Andy Griffith dies at 86

 

 

The Andy Griffith Show(1960–1968)

http://www.tvland.com/shows/andy-griffith-show/full-episodes/the-big-house

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Andy Griffith dies at 86

Beloved TV star Andy Griffith died at his home in Manteo, North Carolina, on Tuesday morning. He was 86.

Former University of North Carolina President Bill Friday confirmed the passing of his close friend to WITN News.

[Related: Andy Griffith: His life in photos]

Griffith became a household name for his portrayal of a small-town sheriff on "The Andy Griffith Show," which aired from 1960 to 1968. His character, Andy Taylor, was a widower in the fictional town of Mayberry, N.C., which was thought to be modeled after Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, N.C. His character encountered daily drama from his sidekick Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) as well as his young son, Opie (Ron Howard).

The actor went on to star in another long-running TV series: "Matlock." He played Ben Matlock, a no frills criminal defense lawyer who used his smarts to get people to confess in dramatic courtroom scenes. The show aired from 1986 to 1995.