Discover the career path of Andy Griffith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Andy Griffith was a multifaceted American entertainer, spanning acting, comedy, television production, singing, and writing. He was known for his Southern charm and folksy characters. Griffith initially gained recognition in films like 'A Face in the Crowd' and 'No Time for Sergeants,' but he achieved enduring fame through his television roles. He starred as Andy Taylor in the iconic sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show' and later as Ben Matlock in the legal drama 'Matlock,' both roles solidifying his place in television history.
In 1955, Andy Griffith's friendship with Don Knotts began when they co-starred in the Broadway play "No Time for Sergeants".
In 1960, Andy Griffith's friendship with child actor Ron Howard began when they guest-starred in the episode of Make Room For Daddy that led to the formation of The Andy Griffith Show the same year. They starred together in most of the show's episodes for eight seasons, portraying father and son.
In 1965, Don Knotts left "The Andy Griffith Show" after being a regular for five seasons but periodically returned for guest appearances.
In 1975, Andy Griffith co-starred with Jeff Bridges in the comedy "Hearts of the West", playing a crusty old 1930s western actor. The film flopped at the box office.
In 1980, Andy Griffith starred in "The Yeagers", a short-lived Dynasty-inspired television series, playing a family patriarch.
On October 9, 1982, Andy Griffith made a comedy cameo on the Saturday Night Live program hosted by Ron Howard.
In 1984, Andy Griffith appeared as an attorney in the NBC miniseries "Fatal Vision", a role considered a precursor to his role in Matlock.
In 1985, Andy Griffith appeared alongside Tom Berenger as a gay villainous colonel and cattle baron in the Western comedy spoof "Rustlers' Rhapsody". This film also flopped at the box office.
In 1985, Andy Griffith starred in the television film "Crime of Innocence", portraying a hateful and vindictive judge.
In 1986, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard co-starred in the TV special "Return to Mayberry", in which the now-adult Opie is about to become a father.
In 1986, Andy Griffith starred in the TV movie "Under the Influence", playing an alcoholic, abusive patriarch.
From 1988 to 1992, Don Knotts had a recurring role on "Matlock" alongside Andy Griffith.
From 1988 to 1992, Don Knotts had a recurring role on "Matlock" alongside Andy Griffith, before leaving the series.
In 1993, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard appeared together in a CBS reunion special.
In 1995, Andy Griffith played a dangerous and mysterious grandfather in the television film "Gramps", co-starring John Ritter.
In 1996, Andy Griffith appeared as a comical villain in the spy movie spoof "Spy Hard", starring Leslie Nielsen.
In 1996, Andy Griffith released "I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns", a successful album of classic Christian hymns for Sparrow Records, which was later certified platinum by the RIAA.
In 1999, Andy Griffith played the role of Jake Peterson in the television film "A Holiday Romance".
In 2000, Andy Griffith appeared in a last-minute campaign commercial endorsing Democratic Party candidate Mike Easley for governor of North Carolina. Easley won the election, and many credited Griffith's endorsement for stopping his falling poll numbers, dubbing Easley's victory as the "Mayberry Miracle".
In 2001, Andy Griffith portrayed the patriarch of a dysfunctional southern family in the film "Daddy and Them".
In 2001, Andy Griffith spoke at the inauguration ceremonies of Mike Easley, who won the election thanks to Griffith's endorsement.
In 2003, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard appeared together in a CBS reunion special.
In 2007, Andy Griffith played a crusty diner owner in the feature film "Waitress", who takes a shine to Keri Russell's character.
In October 2008, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard briefly reprised their Mayberry roles in an online video Ron Howard's Call to Action, posted on Funny or Die.
In October 2008, Andy Griffith appeared with Ron Howard in a Funny or Die video endorsement for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
In 2008, Andy Griffith appeared in country singer Brad Paisley's music video "Waitin' on a Woman".
In 2009, Andy Griffith played the leading role in the romantic comedy independent film "Play the Game" as a lonely, widowed grandfather re-entering the dating world.
In 2009, Andy Griffith spoke at the inauguration ceremonies of Bev Perdue.
In July 2010, Andy Griffith starred in advertisements about Medicare.
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