Andy Griffith 1926-2012

It was the first idea that was any damn good. Now let’s do the scene.
–Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I’m forever gratefulRIP Andy

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 3, 2012

The reason every “Seinfeld” character greeted with “Hey,(name)” was secret tribute to #andygriffithshow#true#andyandbarn4ever

— Jerry Seinfeld (@JerrySeinfeld) July 4, 2012

Veteran American Andy Griffith died at 7:00 AM on July 3, 2012, at his home on Roanoke Island in Dare County, North Carolina, at age 86. Per his instructions and last desires, he was buried on the island within five hours of his death.

If you’re a part of my generation you can’t forget him as Sheriff Andy Taylor from the syndicated reruns of The Andy Griffith Show, which ran from 1960 to 1968. Or how about Andy as wily and cunning Atlanta lawyer Ben Matlock of the series Matlock of the mid-’80s to mid-’90s? I’d sooner eat a live chicken than be your lawyer!

Condolences to his family, friends and fans.

–@teemunny

• The New York Times: The Folksy TV Sheriff From Mayberry
• Los Angeles Times: Andy Griffith: Remembering his ‘Face in the Crowd’
• Los Angeles Times: Ron Howard: What I learned from Andy Griffith
• The Washington Post: Andy Griffith Fans Mourn Loss of a Simpler Time (video)
• CNN Entertainment: Actor Andy Griffith dead at 86
• The Huffington Post: Andy Griffith Dead: Actor Best Known For Playing Sheriff Andy Taylor Dies At 86 (video)