Andy Griffith | The Complete Pioneers of Television Interview

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Andy Griffith, beloved television star, talks about his early days in television and working on "The Andy Griffith Show".
Director: Steven J Boettcher
► About Pioneers of Television
Television’s beloved stars bring their stories to life, offering insider tales and surprising revelations you won’t hear anywhere else. The Emmy-nominated producers of Pioneers of Television open the vault to give you exclusive access.
#PioneersofTelevision #andygriffith #FunnyInterview

[@anarchistatheist1917]

I am about 2 years younger then ron Howard's daughter bryce dallas howard while my dad is a few months older then ron howard. I grew up watching rebroadcasted episodes of the andy griffith show and matlock with my dad. So i am glad i am I was introduced to and became a fan of the andy griffith show and matlock as well as a fan of both andy griffith, and don knotts. Rest in peace mr griffith, and mr knotts.

[@xoticenigma6297]

His personality has always been soothing to me. Especially as a child.

[@murphtahoe1]

Greatest show ever! You could be laughing one minute, followed by crying and learning a great life lesson.

[@paulyricca3881]

💅🏻👱🏻‍♂️💅🏻 U IS SICK

[@Steve.Cutler]

This show has never left the air since the first episode.

[@SheriAnne0711]

When I feel lonely or sad I watch this show. How people care for each other or watching Aunt Bee in her kitchen just makes me happy.❤❤❤❤❤

[@GoDawgs18]

The Andy Griffith show will live forever, rest in peace Andy, Don and the whole cast

[@ffhd1clt]

I’m in NC now, and other than college and around a year in Atlanta, I’ve been in the Charlotte area all my life. My two “heroes,” if you will, are Michael Jordan and Andy Griffith. I regret never trying to meet Andy, but to this day, I watch The Andy Griffith Show at 4:00pm EST on TV Land. There isn’t an episode I haven’t seen, and most I can almost recite. He did have a gift, and I love that he loved North Carolina. He spent his last years in the Outer Banks area, as opposed to CA. He could be Hollywood when he worked, but he was NC through and through. He was one of a kind, a treasure.

[@martynewell1181]

The Andy Griffith show to me is all time favorites show and its reruns is still on the air

[@billkrause4585]

As a child in the 50s and 60s I watch the Andy Griffith Show, and now pushing 75 years of age I still watch the re-runs. The program brings back a lot of memories. I got a kick of the posted sign of a grocery store in Mayberry that showed the prices on stuff life a bag of Potatoes for 29 cents, and etc. Its sad we all grow into these old people and pass on.

[@rmrsgirl]

I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have found and watch this video. Huge fan of Andy Griffith. What a wonderful man. ❤

[@kathydixon3716]

I loved Andy. The sheriff character and Matlock reminded me of Dad. I really enjoyed both of the shows.

[@BennyMcGhee]

Hard to believe Andy’s been gone for over ten years now. Just makes you realize how fast life goes!

[@jimsteinway695]

I watched Andy as a kid. I’m just a little younger than Opey

[@davidzamora9398]

And How LUCKY We Were To Be Entertained By Them At That Time !! Because, It Certainly Hasn't Been The Same Way Since !!! David G Zamora Edinburg Texas 🎶😊🙃😉👍👍👍 ⚘️ 🌠 🇺🇲 !

[@jimsteinway695]

@@davidzamora9398 I live in Idaho, in some places we have towns like Mayberry

[@garyfrancis6193]

True. I was in Bangkok then reading the newspaper at breakfast in my hotel. I mentioned this to my Thai friend then had to explain who he was.

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, ; 2 gentlemen from NC that made a difference in their circle of influences…..I’m proud to be a Carolinian…..and a fellow Believer! I’ll see ‘em both when I get home…Thx for sharing !✝️♥️✝️

[@RichardDCook]

I'm honoured, deeply honoured, to have met and had a couple words with both those great men.

[@jjs490]

Andy talks about Don, how funny, talented he was. And Don was great, their relationship was special. Andy was so right on when he let Don be the comic and Andy the straight man. Andy was so much more than a straight man. He was warm, strong, and the Rock of the show in my opinion. To have a friend like Sherrif Andy Taylor in life would be special, life changing. I really miss him , but thankfully we have him on all the reruns. RIP Andy we still love you.

[@kevingallagher6804]

Andy Griffith was a great actor… I still watch the Andy Griffith show…

[@carlosrivera4915]

Omg, you can see it in his eyes how wonderful tim he had with everyone in the Andy Griffith show. Love this show!

