ronnie Schell, professional comedian and actor from the former "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C." television show, will throw out the first pitch at Thursday evening's Indianapolis Indiana's game.  Schell, in town as part of the star line-up for "Mayberry in the Midwest III" is a former semi-professional league ball player and a huge fan of all minor league baseball teams.  This will be Schell's first visit to Victory Field and fans are encouraged to see this wonderful performer this Thursday evening at the 7pm game. 

Although always considered the class clown, Schell's desire was not to be a performer, but rather to be a professional baseball player.  He played semi-pro baseball before deciding to join the Air Force.   

While in the Air Force, he began touring bases in an Air Force variety show. Schell went on to travel with the Air Force dance band, "The Airmen of Note", as an emcee and comedian.   

When Ronnie finished his tour of duty he decided he was too old to be a ballplayer and enrolled in San Francisco State University and eventually developed a comedy routine which got him some notice and performances at local nightclubs.  Later he would spend three years on tour opening for The Kingston Trio and other numerous singers in Las Vegas.  While performing at the Hacienda Schell auditioned and got the role of "Gomer's best friend" on a new show starring Jim Nabors.

Schell got the part of "Duke Slater" on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." and his television career was born. This part lasted until 1969, with a brief break in 1967, when Schell tried his hand at another show.  Schell and Goldie Hawn starred in their own series, "Good Morning, World," for one season in 1967.

Never out of work for more than three weeks over the last thirty years, Schell's voice can be heard in numerous radio and TV ads for everything from Campbell's Soup to Kemp's Ice Cream.  Schell's voice can also be heard on numerous cartoon series for Hanna-Barbera and he has also co-starred voice-wise in the full length cartoon motion pictures, "Jetsons, The Movie" and "Rover Dangerfield."

His films include: "Fatal Instinct," directed by Carl Reiner and "Revenge of the Red Baron," with Mickey Rooney and Laraine Newman.  Schell also co-starred in a comedy video with Tim Conway called, "Dorf Goes Fishing."

Besides appearing on "The Andy Griffith Show" and as a regular on "The Jim Nabor's Hour," Schell's television appearances include co-starring for three years as Marlo Thomas' agent "Harvey Peck" on ABC's "That Girl" and guest starring on top rated TV series like "General Hospital," "Yes, Dear," and "Coach" (to name a few). 

Schell and his wife Janet live in Los Angeles where for years he has served as the honorary mayor of Encino, California. He still loves to take to the diamond with his softball team, The Reruns which includes comedians Jack Riley and Fred Willard.  Although softball is his sport of late, Schell's love of semi-pro or minor league baseball is still very strong.  Schell is known to collect a cap from each minor league team in every city he visits.  The Indianapolis Indians will present Schell with a cap during Thursday's game. 

As stated, Schell is in town as part of the cast for "Mayberry in the Midwest III."   This event celebrates the wonderful fun and cherished memories of the loveable "The Andy Griffith Show" characters. This is the third and most probably the final year for this fun event.  Those scheduled to appear are many of last year's cast:  George Lindsey (Goober), Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou), Elinor Donahue (Ellie Walker),  "The Dillards" (The Darling Boys-the mute mountain band), and of course their "sister" Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling).  Joining this year's scheduled to appear cast line up are Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason, Opie's best friend and "Little Rickey" on "I Love Lucy"), Ronnie Schell (Duke Slater from Gomer Pyle USMC), Barbara Stuart (Miss Bunny from Gomer Pyle USMC), and Arlene Golonka (Millie-Howard Sprague's girlfriend).  Fan favorite David Browning, "The Mayberry Deputy" is returning as the "Barney Fife" impersonator.  Also joining him are returning impersonators Allan Newsome as "Floyd the Barber," "Kenneth Junkin as "Otis," Phil Lee as "Ernest T. Bass," Jeff Branch as "Howard Sprague," Tim Pettigrew as "Goober," and Jamie Sullivan as "Opie Taylor."  This again, as it was last year, is the largest gathering of impersonators (or tribute stars) at any Mayberry themed event.

The stars will be in attendance at the first event planned for the weekend, a charity auction and dinner with the stars at the Henry County Arts Park Friday evening (July 9).  This event is being called, "The City of New Castle presents an Evening of Mayberry."  The charity auction, features many "Mayberry" signed memorabilia and other wonderful items, benefiting the Henry County United Fund and the Art Association of Henry County.  A local band will entertain the crowd as will the "Squad Car Caravan Show" and a Question and Answer session with the stars. Gates open for this ticketed event at 5:45 pm. 

The weekend's featured event is the "Mayberry in the Midwest Cast Reunion Show".  Taking place at Bundy Auditorium on Saturday evening at 7pm, this 3 hour show features each of the mentioned actors. Doors for this ticketed event open at 6pm.  The show is a wonderful array of stories, character portrayals, skits and blue-grass music. Similar to a Branson, Missouri-type of show, this amazing experience is brought to you by the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a number of sponsors.

"Mayberry in the Midwest III" is a wonderful weekend of family fun and entertainment.  Don't miss your opportunity to see Ronnie Schell and the other stars this weekend's event!  Tickets to both Friday evening's "An Evening of Mayberry" (Charity auction, question and answer session and dinner) and Saturday's "Cast Reunion Show" are still available.  Call the Henry County CVB office at 888-676-4302 to order tickets.  Tickets will also be available at the door each night. Friday evening's tickets are $20 each and Saturday evening's tickets are $30 each.  Cash, VISA or MasterCard are accepted payments.  For more information on other events including autograph sessions, log on to www.mayberryinthemidwest.com.

Start your weekend Thursday at the Indianapolis Indian's game with Ronnie Schell and end it in New Castle at "Mayberry in the Midwest III!"  This is the perfect family outing!