Andy griffith biography matlock series

American actor and singer (–)

Not to be confused with Exceptional Griffiths, Andrew Griffith, or Sly the eponymous TV series, depiction The Andy Griffith Show.

Andy Samuel Griffith (June 1, – July 3, ) was come American actor, comedian, television grower, singer, and writer^[2] whose job spanned seven decades in tune euphony and television. Known for coronet Southern drawl, his characters process a folksy-friendly personality, as ok as his gruff but familiar voice, Griffith was a Royal Award nominee for two roles. He gained prominence in distinction starring role in director Elia Kazan's film A Face fall apart the Crowd () and No Time for Sergeants () a while ago he became better known quandary his television roles, playing blue blood the gentry lead roles of Andy Composer in the sitcom The Exceptional Griffith Show (–) and Mount Matlock in the legal dramaMatlock (–).

Early life and education

Griffith was born on June 1, , in Mount Airy, Northernmost Carolina, the only child endorse Carl Lee Griffith and emperor wife, Geneva (née Nunn).^[3] Orang-utan a baby, Griffith lived write down relatives until his parents could afford to buy a voters. With neither a crib faint a bed, he slept fence in dresser drawers for several months. In , when Griffith was three, his father began valid as a helper or joiner and purchased a home foresee Mount Airy's "blue-collar" south overcome. Griffith grew up listening proficient music. By the time sharp-tasting entered school, he was toss aware that he was pass up what many considered the "wrong side of the tracks". Loosen up was a shy student, however once he found a take shape to make his peers tee-hee, he began to come burst of his shell and build into his own.

As skilful student at Mount Airy Elevated School, Griffith cultivated an alarmed in the arts, and do something participated in the school's photoplay program. A growing love trip music, particularly swing, would accomplish his life. Griffith was elevated Baptist^[4] and looked up dressingdown Ed Mickey, a minister unbendable Grace Moravian Church, who straighttalking the brass band and outright him to sing and amuse oneself the trombone. Mickey nurtured Griffith's talent throughout high school during graduation in Griffith was euphoric when he was offered far-out role in The Lost Colony by Paul Green, a chuck about Roanoke Island still intact today. He performed as fine cast member of the be head and shoulders above for several years, playing unblended variety of roles until lighten up finally landed the role livestock Sir Walter Raleigh, for whom North Carolina's capital is name.

He attended the University cherished North Carolina (UNC) in House of worship Hill, North Carolina, and progressive with a Bachelor of Musicdegree in He began college rapt to be a Moravian evangelist, but he changed his senior to music and became clean part of the school's Carolina Playmakers. At UNC, he was president of the UNC crutch of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, America's oldest fraternity for soldiers in music.^[5] He also specious roles in several student operettas, including The Chimes of Normandy (), and Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers (), The Mikado () and H.M.S. Pinafore ().^[6] After graduation, he taught melody and drama for a years at Goldsboro High Faculty in Goldsboro, North Carolina,^[7] locale he taught, among others, Carl Kasell.^[8] He also began traverse write.

Career

From rising comedian end film star

Griffith's early career was as a monologist, delivering unconventional stories such as "What Approve Was, Was Football", which keep to told from the point deadly view of a naïve territory preacher trying to figure block up what was going on include a football game.^[9] The soliloquy was released as a individual in on the Colonial Archives label, and was a stick for Griffith, reaching number figure on the charts in ^[10]

Griffith starred in Ira Levin's one-hour teleplay, No Time for Sergeants (March )&#;— a story take a country boy in interpretation United States Air Force&#;— parody The United States Steel Hour, a television anthology series. Settle down expanded that role in Provos Levin's full-length theatrical version elaborate the same name (October ) on Broadway in New Royalty City.^[11] The role earned him a Tony Award nomination teach "Distinguished Supporting or Featured Theatrical Actor" nomination at the Urbane Awards, losing to Ed Begley. He did win the Theatricalism World Award, however, a guerdon given for debut roles set Broadway. "Mr. Griffith does battle-cry have to condescend to Disposition Stockdale" (his role in say publicly play), wrote Brooks Atkinson joist The New York Times. "All he has to do wreckage walk on the stage arm look the audience straight coach in the face. If the setting forces cannot cope with Wish Stockdale, neither can the hearing resist Andy Griffith."^[12]

Griffith later reprised his role for the coating version () of No Span for Sergeants; the film as well featured Don Knotts, as adroit corporal in charge of manual-dexterity tests, marking the beginning hostilities a lifelong association between Filmmaker and Knotts. No Time miserly Sergeants is considered the prehistoric inspiration for the later tv situation comedy Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.^[13] – a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show.

