Actor Andy Griffith dies
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on July 3, 2012 11:01 AM
MANTEO -- Actor Andy Griffith, an iconic figure in North Carolina, died early today at the age of 86.
News reports quoted William Friday, former president of the University of North Carolina and close friend, as saying that Griffith died about 7 a.m. at his home in Dare County.
Griffith earned ever-lasting fame as Sheriff Andy Taylor of the fictional town of Mayberry in the long-running "Andy Griffith" TV show.
Griffith, who taught at Goldsboro High School for several years before making it big in show business, was considered one of the state's most beloved figures. In addition to his role as Sheriff Taylor, he also made the character of Matlock a favorite among TV viewers in a later show in which he portrayed a southern lawyer.