Good Ol’ Mayberry: Behind The Scenes Info, Shocking Scandals, And More

Sheriff Andy Taylor

And Griffith continued acting in different shows after his namesake run, but none were quite notable until he started playing the role of Matlock in 1986. Matlock became a huge hit, especially with the older crowd. Andy also starred in a variety of commercials notifying seniors about health care. Being an older gentleman himself at this time, it’s no wonder he took up the cause.

Not long before his run on Matlock he had become ill with Guillain-Barre Syndrome but was able to fully recover. Andy Griffith passed away in 2012 of a heart attack and was buried on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. He was buried only hours after he passed away, and memorials had to be held after his interment.

Andy Was a Well-Known Democrat

Andy Griffith was also a well-known democrat, continuously supporting Democratic causes and candidates throughout his career. Another interesting bit of trivia is that during the show he actually punched a wall out of anger and broke his hand. Who would have expected this from mild-mannered Andy Griffith?!

To make up for his self-inflicted injury, it was written into the show that Sherriff Taylor had been hurt while apprehending some criminals. Andy also received multiple awards throughout his lifetime, including an induction into the Television Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was and forever will be one of the most loved stars of his generation.