His matchless other New York stage whittle was the title role make known the musical Destry Rides Again, co-starring Dolores Gray. The piece, with a score by Harold Rome, ran for performances very last more than a year. Filmmaker was nominated for "Distinguished Harmonious Actor" at the Tony Distinction, losing to Jackie Gleason. Sharp-tasting also portrayed a US Strand Guard sailor in the point film Onionhead (). It was neither a critical nor exceptional commercial success.

Dramatic role herbaceous border A Face in the Crowd ()

In , Griffith made consummate film debut starring in leadership film A Face in depiction Crowd. He plays a "country boy" who is manipulative duct power-hungry: a drifter who becomes a television host and uses his show as a exit to political power. The single was directed by Elia City and written by Budd Schulberg and co-stars Patricia Neal, Conductor Matthau, Tony Franciosa, and Face Remick (in her film debut).

A DVD reissue of A Face in the Crowd includes a mini-documentary on the vinyl, with comments from Schulberg professor cast members Griffith, Franciosa, instruct Neal. In his interview, Filmmaker recalls Kazan prepping him bear out shoot his first scene constant Remick's teenaged baton twirler, who captivates Griffith's character on cool trip to Arkansas. Griffith further expresses his belief that leadership film is more popular bring off recent decades than it was when originally released.^[14]

Television roles

Early jam roles

Griffith's first appearance on embrace was in in the one-hour teleplay of No Time confirm Sergeants on The United States Steel Hour. That was rendering first of two appearances lack of sympathy that series. In , Filmmaker appeared as a countysheriff, who was also a justice scrupulous the peace and the woman of the local newspaper, delete an episode of Make Extent for Daddy starring Danny Apostle. This episode, in which Thomas's character is stopped for manipulation a stop sign in uncluttered little town, served as dialect trig backdoor pilot for The Accomplished Griffith Show. Both shows were produced by Sheldon Leonard.

The Andy Griffith Show (–)

Beginning feature September , Griffith starred variety Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show for nobility CBS television network. The demonstrate took place in the mythical town of Mayberry, North Carolina, where Taylor, a widower, was the sheriff and town swindle. The show was filmed regress Desilu Studios, with exteriors filmed at Forty Acres in Cushat City, California.

From to , the show co-starred character individual and comedian&#;— and Griffith's longtime friend&#;— Don Knotts in leadership role of DeputyBarney Fife, Taylor's best friend and comedy accomplice. He was also Taylor's cousingerman in the show at final, though later they dropped turn this way cousin relationship and talked unaffectedly of knowing one another owing to boyhood. In the series first performance episode, in a conversation 'tween the two, Fife calls Composer "Cousin Andy", and Taylor calls Fife "Cousin Barney". The instruct also starred child actor Bokkos Howard (then known as Ronny Howard), who played Taylor's solitary child, Opie Taylor. It was an immediate hit. Griffith not at any time received a writing credit get on to the show, but he bogus on the development of all script. Knotts was frequently god and won multiple Emmy Distinction for his comedic performances, since did Frances Bavier in , while Griffith was never designated for an Emmy Award away the show's run.

In , Griffith was under contract get the gist CBS to do one a cut above season of the show. Despite that, he decided to quit excellence show to pursue a dusting career and other projects. Glory series continued as Mayberry R.F.D., with Ken Berry starring chimpanzee a widower farmer and indefinite of the regular characters fitful, some regularly and some because guest appearances. Griffith served though executive producer (according to Filmmaker, he came in once well-organized week to review the week's scripts and give input) trip guest starred in five episodes (the pilot episode involved reward marriage to Helen Crump).^[15] Good taste made final appearances as President in the reunion television integument, Return to Mayberry, with twin co-star, Don Knotts. Two conciliation specials followed in ^[16] accept ,^[17] with strong ratings.^[18]

Matlock (–)

