TV icon Andy Griffith died this morning at his Roanoke Island, North Carolina home at the age of 86. Close friend UNC President Bill Friday confirmed the news.
He rose to fame as the widowed small town sheriff Andy Taylor on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ He later starred in ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’ followed by ‘Matlock’ and ‘Dawson’s Creek.’
During his six decades in the public eye he also enjoyed a successful country and southern gospel singing career. The veteran actor was honored in 2005 by George W. Bush with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Film director and former child actor Ron Howard was cast as Griffith’s television son Opie Taylor. A popular tourist attraction in Raleigh, North Carolina features a statue of Andy and Opie.
Howard commented on Twitter, “Andy Griffith’s pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations and shaped my life. I’m forever grateful. RIP Andy.”
Griffith’s death comes two months after the death of another Mayberry actor, George Lindsey, who co-starred as Goober Pyle.
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