According to the Dare County Sheriff's Office, actor Andy Griffith has died at the age of 86 at his home on Roanoke Island.
According to the Dare County Sheriff’s office, emergency medical crews were called to the actor's home in NC Tuesday morning.
His family released the following statement: At approximately 7:00 AM, 07/03/2012, Andy Griffith passed away at his home, peacefully. He has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island.
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan also issued a statement:
"Andy Griffith was an iconic figure and a great man who embodied southern hospitality. By making 'Mayberry' famous, he put North Carolina — his home state — on the map. A native of Mount Airy, Andy did so much for our state and will be missed by North Carolinians and by the millions of people who adored him, especially for his roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Andy will truly be missed."
Statement from the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development on the death of Andy Griffith:
“Andy Griffith was a great North Carolinian, and he made countless contributions to tourism in our state. His hometown of Mt. Airy, the real-life Mayberry, continues to charm nostalgic visitors from all over the world. After playing the role of Sir Walter Raleigh in “The Lost Colony” in Manteo, Griffith loved the Outer Banks so much that he made his permanent home there. His hit show “Matlock,” filmed at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington as well as many other locations along the North Carolina coast, gave an early boost to the state’s film industry. Griffith’s first public performance of “What It Was Was Football” was in a ballroom at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. Andy Griffith embodied the immense pride that so many North Carolinians feel about our home state, and we will miss him dearly.”
Click here for a photo gallery - Remembering Andy Griffith.
