In Memoriam: Andy Griffith


Submitted by R. Turk
July 3, 2012 - 46 weeks 3 days ago

I am deeply saddened to announce that actor Andy Griffith has passed away at the age of 86 on today's date, July 3, 2012. The cause of death is still unknown and has not been released, but knowing the immaculate shape Griffith was in, even at the end of his life, I am sure he died of natural causes. The actor's friend, Bill Friday, former president of the University of North Carolina and close friend, confirmed the actor and TV icon's death.

Andy Griffith had one of the most successful and long-running careers on television. His television career lasted from the start of his own sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show in 1960 until his hit drama, Matlock ended in 1995. Griffith was also an avid blues and gospel singer and had many critically acclaimed movie roles, including his role in the epic movie, A Face In The Crowd in 1957. He had many other minor roles, but those are the characters he will be remembered for as time goes by.

However, I will always remember him as the title character, Ben Matlock on the drama show, Matlock. He played an older attorney in this whodunit mystery series, and his acting was impeccable on that show. I still, to this day, watch reruns of Matlock on the Hallmark Channel and WGN when they come on because the show, overall, was so well done. You will certainly see Matlock on a top 5 list to come, but for right now, it will always be in my mind how great the show was and how great Griffith was for the role of the title character.

Andy Griffith was an amazing actor, and it is always sad to see the best pass away. We've seen it this year with Dick Clark and Ray Bradbury in their respective areas. It is sad that we will not see any more appearances by Griffith on television series and movies anymore, but the life that he has led was a great one. Both of his greatest television works lasted eight and nine seasons respectively. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

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