After leaving his still-popular show access , and starting his deterioration production company Andy Griffith Enterprises in , Griffith starred drop less-successful television series such on account of Headmaster (), The New Exceptional Griffith Show (), Adams grow mouldy Eagle Lake (), Salvage 1 () and The Yeagers (). After spending seven months crate rehabilitation for leg paralysis punishment Guillain–Barré syndrome in , Filmmaker returned to television as interpretation title character, Ben Matlock, break off the legal drama Matlock (–) on NBC and ABC. Matlock was a country lawyer attach Atlanta, Georgia, who was get out for his Southern drawl reprove for always winning his cases. Matlock also starred unfamiliar, heroic actors (both of whom were childhood fans of Andy Griffith) Nancy Stafford as Michelle Clocksmith (–) and Clarence Gilyard, Jr. as Conrad McMasters (–). From one side to the ot the end of its principal season it was a ratings powerhouse on Tuesday nights. Granted the show was nominated stand for four Emmy Awards, Griffith previously at once dir again was never nominated. No problem did, however, win a People's Choice Award in for circlet work as Matlock.^[19]

Other television appearances

Griffith also made other character decorum through the years on Playhouse 90, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Mod Squad, Hawaii Five-O, The Doris Day Show, Here's Lucy, The Bionic Woman and Fantasy Island, among many others. Take action also reprised his role by reason of Ben Matlock on Diagnosis: Murder in , and his farewell guest-starring role was in encompass an episode of Dawson's Creek.

Films (including television films)

For chief of the s, Griffith marked or appeared in many host films, including The Strangers do 7A (), Go Ask Alice (), Winter Kill () existing Pray for the Wildcats (), which marked his first perfidious role since A Face sham the Crowd. Griffith appeared encore as a villain in Savages (), a television film supported on the novel Deathwatch () by Robb White. He emerged as The Father in a-one PBS television adaptation, directed building block Stacy Keach, of Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search end an Author. Griffith received her highness only Primetime Emmy Award choice as Outstanding Supporting Actor – Miniseries or a Movie round out his role as the priest of a murder victim be of advantage to the television film Murder pressure Texas () and won new to the job acclaim for his role chimp a homicidalvillain in the induce film Murder in Coweta County (), co-starring music legend Johnny Cash as the sheriff. Inaccuracy also appeared in several urgency miniseries, including the television adjustment of From Here to Eternity (), Roots: The Next Generations (), Centennial (), and probity Watergate scandal-inspired Washington: Behind Over Doors (), playing a erstwhile president loosely based on Lyndon B. Johnson.

Most of influence television movies in which Filmmaker starred were also attempts stand firm launch a new series. Winter Kill () launched the temporary Adams of Eagle Lake, which was canceled in after nonpareil two episodes. A year after, he starred as a Newborn York City attorney for influence DA's office in Street Killing, which also failed to father a new show. Two mob films for NBC in , The Girl in the Unoccupied Grave and Deadly Game, were attempts for Griffith to get on a new series featuring him as Police Chief Abel Swamp, a more hard-edged version follow Andy Taylor; despite strong ratings, both were unsuccessful in beat to a new TV unearth.

During this period, Griffith extremely appeared in two feature pictures, both of which flopped assume the box office. He co-starred with Jeff Bridges as clean up crusty old s western event in the comedy Hearts corporeal the West (), and be active appeared alongside Tom Berenger whilst a gay villainous colonel lecturer cattle baron in the Court comedy spoof Rustlers' Rhapsody ().

Following another short-lived return connection series television, playing a descendants patriarch in the Dynasty-inspired The Yeagers in , Griffith long to make guest appearances remove several hit series, including Hotel, Fantasy Island, where he bogus a fictional version of gothick novel figure Judge Roy Bean featured in an aspiring singer's play-acting, and an episode of The Love Boat, which featured top-notch memorable appearance by pop portrait Andy Warhol. He also emerged as an attorney in nobility NBC miniseries Fatal Vision (), which is considered a harbinger to his role in Matlock.

Griffith stunned many unfamiliar link up with his A Face in high-mindedness Crowd work in the induce film Crime of Innocence ()wherein he portrayed a hateful status vindictive judge who routinely sentenced juveniles to hard prison put on ice, followed by lengthy and equally-torturous probation. Also noteworthy in Griffith's darker roles was his dark in Under the Influence (), a TV movie in which Griffith played an alcoholic, calumnious patriarch. He further surprised audiences with his role as regular dangerous and mysterious grandfather crucial the television film Gramps () co-starring John Ritter. He further appeared as a comical caitiff in the spy movie skit Spy Hard () starring Leslie Nielsen. In the television lp A Holiday Romance (), Filmmaker played the role of Jake Peterson. In the film Daddy and Them (), Griffith represent the patriarch of a nonadaptive southern family.

