Andy Griffith: A Life in Television

Andy Griffith is a famous, respected actor.

Не was an only child. His parents were poor, so he lived with relatives until they could afford a house. Baby Griffith slept in a dresser drawer because his parents couldn’t afford a cot.

When Griffith was three, his father started working as a carpenter and bought a house in an industrial area. 

Griffith was musical. He learned to play the trombone at school and then studied music at the University of North Carolina.

Griffith got his Bachelor of Music in 1949. He acted in many plays at the university. After graduation, Griffith taught music and drama at a North Carolina high school for several years.

After years of teaching, Griffith and his wife, Barbara Edwards, decided to change their lives. Barbara was an actress, so they decided to try their luck in the entertainment industry.

Griffith made his film debut in A Face in the Crowd in 1957. He starred with Larry Rhodes. Griffith played a manipulative country boy with power issues.

Griffith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 1983. This disease damages the nervous system, causing muscles to weaken quickly. Griffith was paralyzed from the knees down for almost three months.

Griffith was tough! He made a full recovery after six months in rehab. Griffith returned to acting after a few years.

In 1986, Griffith returned to TV. The legal drama Matlock got great reviews and ran for nine years. It was another hit for Griffith, making him more popular.

Griffith and his first wife, Barbara, adopted two children: Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and Dixie Nann Griffith. Sam Griffith died at 38 from long-term health problems.

Sam had liver problems and other health issues. He developed his condition from years of substance abuse. He admired his father. Griffith was sorrowful when his son died.

Griffith’s health failed him again. Griffith had heart surgery in 2000. Seven years later, he had hip surgery after a fall.

The actor spent the last two decades in and out of the hospital. But Griffith always won and made a full recovery.

Andy Griffith, an 86-year-old actor, comedian, and musician, died in July 2012. He was one of the most beloved stars in American TV history.

After he died, his family buried him quickly in the cemetery on his island house. His widow, Cindy Knight, tore down one of Griffith’s houses. She said some of the property would be turned into a museum as Griffith had wished.

The Andy Griffith Museum reopened in September 2017 after renovations. The museum in Mount Airy was built during Griffith’s lifetime to commemorate his 40 years in the industry.

It has the world’s most extensive collection of Griffith memorabilia. The museum documents and preserves every aspect of the late actor and musician’s life. A fitting memorial for a star!

People didn’t always recognize Griffith’s talent on screen, but he still won over the nation’s hearts. He inspired many, and the superstar made an unforgettable impact on the world.