Andy Griffith: comedian, actor and all around good man in the world of entertainment has passed away at the age of 86.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing up, I was introduced to Andy Griffith through his comedy. As I remember it, my Grandmother and my Dad played a record from Andy Griffith about one of the greatest sports in the South, Football

While Andy Griffith had immense success on TV, he wasn't in a long string of TV shows. Quite the contrary, he was able to be on very few TV shows that transcended the test of time.

Who could forget the theme song and whistle of The Andy Griffith Show from 1960 through 1968.

That TV show launched the career of Ron Howard (who we went on to great movies like American Graffiti and the TV show Happy Days and many many movies.) Don Knotts was no slouch when he started on the show, but it shot him into the entertainment stratosphere. (Later Don went on to movies like The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Incredible Mr. Limpet and even the TV show Three's Company.)

Much of Andy Griffith's acting career was in movies or acting on the stage, and much of that was dramatic roles. That later parlayed into his lead role in the TV show Matlock, which remained on the air for 9 years from 1986 to 1995.

And the crowning achievement of Andy Griffith's life would be to be recognized for his body of work and what his work through the Presidential Metal of Freedom in 2005.  His work will live on in the archives of history, as much more than a footnote, but rather a reminder that things were more simple and less stressful.

Rest In Peace, Andy Griffith (1926-2012) Age: 86

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