Andy Griffith

Biography

Andy Griffith was an American actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in the television series "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960) and "Matlock" (1986). He earned a degree in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and gained early fame through appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Steve Allen Show." Griffith's Broadway debut in "No Time for Sergeants" (1955) earned him a Tony nomination, and he made a notable film debut in "A Face in the Crowd" (1957). His portrayal of Andy Taylor, a small-town sheriff, made "The Andy Griffith Show" one of the most beloved series in television history. Griffith created his own production company in 1972 and continued to work in television and film throughout his career. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and received a Grammy Award for his gospel music album in 1997.