Report: Andy Griffith has died at age 86 - ToledoNewsNow.com: News, Weather & Sports for Toledo, OH

Report: Andy Griffith has died at age 86

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By Lisa Strawbridge - email
Andy Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President George W. Bush. Andy Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President George W. Bush.
He was best known for the "Andy Griffith Show." He was best known for the "Andy Griffith Show."

DARE COUNTY, NC (TOLEDO NEWS NOW) - North Carolina TV station WITN reports legendary actor Andy Griffith has died.

A family friend confirmed the news to that he died Tuesday morning, according to the station. He was 86 years old.

The actor, writer, singer and producer was best known for The Andy Griffith Show that ran from 1960 to 1968. "America's Favorite Sheriff," Andy Taylor, served the fictional town of Mayberry, which was supposedly based on Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, NC.

The series was a huge hit, with its final season finishing first in the Nielsen ratings. TV Guide named the CBS program the ninth-best television show in history.

Griffith returned to TV in 1986, playing the title character in the show Matlock.

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President George W. Bush.

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