Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Andy Griffith Has Died


Beloved actor Andy Griffith died this morning.

Former UNC President Bill Friday says The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock actor died at his home in Dare County, North Carolina around 7 a.m. He was 86.

60 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this! RIP Andy! I still love to watch reruns of Matlock.

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  2. RIP Andy.

    Netta, I used to set my alarm in college for 9:57 bc Matlock came on every morning at 10 AM. I love that show!

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  3. TG's grandfather...

    Day before the 4th, so All-American, apple pie. Very sad, but kind of fitting. RIP Andy. My favorite country music video is Waiting on a Woman because of him. He will be missed!

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  4. I can hear Grandpa Simpson crying, "Maaaaaaatlock!!!"

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  5. RIP Andy, he will always have a place in my heart.

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  6. What anita said :-).

    While every death is sad, I'd take 86 any day.

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  7. RIP Andy. I loved watching reruns of TAGS growing up.

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  8. He was a fine, fine man.

    Bon voyage, dear Andy.

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  9. Before Matlock, before the Andy Griffith Show there was a very infrequently rerun television production of his Broadway break out show "No Times for Sergeants" which young as he was at the time may have been the best he ever did.

    RIP Andy

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  10. Matlock got me through some tough times. And 'A Face in the Crowd' is one of my favorite movies. Andy Griffith, we will miss you!

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  11. "The Andy Griffith Show" was one of the best shows on tv. Ever. So sad to see him pass. :( RIP Sheriff Andy.

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  12. Anonymous9:56 AM

    hopefully Aunt Beais making him some homemade pie in heaven

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  13. I still watch the Andy Griffith show reruns - it just doesn't get any better than that! RIP Andy:(

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  14. I've had a bit of an 'old man' crush on AG for a while now. I'll never again be able to look at a seesucker suit w/o a tear in my eye. RIP Andy.

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  15. I think it is safe to say he was beloved and will be missed by everyone. I remember as a child seeing his gospel album commercials on television and thinking he had such a wonderful voice. He is a legend.

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  16. RIP. You were a treasure.

    Would love to see the statue behind him in person.

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  17. If any of you get a chance to watch "A Face in the Crowd", it's an amazing dramatic performance by AG. The best part about it is how the story remains current.

    Glenn Beck, who earned the nickname "Lonesome Rhodes" (AG's character in the film) while he was still on Faux News, imploded EXACTLY like Lonesome Rhodes did in the movie, a prediction about what a 'cult of personality' leads to, made back when movies were still in black & white, before Glenn was even weaned.

    Andy Griffith was America's dad, then our grand-dad. I'm sad today. But at least he gets to hang out with Don Knotts again!
    RIP

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  18. "A Face in the Crowd" is so good, and "No Time for Sergeants" is a jewel. Another treat is to listen to his early stand up comedy albums. Not too many people realize that he started as a stand up comedian. His specialty bit was retelling historical events in a backwoods, yokel kind of a way. Funny stuff.

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  19. I still love the Andy Griffith show, but the have to be the B&W episodes with Barney Fife.

    RIP Ang (as Barney called him).

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  20. R.I.P., yeah, A Face In The Crowd is brutal but amazing. That and Ace In The Hole, just harsh, timeless films.

    I love the Andy Griffith Shows where he has Eleanor Donahue as a love interest. And (I think it's)the Christmas episode with the crotchety old man is quite beautiful.

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  21. This is my hometown. He died this morning. EMTs had been there a few times recently.

    I used to wait on him and his wife on the causeway. They were always nice, but you didn't say much to him--you took his order, brought him his shrimp and white wine and skedaddled on about your business. Good tippers, too.

    Back in the older days the waits said he would drink a lot and not tip as well but that apparently changed.

    Overall people loved him around here. I'd see him in the grocery store now and then but in the last 10-15 years he didn't get around so well.

    RIP Andy!

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  22. Anonymous11:01 AM

    And now I has the sads. He was so good in everything he did. I looooved his crotchety old Joe in Waitress.

    Did you all see how he passed this morning and has already been buried? The Dare County sheriff released a statement reading, "Mr. Griffith passed away this morning at his home peacefully and has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island." Um, that's really, really fast.

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  23. What an amazing actor, person, and talent. I agree that "Face In The Crowd" is an amazing work. ANY actor can watch that and feel inferior. On another note - just wanted to send my condolences to Himmmm#2 on the loss of family. RIP.

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  24. @HudsonJoeand @RJ,and others,

    "No Times for Sergeants" was the 1st movie I "might have" seen. At Cape Cod, at the drive in theater, sitting/sleeping way in the back of the station wagon(in pajamas with 'feet'). I thought it was all magic:)

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  25. This makes me sad. :| Rest in peace.

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  26. @altarboy, hudsonjoe & RJ.

    After I saw "A Face in The Crowd" I looked at the sheriff Andy in a whole different way. Thought he should have been nom for an Oscar. That character was scary and AG played it extremely well.
    "No Time for Sergeants" had me howling at 2am...surprised I didn't wake up my neighbors. ("actin' like a danged donkey"). HIs character was hilarious. It seems like it was the premise for Gomer Pyle.
    Of course his tv shows are classics...he had a good run. RIP

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  27. Oh yeah! I forgot TG/Himmmm#1 or #2--whomever--is/was supposedly related.

