It would be pretty cool to grow up on a Hollywood set. This is, of course, with the understanding that it's a healthy, egoless, safe set to be on as a kid. But, to be surrounded by professional grown-ups performing, producing, and building, and sound engineering... That's got to be a fascinating way to spend part of one's childhood.

Again, of course, this comes with all sorts of perils, as exhibited in many a child star's later autobiography. However, if the adults around the workplace genuinely have your best interests in mind and are great at doing their jobs while keeping you protected? That's an interesting way to come of age!

Take, for example, Ron Howard, one of Hollywood's brightest success stories. He was just a tyke when The Andy Griffith Show first hit the airwaves, and he grew up acting on the show. Not only was his dad, Rance, nearby, ensuring that Ron was looked after, but it also seems like the rest of the crew cared for him as well.

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In a 1961 interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Frances Bavier (AKA Aunt Bee) spoke highly of her young costar, and even divulged a special gift the other folks on set gave to him when he turned six. 

The Lucille Ball-owned lot that the show filmed on may not have been the most stimulating environment for a little kid, so the crew pooled a few bucks to buy a jungle gym and a swingset for young Howard. While he thanked everyone, Ronnie confided his happiness to Bavier the most.

"Now mind you," she said in '61, "he thanked everybody for the present. He's a very mannerly little boy. But when he got to me, he climbed into my lap and invited me to come over and swing with him. I think he has truly adopted me at last."

That family feeling on The Andy Griffith Show wasn't just due to great actors at the top of their game. The warmth was real, and the people on that set truly cared about each other.