[@TommySG1]

I remember being home sick from school and watching Andy Griffith, I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeanie, The Munsters etc… We couldn’t stream things or had all these cable TV options and there were lots of commercials too, but TV was still great. No special effects, no high tech illusions, just great topics and real good acting. I’m sure todays shows won’t be airing reruns 50-60 years from now, it’s just not the same.

[@yppykya]

In my opinion he was one of our greatest actors. Watch any scene he's in and you can see the gleam in his eyes and see that he absolutely believes every word he's saying and believes that he Is that character he's playing.

[@cacatr4495]

In truth, that's called acting. The belief of every word said and of being that character is called delusion. Do you believe Andy was delusional or just a really good actor? Andy was playing a character, and while that can mean internalizing it to be able to act it (Andy used the term "internal actor" to describe Knotts and self), your words do not mean the same thing.

[@yajy4501]

The movie A Face in the Crowd goes to prove he wasn’t just great at portraying hero’s and good guys, he could play an incredibly complex villain as well.

[@kxrv6629]

Quite probably one of the top 5 TV shows of All Time. Sometimes to this day I wish I had Andy Taylor as my Pa

[@calebm9000]

Such a refreshing interview to see him happy instead of grumpy/annoyed like some other interviews.

[@JamesKatrinaAngelicaRayL-yk9me]

Love you Andy

[@patmelton43]

I think Andy Griffith helped so many people in his productions. I have seen so many on his various tv shows such as Aneta Corsaut who you would see as a judge or some other character. Don Knotts would show up all over the place. Andy was a great friend to everyone he knew.

[@dawngilmartin1392]

Loved the Andy Griffith show

[@Curly34584]

THE BEST SHOW EVER!!!

[@SassyPrincessify]

One of my favorite classic television shows of all time.

[@GloriaSchneider-rw4ef]

It's interesting to hear him talk about difficult things for him. Memorizing lines for example because to watch his shows you would never know it. They all seemed to flow so effortlessly. It was good hearing his thoughts on everything.

[@paulyricca3881]

👴🏻 SOOO HOWS YO MOTHER DOIN?

[@ravipeiris4388]

Thank you for sharing and uploading for the rest of us ❤

[@andrewsantasine2629]

I have always loved Andy and Barney…( it’s just fate, the cast and the writers) Classic comedy!

[@SueProv]

My favorites were Opey with the birds and also Mr. Mcbeevy.

[@TerryComo2010]

What a wonderful man, love everything he ever did, from No Time For Sergeants, TAGS and of course Matlock. What a genuinely nice and warm human being.

[@garyfrancis6193]

Yeah I was in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok when I read his obit in the Bangkok Times over breakfast. Thai people had no idea who he was.

[@davidzamora9398]

A Man's Man !!! Are There Anymore Like Him Anymore ??? David G Zamora Edinburg Texan 🎶 😊🙃😉👍👍👍 ⚘️🌠 🇺🇲 !

[@patmelton43]

Andy blessed our lives in so many ways. God lent him to us for a time and in my view he was a great friend to all.

[@deeplydark]

I live in Goldsboro, NC which is where Mr Griffith taught high school from 1949 to 1952. While here, he lived three blocks down the street from my present home. Still trying to figure out which house, he lived on the corner but I’m not sure which one.

[@hallsjuju2400]

Andy even shared a stage with Elvis. Will always love the Andy Griffith show. The theme intro is so iconic. Stays in your mind. Just a great show.

[@dyates6380]

Wonderful show, wonderful man. When he died, all of us mourned.

[@lindagarcia8826]

I agree The show actors were like family.

[@johnharris3362]

Every episode of TAGS was a light hearted lesson in living.

[@patmelton43]

AGS was the best show ever on TV. It is part of my memories and always will be.

[@lisab7977]

I love Andy! I watch Matlock all the time!

[@patrickmurray9409]

Him an Don Knotts was a classic, the shows are still playing, a great sign.

[@baymaxc1647]

Absolutely a Genius! Thank you Andy

[@belindawoodson8981]

I'm glade he had the opportunity to tell his own Documentary !

[@rundoetx]

Just this last week I saw him do his Hamlet monologue on the Andy Griffith Show. He told it to Opie with Aunt Bea watching while sitting around the dinner table. It was great.

[@bouffant-girl]

Listening to the way he could use comedy to teach history reflects upon the fact that Andy was very well educated, and very well read! He would have made an excellent teacher or college professor if that had been his passion.

