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Andy Griffith

by Michaella from Riley

Andy Griffith Dressed as Sheriff Andy Taylor (http://tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/2012/07/the-ebullet (ebullet))
Andy Griffith Dressed as Sheriff Andy Taylor (http://tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/2012/07/the-ebullet (ebullet))

An iconic American man, Andy Griffith rose to fame from an unlikely childhood. He inspired many people and entertained many American generations. Andy had many influences in his life, just as he was an influence in many lives. His characters as well as himself were heroes to many families.

Andy Griffith was born June 1, 1926 in North Carolina to his parents, Carl Lee and Geneva Griffith. He lived his early life in a poor home. Living with his relatives until he was three, he slept in drawers. When he was three, his parents bought a home after his father became a carpenter. The Griffiths were Baptists. Andy was inspired by their minister, Ed Mickey, who would later influence him to enter seminary. While growing up, Andy listened to music, which would also influence his future.

After graduating High School, Andy attended college. He originally was studying to become a minister, but later changed his major to music. While in College, Andy performed in musicals and plays, such as The Chimes of Normandy. He was also in a national music fraternity. Andy graduated University of North Carolina in 1949. Following college, Andy taught music and drama at Goldsboro High School in North Carolina.

Deputy Barney Fife, Sheriff Andy Taylor, Gomer (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/03/showbiz/andy-griffith-dead (CNN))
Deputy Barney Fife, Sheriff Andy Taylor, Gomer (http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/03/showbiz/andy-griffith-dead (CNN))

One of Andy's most known appearances, The Andy Griffith Show, began in 1960. Andy starred as Sherriff Andy Taylor. In this series, Andy had one son, Opie, and Aunt Bee, both who lived with him following the death of his wife before the series. Andy's character showed the good values found in small towns. He exhibited the "perfect" American man, rarely carrying his gun, and teaching the townspeople good truths and morals. Don Knotts was also in this series, starring as Deputy Barney Fife. His character was a comical and exciting addition to the series. Mayberry is a fictional town in North Carolina, in which the show takes place. This town is laid back, with the exception of a few colorful characters. Among these are Otis, Gomer, and Goober, the town clowns. Gomer later had his own show, Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C. after he leaves Mayberry to join the Marines. The series came to an end in 1968. There were various follow-up shows, such as, Mayberry R.F.D, and Return to Mayberry.

Because of changing many lives, Andy Griffith is a hero. He taught America many values through his acting career. His characters reflected his personality and his beliefs. The many television and movie appearances he had helped to make his image viral. Still today, Andy is being watched on television and is inspiring many people.

Page created on 12/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 12/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

YouTube - Members of The Andy Griffith Show Advertise Post Toasties
YouTube - Andy Teaches Opie and the Boys About History