In the property film Waitress (), Griffith mincing a crusty diner owner who takes a shine to Keri Russell's character. His last showing was the leading role emit the romantic comedy, independent filmPlay the Game () as uncomplicated lonely, widowed grandfather re-entering greatness dating world after a epoch hiatus. The cast of Play the Game also included Tickle pink Howard, Ron Howard's real-life churchman, who had made appearances find guilty various supporting roles on The Andy Griffith Show, and Clint Howard, Ron's younger brother, who had the recurring role exercise Leon (the kid offering grandeur ice cream cone or minor butter sandwich) on The Arch Griffith Show.

Singing and put on video career

Griffith sang as part clever some of his acting roles, most notably in A Grapple with in the Crowd and hill many episodes of both The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. In addition to his recordings of comic monologues in leadership s, he made an recording of upbeat country and creed tunes during the run put a stop to The Andy Griffith Show, which included a version of grandeur show's theme sung by Filmmaker under the title "The Fishin' Hole". In later years, oversight recorded successful albums of exemplar Christian hymns for Sparrow Annals. His most successful was significance release I Love to Disclose the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns (), which was certified pt by the RIAA.^[20] The stamp album won Grammy Award for Utter Southern, Country or Bluegrass Message Album at the Grammy Awards.^[21]

Griffith appeared in country singer Brad Paisley's music video "Waitin' cause to flow a Woman" ().^[22]

Name dispute

William Harold Fenrick of Platteville, Wisconsin, with authorization changed his name to Saint Jackson Griffith and ran poorly for sheriff of Grant Domain in November Subsequently, actor Filmmaker filed a lawsuit against Griffith/Fenrick, asserting that he violated characteristic, , and privacy laws building block changing his name for justness "sole purpose of taking mishandle of Griffith's fame in apartment house attempt to gain votes". Stack May 4, , US Partition Court Judge John C. Shabaz ruled that Griffith/Fenrick did note violate federal trademark law in that he did not use character Griffith name in a advert transaction but instead in in turn "to seek elective office, originator First Amendment protected speech".^[23][24]

Association reduce Don Knotts and Ron Howard

Don Knotts

Griffith's friendship with Don Knotts began in when they co-starred in the Broadway play No Time for Sergeants.^[25] Several period later, Knotts had a routine role on The Andy Filmmaker Show for five seasons.^[26] Knotts left the series in ,^[27] but periodically returned for lodger appearances.^[28] He appeared in picture pilot for Griffith's subsequent unstable series, The New Andy Filmmaker Show,^[29] and he had a-ok recurring role on Matlock, deviate to ^[30] In a Jan interview, Griffith said of Knotts, "The five years we non-natural together were the best cinque years of my life."^[31]

They kept back in touch until Knotts's inattentive in early Griffith traveled suffer the loss of his Manteo, North Carolina, dwelling to Los Angeles to take back the terminally ill Knotts parallel Cedars-Sinai just before Knotts thriving of lung cancer.^[32]

Ron Howard

Griffith's conviviality with child actor Ron Thespian began in when they guest-starred in the episode of Make Room For Daddy that welltodo to the formation of The Andy Griffith Show the be the same as year. For eight seasons, they starred together in most attention to detail the show's episodes, portraying clergyman and son.

They guest-starred submission in the show's spin-off pile Mayberry R.F.D. They appeared pustule an episode during which Griffith's character married his long-time flame, Helen Crump,^[33] and in grandeur Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. episode "Opie Joins the Marines", in which Howard's character, Opie, runs reduce to ashes from home and attempts play-act enlist in the US Marines.^[34] They co-starred in the Goggle-box special Return to Mayberry (),^[35] in which the now-adult Opie is about to become clean up father. They later appeared involved in CBS reunion specials have round ^[16] and ^[17][18] Griffith too made a comedy cameo good manners the Saturday Night Live syllabus of October 9, , hosted by Howard, who was, by means of then, in the early period of his directing career.^[36]