    My condolences, TG!

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  28. RIP Andy I loved A Face in the Crowd, also. And I grew up watching the Andy Griffith Show. Andy also had a small part in Waitress a few years ago and he gently stole the film
    @Libby your comparison to Glenn Beck gives me chills....Beck is a scary, scary guy

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  29. @Selenakyle: We's both from NC!

    I always wanted Andy as my dad.I got to see Andy once when I auditioned for Matlock. Guess he's up in heaven having a glass of sweet tea with Aunt Bea.

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  30. Aw, I just heard this on NPR in the car on the way home. Gosh, I've seen every Andy Griffith Show dozens of times and I love all of them.

    His other acting work is exceptional and shows what a true talent he was.

    RIP Andy....Godspeed.

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  31. tracynator---if you see this (I'm late), the crazy thing about Beck's crazy, was that he earned the damned nickname of "Lonesome Rhodes", YEARS before absolutely fulfilling that name. He was warned, and couldn't avoid becoming it....It makes that story, and that character all the more chilling. that it really happens, even when you warn them what they're becoming.

    Hi, Himmmm! Nice you stopped by, it's a sad day for us all. Stay for the reveals tomorrow!

    TG (I hope you see this) I had NO idea you were related...my deepest condolences. I would have BERATED you with questions had I known! Andy Griffith was the dad everyone wanted. I have loved that man my whole life (as much as you feel like you 'know' a stranger). I can only imagine what you're feeling today, I'm so sorry.
    And I would have totally wanted to know if you ever met Don Knotts, darnit! He is NOT remembered enough---4 Emmy's in a row! I love AGS, can you tell?

    My favorite Andy Griffith show quote, right after Opie finally released the baby birds he's raised (b/c he had killed their mother):

    Opie: Cage sure looks empty, Pa.

    Andy: Yes, son it does. But don't the trees seem nice and full?

    Dammit now I'm crying.

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  32. I read the reason for the quick service was b/c they knew it was coming and had everything planned out. And perhaps the family didn't want it to be a big media circus? I can't blame them there.

    I grew up watching TAGS with my dad, but my real love was Matlock. I LOVED that show and I briefly wanted to be a lawyer just like him. He was a real American icon.

    R.I.P. Mr. Griffith. You will be missed by many.

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  33. RIP, Andy. The Andy Griffith Show was always one of my favorites and had the best theme song.

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  34. Why does everyone have to bring politics and "Faux" News into everything? How clever - Faux News. You know who's scary? "Rev." Al Sharpton. I'm from Brooklyn and he's said some very racist and anti-Semitic things in his day. But ratings-challenged PMSNBC has given him his own show. Go figure.

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  36. hey - this is himmmm#2 here - wow, been a while since i commented but have been enjoying the new and regular members of the cdan family (yes even those creepers who stalked me all spring). i just had to take a turn to stop in and say thank you to those offering warm wishes in our time of grief. most of all i had to tell yall how much your memories and thoughts mean to the whole family. its amazing that total strangers with common bonds of loving, adoring, or appreciating this man we all love. it sounds silly i guess but i ended up crying again while smiling reading your memories.
    i'd answer some of the questions yall asked and explain details, but i'd be afraid tmz or somebody would start reposting it. not much privacy anymore. just know his passing wasnt totally unexpected, that it was merciful, and he did go peacefully surrounded by loved ones near his beloved coast overlooking the waters of nc. still, its tough to let go sometimes. not just to a man who was adored by millions from tv but also because he was funny, sweet, and a caring person who i loved so much. but we dont dwell on death, instead we rejoice in life. and thats how hed want it. i still remember as a kid being on set of a tv movie he did with johnny cash and others, and he played a killer (yeah, him as a redneck racist killer? total opposite day). it scared me to death as a kid just watching them shoot it. after wrap that night i told him it scared me even though i knew it was just "playin pretend". but he hugged me, smiled, and told me that theres love and evil , fun and pain, in all of us, even as kids, and if we keep the evil out and show the love we'll never have to wind up like that evil man he played in the movie did. a serious lesson for a lil boy, but a lesson i never forgot. he then helped me try on the fake bald head cover for laughs and we all had a big time.

    you see, because "americas dad" wasnt just the tv andy taylor - it was how he really was in life. not perfect or a saint, but the most sweet, patient, and selfless man ive ever known. who loved his family & friends with pure unconditional love. from his comedy in "what it was was football" and "no time for sgts.", thru the a.g. show and matlock and even the film "daddy and them", he was an amazing actor. even though he could barely walk for the past 20 years without major pains and paralysis. but he could always find a smile and pass it on to you. if you ever heard him sing the gospel hymn "peace in the valley" on a front porch during a summer sunset - then you'd know what heaven sounds like. so to all of you and also from cindi, dixie, and everybody, thanks for keeping his memory alive. the fireworks this year at the outer banks will be even better than usual.

    i also wanna thank the "big himmmm" for letting me back on tonight. meanwhile, i know for a fact that myself and a few of the other past and current himmmms (and even the herrr too maybe) will be tuning in tomrorrow for reveals. maybe even a special group photo too of the whole himmmm family if they can get it to enty in time. you folks are the best and always make me smile, laugh and even cry. so be safe and thanks to all of you, my friends.
    love,
    t (himmmm#2)

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  37. Every kid should have been able to grow up in Mayberry with Andy Taylor as a father, and all the townsfolk there as his/her neighbors.
    I had an acquaintance who I walked in on one night watching an AGS rerun; this surprised me as he didn't seem the type to enjoy that show. I asked him why he watched it and he said, "Because this is honest television," which I thought summed up that program perfectly. RIP, Andy. Thanks for everything.

