Born and raised in New York City, Frances Bavier intended to become a teacher, until she got involved in vaudeville. Graduating from the Academy of Dramatic arts, she began her acting career on Broadway in 1925, and appeared in multiple stage productions before moving over to film. Although she had a lengthy career in Hollywood, she is best remembered for her eight seasons on The Andy Griffith Show, bringing the character of Aunt Bee to life.
Frances Bavier passed away at age 86 from congestive heart failure.