[@TheBeaver50]

I’ve lived most of my life in north carolina , close to mount airy . We grew up watching any Griffith show. Heartbreaking to watch this knowing we all get old .

[@eileendocherty2805]

What a blessed life; he was humble and clearly a hard worker...I'm glad I watched him as a child and as an adult. I have to say his complexion was pretty amazing - angelic like...💖💖RIP in peace Andy. You are missed.

[@rogankelly4820]

The good old days.

[@moteleyes2]

Wow. What great stories. Miss you Andy. 😀

[@ednakelley814]

It's a shame he was a mean and nasty man in real life to his loyal fans.

[@Quint1836]

@@ednakelley814I always hate when people like you say this. My aunt met him in 2002 and he was extremely nice and kind, even offering to buy her meal. When he was rude to people, it was usually because of how THEY approached him. Sometimes a man wants to go to the store without doing fanfare. He brought so much joy to millions of people, and never got anything other than a paycheck in return. I can certainly understand his frustration

[@rodyates4771]

My first son was named Andy, for the values Andy Taylor stood for.

[@55tmilam]

The good,ole days!

[@par2go737]

Reminiscing the good 'ole bygone era of down to earth personal style communication

[@deb9806]

Just finished Ron's book "The Boys". Very good

[@joe-vz6hx]

Many people don't recall that this is notable for being one of the few (if not the only?) highly successful shows that was not "done in front of a live audience." Jackie Gleason said he didn't think it could be done. Sorry, wrong!

[@jamesparham1467]

BEST SHOW EVER!!!

[@iamburl2667]

A plate of biscuits and gra y, Andy griffith show, and you don't get more american, closer to heaven then that, thanks aunt bee andy barney floyd goob and opie

[@rickbuchanan5762]

Best tv show ever.

[@madkittyjoey70]

Andy was so cute! I definitely do miss him!

[@tomjones5650]

Hey Ang your interview was sooo Goooooood.

[@hehs3469]

Yes , She Was A Manicurist , And She Was Filling Barney's Nails , And Barney Jumped , She Said What's Wrong , Barney Said , " IT MAKES MY SKIN CRAWL " , And The One With The Dynamite Eating Goat , An Explosion Happened , Barney Yelled , " THERE HE GOES " !! Loved The Show ❤️ Loved Gomer Pyle USMC , As A Matter Of Fact , I Own The Entire Series Of Gomer Pyle USMC ❤️ With Andy Griffith In The Pilot Show ,

[@yolandajohnson8685]

I looooooove this man.

[@ednakelley814]

But he would not love you. He was mean and nasty to his loyal fans. He was known for being very rude to fans. This was not just an off day either. He was mean often, so much so that many people knew this. So disappointing when you're a fan.

[@TRIChuckles]

@@ednakelley814 probably true but I had a truly wonderful interaction with him for about 45 minutes.

[@ednakelley814]

@@TRIChuckles That's great!

[@Quint1836]

@@ednakelley814 but you can also see where he was coming from. At a certain point youd like to be able to go to the store to buy some milk without having to do fanfare

[@suzettebennett816]

Interesting that he mentioned the Destry play. There's back story about this play. Look it up.

[@suehamilton8494]

We try not to miss a show.

[@travisdean8794]

Andy should be up there with John Wayne, Jimmy Stuart, Dean Martin, Don Knotts, Robert Mitchum, and the list goes on. Helluva lot better than most of today’s actors.

[@patmelton43]

Andy deserves the highest honors for his fine work. He was a help to everyone he worked with. In my view, he was as great as any actor ever to be on Movies or tv.

[@PatrickL.McConnell]

Lovely!

[@larryshaver3568]

i remember "Manhunt". It was very well wriiten

[@missionaries7575]

Wow my thoughts too, it goes by quick!

[@brandonoconnor1079]

Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine, The summer land where the sun doth shine, Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, Here’s to “Down Home,” the Old North State!

[@animan1339]

All woke could use this level of humility.

[@CharlieBrownandRugratsfan2000]

Love Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, alone with him as Andy Taylor

[@jimdavis6833]

I wish you would date these interviews.

[@Xtremecherry95YT]

this was in 2006-2007 since he said at the end he was 80. and in 2012 he died at 86.

[@javiergonzalez5609]

I get away from today watching andy griffith show everyday

[@dt8787]

What date did this interview happen? Oh, 2006 (when he was 80 years old). Thanks, Andy.

[@FUDGYPAUL]

At 31:16 can you fix the spelling of Lucille Ball's name? Enjoyable interview though.

