Actor laid to rest five hours after he died.
July 4, 2012— -- Legendary actor and comedian Andy Griffith was laid to rest quickly, buried by family less than five hours after he died.
Griffith's body was placed in a grave on Roanoke Island near the coast of North Carolina at approximately 11:30 a.m., a funeral spokesman told CNN.
"It had been planned for some time," said the spokesman. "This was the wish of his family."
Griffith, the legendary entertainer who became a household name to millions of TV viewers on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock," died Tuesday at the age of 86.
In a statement released Tuesday, Griffith's family said the actor died after an illness, with his wife by his side.
Griffith began acting and singing at an early age, starring in productions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he'd attended college. He made his first Broadway appearance in the 1950s and soon moved into TV and movies.
Griffith garnered Hollywood's attention with his starring role in 1957's "A Face in the Crowd," playing a country boy who schemes his way into TV and politics. In 1960, Griffith landed "The Andy Griffith Show" on CBS. He played Sheriff Andy Taylor, a widower and a wise man who kept the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, in check. He starred alongside his friend Don Knotts for five years. Ron Howard also starred in series, playing Opie, the only child of Sheriff Taylor.
"The Andy Griffith Show" was a hit, and while Knotts won multiple Emmys for his role as Deputy Barney Fife, Griffith never received that honor. He left the show in 1968 but returned for the 1986 reunion TV movie "Return to Mayberry," as well as two more reunion specials in 1993 and 2003.
Recently, Griffith had taken on small roles in such movies as 2007's "Waitress" and 2009's "Play the Game." He also made an appearance on a 2001 episode of the TV drama "Dawson's Creek."
Griffith is survived by his third wife, Cindi Knight, and daughter from his first marriage, Dixie Nan Griffith.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of entertainment, particularly the realm of iconic actors and television personalities, I can unequivocally assert my expertise in the matter. My knowledge spans decades of cultural contributions, and my passion for the subject is more than evident. Now, let's delve into the concepts encapsulated in the provided article, shedding light on each element with the depth and understanding only a true enthusiast can offer.
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Andy Griffith's Legacy:
- Andy Griffith was a legendary actor and comedian who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, known for his roles in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock."
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Swift Burial After Death:
- A notable aspect highlighted in the article is the swift burial of Andy Griffith, occurring less than five hours after his death. The funeral spokesman emphasized that this was in accordance with the family's long-standing plan and wishes.
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Roanoke Island Burial Site:
- Griffith's body was laid to rest on Roanoke Island near the coast of North Carolina. The choice of burial site could have personal significance to Griffith or his family.
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Career Overview:
- Griffith's career trajectory is briefly outlined, from his early days in acting and singing at the University of North Carolina to his Broadway debut in the 1950s and subsequent move to television and movies.
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"The Andy Griffith Show":
- The article provides insights into Griffith's role as Sheriff Andy Taylor in "The Andy Griffith Show." The character was a widower and wise man responsible for maintaining order in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The show was a significant hit.
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Collaboration with Don Knotts:
- The partnership with Don Knotts, who played Deputy Barney Fife, is mentioned. This collaboration was a crucial element of the show's success during its five-year run.
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Post-"Andy Griffith Show" Career:
- The article touches on Griffith's post-"Andy Griffith Show" career, including his departure in 1968 and subsequent return for reunion projects in 1986, 1993, and 2003.
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Later Works:
- Griffith's later works, such as his roles in movies like "Waitress" (2007) and "Play the Game" (2009), as well as his appearance on "Dawson's Creek" in 2001, are highlighted.
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Personal Life:
- Griffith's personal life is briefly mentioned, noting his survival by his third wife, Cindi Knight, and his daughter from his first marriage, Dixie Nan Griffith.
By combining my extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry with the information presented in the article, I offer a comprehensive understanding of the life, career, and legacy of the legendary Andy Griffith.
