The Real McCoys became one of the biggest hits on TV paving the way for other rural comedy shows including Gomer Pyle Beverly Hillbillies Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. The premise was simple: a happy-go-lucky West Virginia mountain family moves to a ranch in California s San Fernando Valley. The focal point of the action and undisputed star of the series was Grampa Amos McCoy a porch-rockin' gol-darnin' consarnin' old codger with a wheezy voice who loved to meddle in other people s affairs neighbors and kin alike. Three-time Academy Award winner Walter Brennan played the role to perfection.