Veteran Actor Andy Griffith Passes Away at 86

His career spanned five decades, including 'Matlock' and (of course) 'The Andy Griffith Show'

By William Goss Jul 3, 2012 12:27PM

This was always going to be a tough one to take. The effortlessly endearing Andy Griffith passed away at his North Carolina home this morning, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 86 years old.

An Emmy* and Tony nominee, and a Grammy winner to boot, Griffith broke out with his fiery 1957 film debut, "A Face in the Crowd," before endearing himself to television audiences with "The Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960s and "Matlock" in the 1980s. His last substantial film role was a folksy turn in the 2007 comedy "Waitress," written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly. (The less said about his randy role in 2009's "Play the Game," the better...)

You're encouraged to share your favorite roles and memories of Griffith in the comments below.

*His one Emmy nomination was actually not for either long-running show of his, but rather the 1981 TV movie "Murder in Texas."

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2Comments

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Jul 6, 2012 12:57AM

I don't think Andy Griffith could tell a lie if he tried to. What an upstanding, honorable gentleman!

Previous replies

cinders0

Jul 4, 2012 11:21PM

My parents divorced when I was a young child. Andy was my "pretend dad!" I would come home from school everyday and watch him on TV.He influenced me in such a good way. What a wonderful man..I finally found my real dad after 50 years.I had him in my life for a little less than a year before he died.What a blessing to have found him.I told him about my" pretend dad" when I was a child and he said I couldnt have picked anyone better.I will truly miss Andy .There arent many men left whom are as honorable and noble as Andy Griffith.My sincere sympathy goes to his family and friends.I know he will be greatly missed by many.