The star of stage and screen passed this morning (July 3/12) after Emergency Medical Services responded to a call at his Mateo, North Carolina home. He was 86.

Griffith was North Carolina born and raised and early in his life learned that he loved to tell a story. As a monologist his recordings became hits in the late 50's and garnered appearances on the Ed Sullivan show.

1926-2012

From there he became a Broadway performer and appeared in some films. It was television that made Andy Griffith a star. He was Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry R.F.D. on the Andy Griffith Show. This kindly lawman kept order over the quirky townsfolk with the help of Deputy Barney Fife.

Later in life Griffith became known to even more viewers as the wise southern lawyer Matlock. Again, the character of Andy Griffith shone through in his portrayal of a man with great kindness and empathy for others.  Both shows are the comfort food of television.

When President Bush gave Griffith the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 he said, "TV shows come and go, but there's only one Andy Griffith, and we thank him for being such a friendly and beloved presence in our American life."

Ours too Andy. Rest in peace. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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