Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andy Griffith
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.
1955: Began friendship with Don Knotts in "No Time for Sergeants"
In 1955, Andy Griffith's friendship with Don Knotts began when they co-starred in the Broadway play "No Time for Sergeants".
1960: Began friendship with Ron Howard
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.
1965: Don Knotts left "The Andy Griffith Show"
In 1965, Don Knotts left "The Andy Griffith Show" after being a regular for five seasons but periodically returned for guest appearances.
1975: Co-starred in "Hearts of the West"
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.
1980: Starred in "The Yeagers"
In 1980, Andy Griffith starred in "The Yeagers", a short-lived Dynasty-inspired television series, playing a family patriarch.
October 9, 1982: Comedy cameo on Saturday Night Live
On October 9, 1982, Andy Griffith made a comedy cameo on the Saturday Night Live program hosted by Ron Howard.
1984: Appeared in "Fatal Vision"
In 1984, Andy Griffith appeared as an attorney in the NBC miniseries "Fatal Vision", a role considered a precursor to his role in Matlock.
1985: Appeared in "Rustlers' Rhapsody"
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.
1985: Starred in "Crime of Innocence"
In 1985, Andy Griffith starred in the television film "Crime of Innocence", portraying a hateful and vindictive judge.
1986: Co-starred in "Return to Mayberry"
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.
1986: Starred in "Under the Influence"
In 1986, Andy Griffith starred in the TV movie "Under the Influence", playing an alcoholic, abusive patriarch.
1988: Don Knotts joined "Matlock"
From 1988 to 1992, Don Knotts had a recurring role on "Matlock" alongside Andy Griffith.
1992: Don Knotts left Matlock
From 1988 to 1992, Don Knotts had a recurring role on "Matlock" alongside Andy Griffith, before leaving the series.
1993: Appeared in CBS reunion special
In 1993, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard appeared together in a CBS reunion special.
1995: Starred in "Gramps"
In 1995, Andy Griffith played a dangerous and mysterious grandfather in the television film "Gramps", co-starring John Ritter.
1996: Appeared in "Spy Hard"
In 1996, Andy Griffith appeared as a comical villain in the spy movie spoof "Spy Hard", starring Leslie Nielsen.
1996: Released "I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns"
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.
1999: Starred in "A Holiday Romance"
In 1999, Andy Griffith played the role of Jake Peterson in the television film "A Holiday Romance".
2000: Endorsed Mike Easley for governor of North Carolina
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".
2001: Portrayed the patriarch in "Daddy and Them"
In 2001, Andy Griffith portrayed the patriarch of a dysfunctional southern family in the film "Daddy and Them".
2001: Spoke at Mike Easley's inauguration
In 2001, Andy Griffith spoke at the inauguration ceremonies of Mike Easley, who won the election thanks to Griffith's endorsement.
2003: Appeared in CBS reunion special
In 2003, Andy Griffith and Ron Howard appeared together in a CBS reunion special.
2007: Played a diner owner in "Waitress"
In 2007, Andy Griffith played a crusty diner owner in the feature film "Waitress", who takes a shine to Keri Russell's character.
October 2008: Reprised Mayberry roles in online video
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.
October 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama
In October 2008, Andy Griffith appeared with Ron Howard in a Funny or Die video endorsement for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
2008: Appeared in Brad Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman" music video
In 2008, Andy Griffith appeared in country singer Brad Paisley's music video "Waitin' on a Woman".
2009: Starred in "Play the Game"
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.
2009: Spoke at Bev Perdue's inauguration
In 2009, Andy Griffith spoke at the inauguration ceremonies of Bev Perdue.
July 2010: Starred in Medicare advertisements
In July 2010, Andy Griffith starred in advertisements about Medicare.
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