With his folksy, down-to-earth charm and winning smile, actor Andy Griffith brought a warm sincerity to his most popular roles – small town Sheriff Andy Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show” (CBS, 1960-68) and the crafty southern lawyer Ben Matlock on “Matlock” (NBC/ABC, 1986-1995). Prior to becoming a friendly face in many American living rooms, Griffith was a talented musician with early aspirations to be an opera singer, though he went on to record gospel and Christmas albums – one of which earned him a Grammy Award. Often exerting strong creative control over his efforts, Griffith brought a
Taught high school music in Goldsboro, NC for three years after graduating from college
Struck out on a career as an entertainer; originally wanted to be a singer but had more success with a monologue parodying a popular Johnny Ray song, "Please Mr. Sun..."
1953
Recorded "What It Was Was Football", one of the most popular comedic monologues of all time
1954
Made TV debut guesting on an episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show"
1954
Read Mac Hayman's novel, "No Time for Sergeants", and later found out that the Theatre Guild was presenting it as a play on TV which was bound for Broadway; auditioned and won the role of Will Stockdale, playing it on TV's "U.S. Steel Hour"
