Celebrities Respond to the Death of Andy Griffith:
Andy Griffith Remembered by Friends and Colleagues:
Celebrities responded on Twitter to the news that Andy Griffith, star of the shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, passed away July 3, 2012, at his home in North Carolina. Official cause of death was a heart attack, although he also had "coronary artery disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia."He was 86.
Griffith had a well-rounded show business career, with appearances on Broadway, in film, and on television. He is perhaps best known for the show that carries his name in which he played Sheriff Andy Taylor starting in 1960. The Andy Griffith Show was set in Mayberry, North Carolina, and starred a young Ron Howard as his son, with Don Knotts as his cousin and deputy Barney Fife.
The show became a popular one for families to watch together. While there was little crime that happened in Mayberry, there were a lot of issues dealing with family, society, and friendship. The character of Andy Taylor was patient yet strong, and used wisdom and counseling in lieu of intimidation or force.
Griffith also starred in the TV series Matlock beginning in 1986. He was well-received in his debut film role of Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes in A Face in the Crowd in 1957. He received a Tony nomination for the Broadway play No Time for Sergeants in 1955, and later starred in the film version as well.
Celebrity Friend Honor Andy Griffith on Twitter:
Celebrity friends of Griffith took to Twitter to express their condolences and honor their late friend.
Ron Howard, who maintained a life-long friendship with Griffith, said:
"Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I'm forever grateful RIP Andy"
Griffith seemed to represent a simpler, more pure time in America. Frank Conniff, best known for his role in Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), underscored this sentiment by saying:
"I feel very fortunate to have grown up not on Trump or Snookie or Kardashians, but on Andy Griffith. Rest In Peace."
Comedian Frank Caliendo shared a similar thought:
"RIP Andy Griffith. Sometimes I wish the world was as simple as it used to be in Mayberry."
Actor Michael McKean honored Griffith's debut film role with his tribute, saying:
"More than a face in the crowd: RIP Andy Griffith."
LeVar Burton shared his admiration as well:
"My favorite Andy Griffith performance... A Face in the Crowd #mindblown Rest in Peace"
Film critic Roger Ebert gave a shout out to Griffith's famous monologue that was originally recorded in 1953, saying:
"What It Was, Was Football." The 1953 standup routine that made Andy Griffith a star."
Two past American Idol winners shared their condolences as well, proving that Griffith was a star beloved by many generations. Scotty McCreery shared his memories of watching Griffith's show:
"RIP Andy Griffith.. We lost a legend today that provided me and my family some great quality time around the tv filled with some good laughs"
The 2012 Idol winner, Phillip Phillips, echoed these thoughts:
"Cant believe Andy Griffith passed away today. Loved his show. Prayers go out to the family. Use to watch it all the time with my papa"
Singer Rob Thomas remembered The Andy Griffith Show theme song, saying:
"just found out the ANDY GRIFFITH passed away. an american treasure. if you can, give a little whistle for him today."
Singer Amy Grant said:
"From Team Amy - Go Rest High on that Mountain, Andy Griffith."
Darrell Waltrip echoed this thought as well:
"There is no joy in Mayberry today, Andy Griffith has gone to be with the Lord, RIP."
Actor Henry Winkler's tribute is one many of us will share and remember:
"RIP the forever in our memory Andy Griffith"
