Southern icon Andy Griffith (1926-2012) has died
The avuncular TV icon Andy Griffith has died, according to WITN News.
Mayberry’s favorite son was 86.
For eight years, Griffith played the warm and gentle sheriff of the fictional small town of Mayberry, N.C., raising his son Opie (Ron Howard) and coping with his goofy deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts).
“My heart is broken,” said Rhubarb Jones, a mass communications instructor at Kennesaw State University who was a popular morning jock on 106.7 when it was a country station. ” ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ was the first one I remember that was transgenerational. My grandmother, my mother, my dad and I all liked it. You learned something every time you watched it.”
Jones owns every episode on DVD and plans to watch a few tonight in honor of Griffith.
Moby, a former morning host for Kicks 101.5 who now airs a syndicated show heard locally on South 107.1 in Rome and WNGC in Athens, said he had the honor to talk to Griffith while at Kicks on the phone and was tickled pink.
“He raised me,” said Moby, whose real name is James Carney. “He was everybody’s Daddy. He represented respect for authority and love of country and community. America would be a better place if it were run by Sheriff Andy Taylor.”
The Mount Airy, N.C. native broke into film with 1957’s acclaimed “A Face in the Crowd.” Another favorite among Griffith acolytes: the comedy “No Time for Sergeants,” based on Cordele, Ga., native Mac Hyman’s novel by the same title.
Before then, Griffith made a name for himself as a stand-up comic. Atlanta comedy legend Jerry Farber remembers being inspired by Griffith as a child, specifically his 1953 college football monologue in particular. “He portrayed a hillbilly hick from North Carolina,” Farber said. “He was corny but funny that reached deep in the bone.” He got to see Griffith live while he was a student at the University of North Carolina, Griffith’s alma mater, but never got to meet him.
Griffith’s “Matlock” character was an Atlanta lawyer, though the show was not actually shot here. There have been rumors over the years that his character is based on actual Georgia criminal attorney, Bobby Lee Cook, who is still practicing out at Cook and Connelly in Summerville. But in an Atlanta Journal Constitution story from 1991, the show’s executive producer denied it. And Cook himself had never been contacted by the show.
Tell us your memories of Griffith, be it his time on “The Andy Griffith Show” in the 1960s to his popular 1980s legal drama “Matlock.”
Coincidentally, WATL-TV added “The Andy Griffith Show” at 7:30 p.m. just last month. “It does extraordinarily well in three other Gannett markets in the South,” said John Deushane, the general manager. “This show has defined the phrase evergreen. There isn’t a more quotable show.” He plans to air marathons of the show tonight through Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in honor of Griffith.
Also to give Griffith his due, Mara Davis on rock station Dave FM today, during her themed lunch hour, played songs with whistling in it since the memorable “Andy Griffith Show” theme song relied heavily on whistling.
And the Hallmark Movie Channel will be running a “Matlock” marathon July 4 starting at 6 a.m.
You can also leave a note in this special legacy guestbook.
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
291 comments Add your comment
Glenn
July 3rd, 2012
1:59 pm
Am so sorry that Andy has passed. His tv show in the late 50-60’s
is actually how most of us rural people did grow up. God bless him and his family. Glad I have his football story on tape.
P L O
July 3rd, 2012
2:00 pm
“Hey Ben, I’m a “PLO”!!
Bilbo
July 3rd, 2012
2:05 pm
One of a kind. Our loss is heaven’s gain. By the way, Gomer ain’t passed yet.
BW
July 3rd, 2012
2:05 pm
I liked the Andy Griffith Show but I loved Matlock! Ol Matlock would get you every time.
kj
July 3rd, 2012
2:10 pm
One of the funniest films ever. No time for Sergeants. Andy you will be missed
No Time for Sergeants
July 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
The funniest movie from beginning to end, ever! Thanks Andy for so much great and wholesome entertainment that we don’t get now.
Ostrich Racer
July 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Sergeant King — That’s the best scene in the movie.
kj
July 3rd, 2012
2:19 pm
I aim to bust you up.
Mark in ATL
July 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
RIP in Andy….I will deeply love you forever and ever.
ole dawg
July 3rd, 2012
2:24 pm
I know of no equal to Andy Griffith other than perhaps Billy Graham. These, my friends, are truly icons. They damn sure don’t make them like these any more. Whatever politician (including present and past Presidents) tries to utter words of praise for these two, they are not worthy to do so. These icons are simply one step beneath their creator and far above myself. You left the world a better place than you found it. We will miss you Andy!!!!
Hugo
July 3rd, 2012
2:28 pm
It truly is a sad day when Mr. Andy Taylor has gone to glory. He will be missed. R.I.P.
j
July 3rd, 2012
2:41 pm
DP = DA… one less vote for socialism = one step closer to getting 1/2 of you off the dole!!
