Dennis Rush, Former Child Actor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” Dies at 74

Dennis Eugene Rush, 74, died on May 9, 2026 while being taken to a hospital after a recent leukemia diagnosis. The San Diego-area resident’s longtime friend and former co-star Keith Thibodeaux announced the news on Facebook, describing the loss as sudden.

Deadline Hollywood

Born June 10, 1951 in Philadelphia, Rush moved to Los Angeles at age 1 when his father Jack began work as a film archivist at Universal Studios. At four, he was cast as Creighton Chaney in *Man of a Thousand Faces* (1957), a role secured after James Cagney personally selected him on a studio lot. Rush later became a familiar television face, most notably as Howie Prewitt, one of Opie Taylor’s friends on *The Andy Griffith Show* (1963-65) across eight episodes. He also appeared in seven episodes of *Wagon Train* (including one directed by John Ford), three episodes of *Laramie*, and guest-starred on series such as *Gunsmoke*, *Perry Mason*, *The Lucy Show*, and *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*. After his child-acting years, Rush served in the U.S. Marine Corps, earned a degree from San Diego State (1977), and built a career in the hotel and restaurant industry.

Hollywood Reporter

Keith Thibodeaux called Rush “a fine actor and a great friend,” noting that they prayed together after the leukemia diagnosis and that his presence would be missed at Andy Griffith festivals. The Andy Griffith Museum described him as “an absolute joy to be around” and highlighted his regular participation in Mayberry Days events. Lucie Arnaz Luckingbill, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, expressed sympathy, emphasizing the lasting value of the decades-long friendships formed on set.

The Wrap

• “I just got word that my old buddy Dennis Rush, a fine actor and a great friend passed away,” — Keith Thibodeaux, actor-musician

The Wrap

• “I will miss him at the Andy Griffith festivals as we had so many stories to tell. I’m just glad that I was able to pray with him last month at one of the festivals when he found out that he was diagnosed with leukemia. Mayberry has lost a great citizen and a great friend!” — Keith Thibodeaux

The Wrap

• “I got to be in eight episodes over about a 2 1/2-year period,” — Dennis Rush, 2022 interview

Hollywood Reporter

• “Dennis was an absolute joy to be around and one of the sweetest men you could ever meet. It was always a pleasure to welcome him to Mayberry Days, where he shared smiles, stories, hugs and kindness with fans from all over the world.” — Andy Griffith Museum

Hollywood Reporter

Festival organizers have indicated that upcoming Mayberry Days gatherings will include a moment of remembrance for Rush, allowing fans to share stories of his on-set generosity. His contributions to classic television continue to be celebrated by audiences and fellow performers.

Hollywood Reporter