Andy Samuel Griffith (June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012) was an American actor, television producer,
Southern gospel singer, and writer. He was a
Tony Award nominee for two roles, and gained prominence in the starring role in
director Elia Kazan's film
A Face in the Crowd (1957) before he became better known for his television roles, playing the lead character in the
situation comedy,
The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968), and in the
legal drama,
Matlock (1986–1995).