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Andy Griffith dead at 86

Print Posted by Mawuse Ziegbe July 3, 2012 10:28 AM

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Andy Griffith, known to fans for his roles in classic TV shows like "Matlock" and "The Andy Griffith Show," has died at age 86, according to NBC affiliate WITN in North Carolina.

Former University of North Carolina president Bill Friday told the station that the actor died this morning at his home around 7:00 a.m. An ambulance was sent to Griffith's North Carolina home early this morning.

No cause of death has been reported.

The renowned actor, who starred as Sheriff Andy Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show," was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

In addition to his onscreen roles, Griffith was an accomplished gospel singer, and won a 1996 Grammy Award for his album "I Love To Tell The Story - 25 Timeless Hymns."

His hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina also boasts The Andy Griffith Museum, which features Griffith-related memorabilia collected by the actor's friend Emmett Forrest.

In a 1992 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Griffith talked about how he wanted to be remembered, saying, "If I have done something that's entertaining and it's on tape or film, they'll watch it." See the video below.

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