Ziti
July 3rd, 2012
2:41 pm
Like many here, I grew up admiring Sheriff Andy Taylor and learning valuable lessons from his life and times in Mayberry. But many years passed before I saw or heard Andy Griffith’s other work: What it was, was Football; A Face in the Crowd; No Time for Sergeants; Matlock; Murder in Coweta County et all. What a remarkably diverse and gifted actor, writer and singer he was!
It’s a shame that Andy never got an Emmy or an Oscar. But IMO he won something much more valuable: to live on in the memory and hearts of millions, now and in years to come. I hope his family and many friends will find comfort in that knowledge.
‘Night, Anj. Sleep well.
Early Cuyler
July 3rd, 2012
2:43 pm
How many you who love “Andy Taylor” know that Andy Griffith made commercials for Obama (a man most of you despise)? According to Howard Morris, Griffith, upon learning that JFK had been assassinated, said, “Those damn southerners.” Andy Griffith was not “Andy Taylor” any more than James Stewart was Elwood P. Dowd.
Karen
July 3rd, 2012
2:47 pm
Hallmark Movie Channel had already planned a Matlock Marathon for tomorrow, July 4. It starts
at 6am. An American treasure has left us but we know he is with the Lord. He was a wonderful,
Christian man. Thank you, Andy, for the memories of precious times of laughter I spent with
my parents and brother who have also passed away.
John Mabes
July 3rd, 2012
2:51 pm
A very sad day for all of us fans of TAGS. I’ve served almost 40 years in the Air Force and taped episodes of the show off of TBS and other venues so that I could watch them while I was overseas (having spent almost half of my time overseas) and then finally bought all the DVDs when they were finally released. Andy was always a reminder of home to me and my family and it really is like losing a loved one with his passing. He gave us values and respect for so many things, but most of all love for the simple humor in day to day living. Andy we loved you for what you gave us and we will miss you, but the gift you leave will always be with us. RIP.
Ostrich Racer
July 3rd, 2012
3:04 pm
Early — I know; everybody who’s been on this thread for more than 30 minutes knows. I just don’t care. Especially not today. Show a little respect for Griffith and those who mourn him, and give politics a rest for the afternoon.
Ziti
July 3rd, 2012
3:15 pm
To Early Cuyle @ 2:43P:
Mr. Griffith’s political and religious beliefs aren’t important now. This is a time for those who admired his talent and work to remember him with pleasure and mourn his passing. This is called showing respect and having good manners, as one would do at a funeral.
There’s a time and place for everything. Please reflect on your negative commenary.
1911A1
July 3rd, 2012
3:24 pm
His folksy style in a way masked just how skillfully he fleshed out the characters he played. RIP to a gifted character actor.
Good job (mostly) everyone for not feeding the trolls.
dean
July 3rd, 2012
3:33 pm
Will people smile when they think of you after you’re gone?
Andy, your memory will cause a lot of smiles.
We loved you.
Rest in peace, sir.
sonny
July 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
Kevin O’Connell, you said it best, a great post!! I agree totally!
Rickster
July 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
pfffft pffffft…. Hello? Hello!
Hoooooooooooooooooowdy!!
weiser
July 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
“..one of them convicts pulled out a quarter and they commenced to odd-man right there”
“I do believe I’ll have another Big orange drink”
Rickster
July 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Kyle… as a “real American” – born & raised here and conservative to the hilt – I didn’t even think about the Obama connection until others brought it up.
whyyyyy????
July 3rd, 2012
3:56 pm
Another “hick” gone. Big Whoop. Guess we’ll have yet another vacancy at the trailer park…
Antigone
July 3rd, 2012
3:58 pm
Love Andy Griffith…..Matlock was one of my favorites…………..
bigjakeice
July 3rd, 2012
4:06 pm
You will sorely be missed, Mr. Griffith. Your homespun humor and fatherly influence, for a boy without one, was a treasure every week your show was on, and then further indelible as a rerun later in life. From Aunt Bea and Barney Fife, Opie of course, to Floyd, Floyd the barber, Goober, Helen, Gomer and don’t forget Ernest T. Bass – what say we all go down and see Juanita at the diner? We can leave Otis Campbell in the cell, sleeping one off – he’ll be fine. Thanks, Andy!
Judy
July 3rd, 2012
4:10 pm
RIP Andy Griffith, so sad to hear of your passing. You are gone, but you and your legacy will never be forgotten.
MMM fan
July 3rd, 2012
4:12 pm
RIP, Sherrif Andy. You’ll not be forgotten by anyone who ever watched.
I also loved that man in the Brad Paisley “Waitin’ on a Woman” video. He epitomized the great southern man.
Linda Sutherland
July 3rd, 2012
4:24 pm
God Bless You Andy Griffith! Loved your show!! You brought such pleasure to the viewing audience! Rest in Peace…My heart goes out to your family and your many many personal friends..Rest now, my friend!
