Actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal as ‘Sheriff Andy Taylor’ in the 1960s television series “The Andy Griffith Show” and Attorney ‘Ben Matlock’ in the 1980s series “Matlock.” He began his career as a stand up comedian before landing a starring role in the Broadway production of “No Time for Sergeants” (1955) for which he earned a Tony nomination. He later appeared as ‘Pvt. Will Stockdale’ in the 1958 film version along with lifelong friend and actor Don Knotts. In 1957 he debuted in his first theatrical motion picture “A Face in the Crowd” playing a psychopathic country-western singer seeking stardom and political power. In 1960 he appeared in the starring role on the “Andy Griffith Show” playing a local small town sheriff in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The comedy series became an instant television classic and ran for eight seasons from 1960 to 1968 on the CBS television network. The show finished in the top ten ratings for all eight seasons that the show aired. The enormous popularity and success of the show made him a household celebrity and fan favorite. In 1981 he was nominated for his performance in the television mini-series “Murder in Texas” and in 1997 he received a Grammy award for his Gospel album “I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns.” Following the “Andy Griffith Show” he appeared in several less successful television series before producing and starring in the TV series “Matlock.” The series ran from 1986 to 1995 earning Griffith a People’s Choice Award in 1987. His notable film and television credits include: “Onionhead” (1958), “The New Andy Griffith Show” (1960), “The Second Time Around” (1961) “Angel in My Pocket” (1969), “Washington Behind Closed Doors” (1977), “Centennial” (1978), “Roots: The Next Generation” (1979), “Return to Mayberry” (1986) and over a dozen Matlock made for television movies. In November 2005 he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award in recognition of exceptional public service. (bio by: Nils M. Solsvik Jr.)  Family links:  Parents:  Carl Lee Griffith (1894 – 1975)  Nannie Geneva Nunn Griffith (1899 – 1986)  Spouse:  Barbara Bray Edwards St Clair (1926 – 1980)*  Children:  Andy Samuel Griffith (1958 – 1996)* Cause of death: Heart attack