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EXCLUSIVE: Ron Howard has not heard from Andy Griffith‘s family yet and so cannot confirm the Hollywood legend’s passing. But the prominent director and producer knew that Griffith “has not been well for some time”. About Griffith, who played Howard’s father on The Andy Griffith Show from 1960-1968, Howard told me just now:
His love of creating, the joy he took in it whether it was drama or comedy or his music, was inspiring to grow up around. The spirit he created on the set of The Andy Griffith Show was joyful and professional all at once. It was an amazing environment. And I think it was a reflection of the way he felt about having the opportunity to create something that people could enjoy. It was always with respect and passion for the opportunity and really what it could offer people in a very unpretentious and earthy way. He felt he was always working in service of an audience he really respected and cared about. He was a great influence on me. His passing is sad. But he lived a great rich life.
Related: R.I.P. Andy Griffith
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.
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It is so hard to believe today’s news on the death of Andy Griffith…born in the mid 60′s I have been a fan since I was a kid…and enjoyed every episode of the Andy Griffith Show….and also have the entire collection….Probably in My opinion the Most Wholesome Television Show Ever Made….The show portrayed a time when America was America…He will be missed so much…The United States most famous Sheriff is Gone….Thank you so Much for your wonderful human gift…I will cherrish the show the rest of my life….and if anyone has any doubts about this famous show….check out the episode…”What’s Your Hurry” the most moving story of the show….You will Love it….Blessing’s
Well said David. Andy Griffith was an American icon and treasure. He brought me many, many hours of pleasure and a longing to grow up in Mayberry.
Andy was homespun, a pure gentleman who I enjoyed watching as I sat on the couch with my parents viewing our 21 inch B & W Philco TV. We lived in the Bronx then Yonkers…..and now without parents in Carmel NY my equivalent of Mayberry. Thank you Andy for the exposure to life in SMALLTOWN USA and our generation will miss you!
Say what you want about many of his films, but Ron Howard is a class act.
I couldn’t agree more. I happen to like almost all of Ron’s films and he has led an amazing life, but everytime I hear him speak or read his comments about a colleague he is complimentary and gracious.
We read of celebrity deaths all the time. It is always sad. But, rarely does that news bring a tear to my eye. This time it did. R.I.P.
God, did I love that show. I hear that whistle in my head as I write.
RIP Mr. Griffith.
That show should be in every classroom so kids can see right from wrong and how to be a good neighbor….the show was my generation and I still go fishing, throw the dog a ball, ride my bike and help people that need it in the neighborhood…great show, and Andy will always be one of the best. You only get to cherish on Andy Griffith in one lifetime. I’m taking the day off work and going down to the Potomac River with my fishing pole and my dog. Andy Griffith: A GREAT AMERICAN aCTOR.
Well said. I’m a high school counselor and I think this is a great idea! RIP Andy Griffith – in all of your roles and in real life. You will be missed.
Andy Griffith was a professional who we all loved. May he rest in peace. Love and prayers to his family, friends, and the Hollywood community.
I laughed so much watching “TAGS” and the fine team Griffith worked with to make it the “evergreen” it’s been for decades in syndication. Feel fortunate to have seen “A Face in the Crowd” in 35mm when the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood screened it a few years ago. That S.O.B. character was far from Mayberry’s nice Andy Taylor — impressing me with Griffith’s range. Now that it’s lunchtime I’m driving to Franklin Canyon Reservoir for a walk there in Griffith’s honor. (As fans of “TAGS” know, the series utilized Franklin Canyon Reservoir as a filming site on dozens of episodes and the iconic main title.)
I’m from N.C. we consider Andy Griffin a national treasure. Watching his show was like visiting with beloved friends and neighbors. He will be sorely missed. ‘Y’all come back now, ya hear?’
Not to take anything from your sentiments–which I’m sure are genuine–but I think that was the Beverly Hillbillies.
No other show was ever so much a portrait of who, and what we are as Americans when we come from a place our highest ideals, and with a sense of grace, than “The Andy Griffith Show.” R.I.P. Thanks for the gifts.
ANDY WAS THE MOST LOVED ACTOR IN MY EYES, ANDY AND BARNEY COULD MAKE THE SHOW ALL BY THERE SELF. I HAVE ONE ROOM IN MY HOME THAT IS
THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, ALSO I HAVE BARNEY FIFE’S DRIVERS LICENSE
I CARRY IN MY WALLET, WHEN I COME UP TO A ROAD BLOCK SOMETIMES, I WOULD TAKE THEM OUT AND THE POLICE OFFICERS WOULD GET A GOOD LAUGH.
I EVEN HAVE BARNEY FIFE TAG ON MY VEHICLES THAT HAS THIS VEHICLE PROTECTED BY FIFE. I BELIEVE I HAVE EVERYTHING FROM THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, FROM THE WEB SITE THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.
YOU WILL REALLY BE MISSED AND NEVER FOGOTTEN!!!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU SO!!!!!!
at 57 I still like to watch my favorite show.. Andy was like a father to me the first 8 years of my life with no father living in the Bronx.. I think his relationship with Helen Crump is priceless, and the episode “the bully” when Andy picked up Opie and gave him that fatherly look a message about self worth with no words spoke then set Opie down still breaks me up.. You will be missed Andy Griffith more than you know..
Mark
I can still whistle the theme song to Mayberry PD:) I was born in Oklahoma City 1959 & my maternal grandmother lived in a small place called Woodford. It’s now a ghost town since 1985, after the Postmaster in his one room post office past away in his 80′s. My grandparents embodied much of the same easy common sense & helpful patience & humour in the face
of adversity that Andy Giffith shared with us in that heart warming show. I loved Andy & Opie best, I learned patience with his deputy & and respect from Aunt Bea. The other characters were just like those I was familiar with in the early part of my childhood. I fished with my GrandPa & was in awe of our womenfolk just like on that show, in short I identified & felt proud to be from the country. I knew Andy had a tense & moody side simmering underneath & that made him all the more wonderful. RIP
It seams that we lose fine people like Andy when we least expect it. That man was somthing else. If we all could have a little Andy in us this world would be a better place. WE dont have tv shows like we use to and that a shame. I’m a father of eight and we have never had cable. Tv today shows my kids things they shoud learn later in life. Andy was pure what you see is what you got. I’m sure he was not perfect as nobody is. But I bet GOD has a place for him. GOD bless you Andy I will miss yoy
.
Whenever I need a dose of the world as it used to be or the world I would like to live in today, I pull out my collection of TAGS and watch a few episodes. It helps to level me out when I’m feeling out of sorts, or disappointed in the world. I am 60 years old and grew up watching him and reruns are a part of my life—I would imagine until the end. Thank you Andy Griffith and ALL the staff who put together what I feel is the best show ever to come out.