Cloudodust
July 3rd, 2012
4:28 pm
As a child of the 50’s that grew up in east Tennessee watching Sheriff Taylor, I too am saddened by his passing. His hometown, folksy influence will live on in us all that subscribe to what we were that made us what we are today. It’s our responsibility to continue to teach our young’uns and grandyoung’uns the lessons our folks, our Aunt Bea’s, our Andy’s of Mayberry taught us. Now, in his memory, I think I’ll go drown a worm real soon. RIP Andy.
Bout to Pop
July 3rd, 2012
4:51 pm
Thank you Andy for the memories. Heaven is whistling “The Fishing Hole” right now. I’m sure Barney, Otis, and Goober were standing just inside the pearly gates to welcome home their old friend Sheriff Taylor.
pb
July 3rd, 2012
4:55 pm
Why does anybody care what Andy Griffith’s politics were on a day like today? Think some people just so obsessed with politics, they can’t let any opportunity pass without making an insulting comment. Just give it a rest for awhile. May Andy rest in peace.
Bill and OmaDell Rounsaville
July 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
A great comedian; a great actor; and a Christian. Heaven is one richer, and the world is a richer place from the contribution of Andy Griffith. Say hello to Barney, Aunt Bea, Goober, Floyd, and the “Every Other Wednesday Discussion Group” for us, Andy.
We will always love you.
Bill and OmaDell Rounsaville
July 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
Enter your comments here
concerned mothers
July 3rd, 2012
5:15 pm
Still watch the show R.I.P
James Robert Robinson.
July 3rd, 2012
5:22 pm
I guess as we live each day we all know that someday inwhich we never expect we diminish and all the laughter we have caused for others will now just be a memory thanks Sherrif Andy Taylor for all the laughs and joy you have brought to my heart there wont be another like you Ben Mattlock either thanks once againg for the sweet gospel songs thank I sure do hate to say good -bye but we all have the day to meet.
zem
July 3rd, 2012
5:25 pm
This is not the place for politics. I enjoyed all of Andy Griffith’s shows. Thanks for all of the memories.
Get with the program
July 3rd, 2012
5:35 pm
Im 46 and watched AGS on TBS when it was WTCG……..damn…..look at the crap on today. makes me want to kick Kim Khardasian in the cooochie.
Get with the program
July 3rd, 2012
5:43 pm
whyyy is gonna burn in hades with the rest of the kunta kintas….Unk boh mahn gahnee Lahhnee cha lahhnee cha
DannyG
July 3rd, 2012
5:45 pm
I feel like I lost my Dad. I still feel warm and fuzzy when I watch the show. It is part of me and all of us wanted to be Opie because he had the best Dad in the world.
zem
July 3rd, 2012
5:51 pm
Why do conservatives think they are the only “Real Americans” — liberals are Real Americans too!
Addie
July 3rd, 2012
5:51 pm
I enjoy watching Matlock in the mornings while I do my college work; then at night I watch Mayberry. I love the episodes where Ernest T Bass is a busybody and Sheriff Taylor just don’t know what to do with him since Bass gets on his nerves so bad. Thank you for all of the memories. RIP
Hawk
July 3rd, 2012
5:53 pm
Boy It’s a sad day today…RIP Andy..
Williewonka
July 3rd, 2012
6:01 pm
“Murder In Coweta County” was a role I never would expect to play but Andy nailed it!!! Johnny Cash played Sheriff Potts and Andy was the “bad” guy for the first time ever I know of !!!!
Andy…when you get to heaven…please say… “hey to Goober”… for me!!!!
Toren Anderson
July 3rd, 2012
7:03 pm
This is a sad day. Since I was a girl, the moment that whistling started, I knew the next 30 minutes were going to be all good. Lessons, role model, an amazing dad and friend, his portrayal is timeless. What a class act.
The film – No Time for Sergeants was a rich comedic work.
Enjoy that Carolina Blue heaven Andy!
Lacey
July 3rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Loved Andy Griffith. He was a wonderful actor and true gentleman. Prayers for his family during this sad time.
Producer
July 3rd, 2012
7:10 pm
All I can say is “Just damn…” The most beloved TV actor of all time. He and Don Knots will live on forever. I know he was 86 but he’s not supposed to have died yet! The whole nation lost a favorite son today. Just damn….I am so sad!
Producer
July 3rd, 2012
7:14 pm
Luckovich, please do a cartoon for Andy like you did for Grizzard. Have Barney, Aunt Bea, Floyd, Otis and Goober meeting him at the Pearly Gates! It will be one of the best you will ever do.
RambleOn84
July 3rd, 2012
7:15 pm
I feel like I’ve lost a friend. My family and I watched The Andy Griffith Show every night at dinner, and I still love that show.
I’ll honor his memory by continuing to watch the show with MY kids.
God bless you, Andy.