TV icon Andy Griffith died today. It was sad news for me personally. His old TV hit, The Andy Griffith Show (TAGS), is my all-time favorite. I have seen every episode many times and now I am enjoying them on DVD with my girls. They probably can quote more TAGS dialogue than any other kids their age. A couple of years ago we visited Mt. Airy, North Carolina which is Andy’s real home town and the small town ideal upon which Mayberry is modeled. We had a blast.
TAGS represented an America that seems to be vanishing– innocent, kind, friendly, and forgiving. Folks in Mayberry were honest, simple church-going folks who were tolerant of all others– including Otis, the town drunk.
Andy Griffith’s character was central to the show, of course. He modeled the kind of wise, patient parenting to which I aspire, but never can seem to capture. His friendship with his deputy, goofy ole Barney Fife demonstrates what true friendship is all about.
Of course, it was just a old black and white TV show set in the simpler times of the early 1960s, but it continues to entertain and educate us old heads while finding new audiences among younger folks (like my daughters. You should see us playing TAGS trivia game!)
Mayberry was Andy Griffith’s creation. Thank you Andy. Your gifts continue to bless many. Please tell Barney, Goober, Floyd, Aunt Bea, and all the rest that Danny says hey.
Truly a loss of an American Icon
Danny, I agree with your conclusions entirely relating to Andy, the show and its positive impact to anyone who would ever take time to become a fan of the show. In light of what is “out there in the star world today”, we may not see the “likes of” Andy again.