He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and majored in music and graduated in 1949. He taught school for three years in Goldsboro, N.C.
He found summer work at the outdoor drama in Manteo. Griffith from 1949 to 1953, and appeared on the dinner club circuit as a comedian and singer.
Best known for his role as the top sheriff of Mayberry, Griffith inspired, created and starred in the 1960 debut of The Andy Griffith Show on CBS. In its final year, 1968, it finished as the No. 1 show on TV.
Griffith played the role of Sheriff Andy Taylor. His role was of a man of faith, who was a steady hand of positive wisdom and authority in small town America.
Even though Mayberry was filled with oddballs — a self-incarnated town drunk, “party girls” from Mount Pilot, a sweet aunt who made hazardous pickles for the fair — there was a fundamental nobility about the hometown and its characters.
There was always a certain dignity in Otis Campbell, integrity in the Darlins and Earnest T. Bass, "just due" for every bully, both young and old. Mayberry’s psyche was true to life experiences filled with a good, wholesome religion, surrounded by complete Southern living.
The Andy Griffith Show has proven to be one of the most durable shows in television history.
“Our basic theme was love,” Griffith once said. “And understanding one another. And hoping the best for one another. Love.”
Originally cast into the comic role in the show, Andy Taylor quickly transitioned to the the more serious role of sheriff with the additional of friend and costar, Don Knotts.
“And I never regretted it." noted Griffith. "The straight man has the best part. He gets to be in the show and see it, too.”
Griffith became a producer in 1972 and acted occasionally until 1983, when he was stricken with Guillain-Barre syndrome. He recovered, and in 1986 produced the legal series Matlock.
Griffith married UNC classmate Barbara Edwards in 1949, and their union lasted 23 years. They adopted two children, Andy and Dixie. His son died in 1996.
In 1973, he married Solica Cassuto and they divorced in 1981. He wed Cindi Knight in 1983. They spent his retirement near Manteo, on Roanoke Island.
His place on this earth will be missed by many but welcomed into the streets of Heaven.
Words of Wisdom from Andy Griffith:“Do you know what a North Carolina Democrat is?” Griffith said on the ad. “It’s somebody that sometimes votes Democratic and sometimes votes Republican — but always votes for the best man.” ~ Andy Griffith
“Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called home to his Lord,” Cindi Griffith said in a statement. “He is the love of my life, my constant companion, my partner, and my best friend. I cannot imagine life without Andy, but I take comfort and strength in God’s grace and in the knowledge that Andy is at peace and with God.”
Tweet By Ron Howard (Opie Taylor):
“Andy Griffith. His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life. I’m forever grateful. RIP Andy,”
