Today’s news of Andy Griffith’s death was not shocking but it is sad to me. Griffith was 86 years old and passed away at his home. The cause of death has not been announced at this moment.
Andy Griffith is best known for his role as a common sense small town sheriff, Andy Taylor, on the Andy Griffith Show (I am now whistling the theme song). This series is still shown in syndication today and runs daily on one of my local television affiliates after the Noon News.
Many people don’t realize that Andy Griffith was a stand up comedian in his day. He has numerous routines that still make me laugh. His drive thru window bit was hysterical. He was suppose to be the funny man of Mayberry but stepped aside to be the straight man when Don Knotts signed as Deputy Barney Fife.
Andy Griffith renewed his fame on the hit television show, Matlock. Matlock was a southern lawyer that knew how to pull out a victory for his clients by uncovering the real criminal (usually murderer). This show was extremely popular with the older generation.
Many people may not find Andy Griffith either geeky or kool but I do. I grew up watching the re-runs and often watched them with my grandfather. These memories are strong enough to give me a special love for the Andy and his role on the Andy Griffith Show. This makes Andy Griffith but geeky and kool to me.
I will continue to watch the re-runs occasionally and get nostalgic. Andy, you will be missed.
