Andy Griffith

Biography for Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith is best known for his starring roles in two very popular TV series, "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960) and "Matlock" (1986).

Griffith earned a degree in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the 1950s he became a regular on the Ed Sullivan Show and the Steve Allen Show. He was featured in the Broadway play "No Time for Sergeants" (1955) for which he received a Tony nomination, and he later appeared in the film version. His film debut was in the provocative and prophetic A Face in the Crowd (1957), in which Griffith gave a performance that has been described as stunning.

On "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960), Griffith portrayed a folksy small-town sheriff who shared simple heartfelt wisdom. The show was one of the most popular TV series in history. It generated some successful spin-offs, and the original is still seen in re-runs to this day.

Griffith created his own production company in 1972, which produced several movies and TV series. In 1981, he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal in Murder in Texas (1981) (TV). In 1983 Griffith was stricken with Guillain-Barre syndrome, but he recovered after rehabilitation.

In 1986 he produced and starred in the very successful TV series "Matlock" (1986). The show spawned numerous TV movies as well. When he accepted the People's Choice Award for this show, he said this was his favorite role.

This veteran actor of television was born on June 1, 1926. In his credit no less than a dozen TV series in which he participated as an important and recurring role. To quote the "Andy Griffith Show" between 1960 and 1968. Since 1950, he has walked his silhouette of eternal young man in many series and television productions. His latest appearance dates from 2001 in a film, "Daddy and them".

Andy Griffith is an American actor born June 1, 1926 in Mount Aly, in North Carolina. He was known for his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the television series "The Andy Griffith Show" of the 1960s, as well as for his role as Ben Matlock in the "Matlock" television series in the 1980s and 1990s.

Griffith began his career in the 1950s by playing in theatrical productions and recording folk music albums. He then made his cinema debut in the film "A Face in the Crowd" in 1957, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

In 1960, Griffith obtained his most famous role in "The Andy Griffith Show", a family sitcom shot in black and white which was broadcast for eight seasons. In this series, Griffith embodied Sheriff Andy Taylor, an endearing and wise policeman from the small fictitious town of Mayberry. The series was a popular success and was hailed by criticism for its subtle humor and its non -moralizing approach to daily problems.

After the end of "The Andy Griffith Show" in 1968, Griffith continued to play in films and TV movies, notably in "The Strangers in 7a" in 1972 and "Murder in Texas" in 1981. He also played in Broadway plays, like "On Borrowed Time" in 1989.

In 1986, Griffith obtained a new important role in the television series "Matlock", in which he played Ben Matlock, a clever and perceptive penalty lawyer. The series was a commercial success and was broadcast for nine seasons until 1995.

In addition to his acting career, Griffith was also a talented singer and a composer. He recorded several Country and Gospel music albums during his career, and wrote several songs that have been popularized by other artists, including "What It was, was football" and "The Fishin 'Hole".

Griffith died on July 3, 2012 at the age of 86. His death was announced by his family, who indicated that he had been hospitalized for complications related to stomach cancer. His career as an actor and singer was celebrated by many fans and colleagues, who paid tribute to his unique contribution to the entertainment industry.

Photos

Filmography

Trivia

• Suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and couldn't walk for 7 months. [1983]
• In 1987 when he accepted the People's Choice Award, he said he was happy it was for "Matlock" (1986). He said that "Matlock" (1986) was his favorite character to date.
• 9 May 2000 - Underwent a quadruple bypass.
• He was the Tuesday night host for CBS Radio's "Sears Mystery Theater" (1979). He was still Tuesday's host when it became "The Mutual Radio Theater" on Mutual Radio (1980).
• Attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity.
• He recorded some albums of standup comedy routines. Among his classic routines is "And What It Was, Was Football."
• Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 195-196. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
• Andy Taylor, Griffith's character on "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960), was ranked #8 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
• Recorded a gospel album called "I Love To Tell The Story" in 1996 that became a hit and won a Grammy.
• Was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award: in 1956, as Best Supporting of Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "No Time for Sergeants," and in 1960 as Best Actor (Musical) for "Destry Rides Again."
• During a 1959 performance of the Broadway musical "Destry Rides Again", in which Griffith starred opposite Dolores Gray, a small fire broke out backstage at the Imperial Theater. Although it was put out within a few minutes time, without causing any major damage, just enough smoke drifted toward the stage that there could have been a panic had not Griffith and Gray continued on with the scene as though nothing was happening. For their bravery, they were rewarded by the audience that night with a standing ovation and by the New York City Fire Comissioner with citations for heroism.
• He and Marilyn Monroe were born on the same day June 1, 1926.

Quotes

[on his off-camera relationship with Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee] "There was just something about me she did not like."

Family

• Spouse : Cindi Knight (2 April 1983 - present), Solica Cassuto (1973 - 1981), Barbara Edwards (1949 - 1972)
• His two children are adopted.
• His son died of alcoholism in 1996.
• Two children, Andy and Dixie, from his first marriage to 'Barbara Edwards'

Author of the card

• Creation date: 01/07/2003 by misou
• Last update: 04/07/2012 by abdest