Andy Griffith, creator of Mayberry, dies at 86

MARTHA WAGGONER, Associated Press

Updated 10:09 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Andy Griffith's gift to the show that bore his name wasn't just the homespun wisdom of the plain-spoken sheriff he played. It was the place he created: a small town where all foibles are forgiven and friendships are forever, full of characters who felt like family.


Mayberry, a fictional North Carolina village said to be modeled on Griffith's own hometown of Mount Airy, was so beloved that it practically became a synonym for any community that was too innocent and trusting for real life. After all, Griffith's Mayberry was a place where the sheriff didn't carry a gun, the local drunk locked himself in jail and even the villains who passed through were changed by their stay.


On "The Andy Griffith Show," he created an endearing portrait of a place where few people grew up but many wished they did.


Griffith, who died Tuesday at 86 at his North Carolina home, played a sage widower named Andy Taylor who offered gentle guidance to son Opie, played by little Ron Howard, who grew up to become an Oscar-winning director. Griffith inhabited the sheriff's "aw, shucks" persona so completely that viewers easily believed the character and the man were one.


"What made 'The Andy Griffith Show' work was Andy Griffith himself — the fact that he was of this dirt and had such deep respect for the people and places of his childhood," said Craig Fincannon, who runs a casting agency in Wilmington and met Griffith in 1974.


A character on the show "might be broadly eccentric, but the character had an ethical and moral base that allowed us to laugh with them and not at them," he said. "And Andy Griffith's the reason for that."


Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Andy-Griffith-creator-of-Mayberry-dies-at-86-3681596.php#ixzz1zcVFwC4R

Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife...

NIP IT IN THE BUD!!

Rest In Peace, Andy Griffith!!!! You will be missed!!!

Lot of memories of Sheriff Andy Taylor in Mayberry!! Not to mention the shows: "Mayberry, R.F.D."; "Matlock"; The short lived "New Andy Griffith Show"; "Diagnosis Murder" and the tons of movies!!

 2005-Andy Griffith with his Presidential Medal of Freedom

.Andy Griffith sings~Just a little talk with Jesus.

(Copy n Paste)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OpF_Q3TmCg&feature=player_detailpage

 I too really enjoyed his shows. He will be greatly missed. Very classy gentleman.

Rest in Peace Sheriff. Your style will be missed...

36TR - LOVE this shot!!  That's Andy Griffith's angle alright!!

36TR says ...

Rest In Peace, Andy Griffith!!!! You will be missed!!!

Lot of memories of Sheriff Andy Taylor in Mayberry!! Not to mention the shows: "Mayberry, R.F.D."; "Matlock"; The short lived "New Andy Griffith Show"; "Diagnosis Murder" and the tons of movies!!

SEASON 1

April 3, 1961


The Women's Historical Society is all set to throw a celebration in honor of the last living descendant of a Revolutionary War hero named Nathan Tibbs, who has been traced to Mayberry. But their excitement turns to horror when they discover that the intended honoree is the town drunk, Otis Campbell.

SEASON 1

May 8, 1961

BARNEY (FIFE) GETS HIS MAN

Barney's reputation as a deputy soars when he inadvertently helps capture Eddie Brooke, an escaped convict. But Brooke vows to escape again and head straight back to Mayberry to exact his revenge.

Like the articles mentioned, he was a musician. He also was a stand-up comedian early in his career. He did a routine called "What it was, was football", and it was absolutely hilarious. Don't know if it's on YouTube, but if it is, give it a listen; if it isn't, somone with far better computer skills than me, please load it up. He also starred in the classic movie "No Time for Sergeants".  Andy was a multi-talented person, and even though he lived to be 86 years old, he left us too soon. Rest in peace, sir.

Rest in Peace Andy.

Your programming was true and warm felt.  Sad shows are not made like this anymore.   I still watch the re-runs either on TV Land or DVD, laugh after laugh after laugh.   You had an awesome skit with Don Knotts.  Truly entertaining, even to this very day !   Although television, I have learned some valuable tips in dealing with folks while on the job.  

I have no doubt Don Knotts is at Heaven's Gate with that big grin waiting to welcome you to your new home.  Thanks for your entertainment not only as Sheriff Andy Taylor, but the movie roles and comedy clips.   God rest your gentle soul.