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  39. @Agent**It, if you see this, understand the situation, and feel like going into it, Himmmm (#2) has me totally confused. How many Himmmms are there, why multiple Himmmms, and how do we know when the one with all the good inside intel is the one commenting? Thanks!

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  40. Angel- there are four people who share the Himmmm acct I believe.

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  41. ohhh, ok.. I really appreciate you letting me know. I never would have figured that out. Thanks so much :)

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  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  43. Thank you Agent**It :)

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  44. My condolences, himmmm #2.

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  45. FYI - the TMC channel will be doing a special marathon of Andy Griffith movies on July 18th. Not sure as to exact times, so check your listings. I'll be definitely tuning in!

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  46. @Angel, here's a much better definition , quoting from @EmEyeKay.


    "It's a blogger account shared by four people".

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  47. I'm in my 50s and so many of the celebrity deaths of late were people I looked up to as a child or who inspired me in my 20s, etc.

    I couldn't even make myself post about Andy Griffith until today because of my sweet memories watching Andy of Mayberry when I was little. I wanted to live there, and I wanted Andy to be my father.

    It's great to read that he was actually a good and decent person IRL and that so many loved him. Good to hear that his faith was with him all along. RIP, Andy, and condolences to his family.

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  48. my father died when i was 10 years old. i loved him so much and was so sad when he left.

    i used to dream about Andy Griffith being my Dad ... how lucky Opie and everyone around him was. i wanted to live in Mayberry and have that simple, meaningful kind of life.

    i have watched reruns for years ... he is just one of those men that you want for your father .. your husband ... uncle .. when i got older i wished i was Helen Crump. :)

    my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues who are heartbroken today. i actually cried when i heard this. it was like losing my father all over again.

    i will miss you Andy.

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  49. This was originally posted in a different thread as word of Mr. Griffith's passing was announced.

    I'm reposting it because, along with all the other comments, it reminds us that story telling and entertainment can exert a positive impact upon us. For Mr. G's family at this time, I hope it comforts you to hear how much your loved one inspired so many people and most especially in a righteous and humane way.

    "Andy G. Was a fine actor. Face in the Crowd is a great movie. But more and more, I miss the character he played on the Andy Griffith show. Sheriff Andy was a smart, down to earth, just man. I wish more real life adults were like him, canny and humble, able to ascertain individuals and work with their foibles and prejudices. He strived to do the right thing and to do so quietly and without dramatics or ego. We could just use so much more of that type of role model instead of all of the self aggrandizing, vain and shameless reality celebs, the over the top egotistical Hollywood stars, many of our Washington politicians - and lets not forget the blowhard news hosts who fit this category as well.

    RIP Mr. Griffiths, you done good.
    8:25 AM

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  50. I heart AG. The work he did is a joy. Good on ya, man.

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  51. thanks to @Agent**It for directing the Andy Griffith fans back here. How helpful it is to read everyone's memories of the characters he played and the man himself. It was especially kind to share the personal memories with all of us! This weekend is going to be used to catch up on the movies of his that I haven't seen yet - A.G. marathon time!

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  52. I remember watching The Andy Griffith Show on Nick at Nite as a kid every night. It gave me a glimpse into a world that I wished I could live in. Andy Griffith was always that man I wished could've been a family member. My condolences to those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. I am very sorry for your loss and hope that they joy he gave sustains you through this trying time.

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  53. My condelences to Himmmm #2. I'm from NC and Andy is a beloved man in this state. The world stopped for a moment here when his death was announced in the media. When I heard that he had passed away at home on Roanoke Island, it made me smile. There's not a more beautiful place to live or die in this world.

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  54. So sorry to hear....my favorite childhood memory, watching the Andy Griffith Show w/my family. And my mom watched matlock all day too!
    RIP Andy, you were a kind hearted inspiration to many families....

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  55. Add me to the NC list as well. Himmmm #2 you are in my thoughts and prayers. My grandmother passed away a little over a year ago at age 87 and I can't put into words how much I still miss her. Towards the end of her life, we used to sit together and watch the AGS. Some of the best memories I have with her were at the end.

    My mom read a quote at my Grandmother's funeral that still stays with me today... "How could I ever prepare for an absence the size of you?" I think your family probably feels the same about your granddaddy. xo.

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  56. I was on vacation last week & missed this news. So sad even if he was 80. Always struck me as a wonderful & genuine man. RIP Andy! I loved watching The Andy Griffith Show as a kid.

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