Born Name:  Andy Samuel Griffith

Born Date:  June 1, 1926

Born Place:  Mount Airy, North Carolina

Died Date:  July 3, 2012

Died Place:  Manteo, North Carolina

Occupations:  Actor, comedian, producer, singer, writer, director

Brief Biography:  Andy Griffith was best known for starring as Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) and the titular defense attorney in Matlock (1986–1995). Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, he rose to fame with his homespun Southern humor, transitioning from comedy records to Broadway, film, and television stardom.

Early Life and Education:
Education: Initially studied to be a Moravian preacher, but changed his focus to music and drama at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1949.
Early Career: Taught high school music for three years before pursuing entertainment.

Career Highlights:
Comedy Beginnings: Gained attention with his 1953 comedic monologue, "What It Was, Was Football".
Broadway and Film: Made his Broadway debut in No Time for Sergeants (1955), earning a Tony nomination, and starred in the film A Face in the Crowd (1957).
The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968): Played Sheriff Andy Taylor, a role that brought him lasting fame and defined the wholesome image of Mayberry, a town based on his hometown of Mount Airy.
Matlock (1986–1995): Later starred as wily defense attorney Ben Matlock.