Jim Nabors, the renowned Hollywood actor, is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of the beloved character, Gomer Pyle, on the hit TV series “The Andy Griffith Show.” Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Nabors faced health challenges in his early years, battling asthma. However, this adversity served as the driving force behind the pursuit of his hidden talent – his powerful baritone voice. Nabors soon became a household name, captivating audiences with his charming personality and comedic flair.
While Nabors’ public life was one of great success, he chose to keep a significant part of himself hidden from the world: his personal love life. It wasn’t until January 2013 that he revealed his thirty-eight-year-long relationship with his partner, Stan Cadwallader, who was eighteen years his junior. Nabors had kept his sexuality a secret from the media, choosing to share this personal detail only with his closest social circles during his time in Hollywood in the 1960s and 1970s.
Nabors stated that he did not feel the need to disclose his private life to the public, believing it was a personal decision. He expressed immense gratitude for his long-lasting and fulfilling relationship with Cadwallader, adding that he felt blessed to have him as his partner. The couple spent their final years together in Nabors’ lavish $12 million home in Hawaii.
Despite keeping his private life hidden from the public eye, Jim Nabors left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His talent, humor, and charm won the hearts of many, and his courage to live his truth will continue to inspire generations to come.
Jim Nabors, the celebrated Hollywood actor, tied the knot with his long-term partner, Stan Cadwallader, in a private ceremony in their hotel room. The ceremony was witnessed by their close friends, and the judge presided over the formality. Nabors expressed his disappointment at the fact that as a same-sex couple, they did not have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, despite having been together for 38 years. Cadwallader had been Nabors’ constant support throughout their years together, through thick and thin.
During the 1970s, Jim Nabors started to encounter various health problems such as the development of an ulcer. He underwent a liver transplant in 1994 due to being infected with hepatitis B. As a result of his continuous health issues, he was forced to cancel some of his scheduled concerts in 2007. Despite this setback, Nabors made a remarkable comeback in 2008, displaying his unyielding perseverance and commitment to entertaining his fans.
Sadly, Nabors’ health began to deteriorate rapidly after Thanksgiving in 2017, and his partner announced that he was brought home from the hospice after undergoing several tests. Regrettably, Nabors passed away on November 30, 2017, at his Hawaii home, at the age of 87.
As per his wishes, Nabors’ body was cremated, and his remains were scattered in Honolulu, Hawaii, which he called home for most of his life. Nabors had purchased a 500-acre macadamia farm in Hawaii in the 1970s, and his estate featured a stunning double-story house with a breathtaking view of the sea. The house boasted five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a second-story living room with a white theme, beige leather sofa, and marble flooring. The living room led to an enclosed terrace, which overlooked the ocean.
The Diamond Head mansion included a guest suite and bath, with a covered living room that opened up to the swimming pool. The mansion was surrounded by 170 feet of beachfront and tropical landscaping, making it an idyllic retreat for Nabors and his partner. Nabors’ estate was sold for $12 million, which was nearly $3 million less than its actual value, a testament to the stunning beauty and grandeur of the estate.