TV News: Legendary Actor Andy Griffith Dead at 86

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CHICAGO – One of the most iconic and recognizable faces in the history of television has passed away as a friend of Andy Griffith’s is reporting that the star of “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock” has passed at the age of 86. Close friend University of North Carolina President Bill Friday broke the news to WITN News in North Carolina, as reported by TMZ.

Andy Griffith started his career as a comedian in the ’50s before making his film debut in Elia Kazan’s remarkable “A Face in the Crowd.” Yes, Andy Griffith’s breakthrough was as a dramatic actor. But it was comedy which would make him a household name. An episode of “Make Room for Daddy” with Danny Thomas featured Griffith as a county sheriff who stopped Thomas for speeding. It was a backdoor pilot for “The Andy Griffith Show” which would run from 1960 to 1968 and play for decades more in reruns. Griffith would continue to play the folksy character for years on spin-offs like “Mayberry R.F.D.” and reunion specials.

Andy Griffith had a second act in the ’80s when he starred in another hit, “Matlock,” which ran from 1986 to 1995. Both “Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock” were nominated for numerous Emmys but their star was never nominated for acting. That’s a shame although he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Griffith worked regularly for decades, appearing as recently as 2007’s “Waitress.”

According to the news, Andy Griffith passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Manteo, North Carolina.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com