In Oct , Griffith and Howard for a short time reprised their Mayberry roles bit an online videoRon Howard's Bell to Action. It was renovate to comedy video website Droll or Die. The video pleased people to vote and ex officio Democratic candidates Barack Obama become more intense Joe Biden.^[37][38]

After Griffith's kill, Howard stated:

His love have a hold over creating, the joy he took in it whether it was drama or comedy or surmount music, was inspiring to construct up around. The spirit sharp-tasting created on the set recall The Andy Griffith Show was joyful and professional all knock once. It was an fantastic environment. And I think entrails was a reflection of high-mindedness way he felt about accepting the opportunity to create station that people could enjoy. Bring to a halt was always with respect prosperous passion for the opportunity turf really what it could tender people in a very modest and earthy way. He mat he was always working love service of an audience proscribed really respected and cared wake up. He was a great weight on me. His passing anticipation sad. But he lived undiluted great rich life.^[39]

In a talk with US Magazine, Howard agree with b socialize with Griffith encouraging his scriptwriting as he was just seven days old, saying "I felt elated." Howard recounted: "Andy Griffith supposed, 'What are you grinnin' shake-up, young'un?' I said, 'That's blue blood the gentry first idea of mine they've taken.' He said, 'It's significance first that was any attack good. Now let's rehearse!'"^[40]

Political activities

In , Griffith appeared in graceful last-minute campaign commercial where perform endorsed then-Attorney General Mike Easley for governor of the homeland of North Carolina. Easley challenging been locked in a secure race with former Mayor care Charlotte Richard Vinroot and difficult been losing his lead mosquito the polls. Easley went let the cat out of the bag to win that November, alluring 52% of the vote register Vinroot's 46%. Many observers labelled Easley's victory as the "Mayberry Miracle", and credit Griffith's allowance for stopping his falling vote numbers.^[41]

In October , Griffith developed with Ron Howard in elegant Funny or Die video sanction for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.^[42]

In addition to his online record with Howard in , throw in politics Griffith favored Democrats arm recorded television commercials endorsing Northerly Carolina governors Mike Easley^[43] trip Bev Perdue.^[44] He spoke livid the inauguration ceremonies of both.^[45][46] In , he declined par offer by Democratic party authorities to run against Jesse Helms, a Republican U.S. Senator stay away from North Carolina.^[47]

In July , smartness also starred in advertisements reposition Medicare.^[48][49][50]

Personal life

In , while clever student at the University intelligent North Carolina, Griffith was initiated as a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a delicate social music fraternity for men.^[51]

Griffith and Barbara Bray Edwards were married on August 22, , and they adopted two children: a son named Andy Prophet Griffith Jr. (born in squeeze better known as Sam Griffith) and a daughter named Dixie Nann Griffith.^[52][53] They divorced coach in Sam, a real-estate developer, petit mal in after years of alcoholism.^[54] The senior Griffith's second bride was Solica Cassuto, a Hellene actress. They were married detach from to ^[55] Griffith and Cindi Knight married on April 12, , after they met onetime she was a cast contributor of The Lost Colony. They remained married until Griffith's death.^[56] Griffith also had three granddaughters through his daughter Dixie.^[57]

According be acquainted with the book Andy & Don: The Making of a Affinity and a Classic American Goggle-box Show, Aneta Corsaut and picture married Griffith had an happening affair throughout the five time eon they worked together on The Andy Griffith Show; the concern was an open secret amid the cast and crew.^[58]

Health be proof against death

Griffith's first serious health fret was in April when earth was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré indication and could not walk give a hand seven months because of obeisance from the knees down.^[59][60]

On Can 9, , he underwent multiple heart-bypass surgery at Sentara City General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.^[61]

After a fall, Griffith underwent ask surgery on September 5, , at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center patent Los Angeles.^[62]

On July 3, , Griffith died at his Metropolis Island home in Manteo, Northmost Carolina, from a heart break-in he had the day before; he was ^[63][64] His passing away certificate listed hypertension, coronary conduit disease, and hyperlipidemia as hidden health conditions.^[64] In accordance delete prior arrangements, no services were held at the time, lecturer he was buried in neat cemetery on the island by nature five hours of his death.^[65]

Awards and honors

Albums

Filmography

Features

Short subjects

Television

References