[@belindamccarley]

The traveling blonde nurse that was on a few episodes and kind of had a thing with Andy …. In real life was Tatum O’Neals mother

[@bobnoiseux7313]

When is this interview from?

[@stationminute]

He says near the end of the video that he's 80 years old, so that would put it at 2006.

[@Xtremecherry95YT]

agreed.

[@vincenolan5033]

How in the world can a channel like this (which I love) misspell Lucille Ball's name in the captions?

[@kevindouglas5333]

Lots more Lonesome Rhodes in him than Andy Taylor

[@waltonsfan7257]

A face in the crowd is the greatest

[@davidce3rash]

I like Helen Crump for Andy. She was pretty and funny, especially when she gets jealous and mad. Elli Walker was sweet. Peggy was gorgeous, and classy. Joanna Moore married Ryan O'Neil and is the mother of Tatum and Griffin. It's sad she had a troubled personal life.

[@marsazorean62]

A face in the crowd 1957. Lonesome Rhodes. One of the most ignored performances of all time. Check it.

[@danahsutton101]

He shares the same birthday as Marilyn Monroe.

[@arlichar11]

the show was never the same without barney..even though it still had plenty of great characters, and its still surprises that he would leave such a good thing.. also the choice for aunt bee was a huge mistake ... she was too high class with her voice and appearance , but then played as ditzy innocent but was bossy like she was the queen bee ! it just didnt make sense, should have had more of that friendly small town granny vibe ...

[@spinandmarty]

You’re reminded just how important ‘the team’ is to success in anything including entertainment. Without Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas “The Andy Griffith Show” doesn’t even happen.

[@ned756]

sheldon leonard was terrible

[@loribowser2616]

At one point Donald Trump is in a episode.Young kid

[@Quint1836]

No he isnt. I know the episode you're referring too. But that's a mistake. The kid in that episode is about 8 where trump was 21 at the time

[@jasongilmore2709]

Ugh stop spreading this absolute and complete falsehood--- and even if it were true- and it is NOT-- WHO CARES?

[@beagleman123456789]

Sheldon Leonard was smart ‘

[@nealm6764]

Too bad Andy wasn't in charge of script review for GOT. He would have thrown a lot of bad crop out that made a lie of characters and the story. All for a couple of egomaniacs to feel like they were smarter than the audience by "subverting expectations." Andy knew the #1 most important things was to tell a good story that the audience could believe in.

[@samkohen4589]

Curious that in a state that is 40% Afro you almost never saw any during the show's run. Guess Sheriff Andy made sure they stayed out. Did a great job

[@RichardDCook]

I grew up in a very small town in Appalachia and I hardly ever saw black people. The strange thing is, our town was probably around 1/3 black! What it was, it was a one-street town and around 2/3 the way down along this street was an invisible line which divided the black and white parts of town. So yes if you went down the street that direction at some point the old white people sitting on their rocking chairs on their porches became old black people doing the same. But there was pretty much no interaction. Back to the show, as you well know all those 1950s shows were like that. The most ironic thing is the all-white Old West that Hollywood created, when 1 out of every 3 cowboys was black and 1 out of every three cowboys was Mexican.

[@barbaragermain3713]

Barbara Eden was beautiful.

[@GO-ep2he]

Who is Reba McEntire dating?

[@davidce3rash]

Andy was waiting on a woman on a bench with Brad Paisley. I love the man, video and song.

[@kendallevans4079]

Poor Andy, struggling with the memories....

[@bobx1034]

not at all-- great memories and clear how he was the driving force to make his shows successful !

[@MsLane61]

Kendall, these actors from the golden age of Hollywood lived full and rich lives and careers. We, as consumers, see their work over and over across decades, while most of them did their work and moved on to the next project. They did not dwell on past work, and many of them never even watched themselves on film. They do not remember details of particular programs like we do. Delightful interview. He is not struggling at all. People in this day need to slow down, shut up, and listen to normal dialogue. Two things have gone terribly wrong in this era: 1) Aged people are not valued in a youth-oriented culture, and 2) It has become vogue to speak in high-speed, impatient, texting-level, self-centered, communication style that is empty of depth. This is how real, older people talk, and it is ripe with knowledge and wisdom. People need to re-learn how to communicate and to discern the difference between empty information and wisdom.

[@kendallevans4079]

@@MsLane61 Yes, he is...I love the guy and feel for him. Pay attention and you'll hear him search for words

[@lorrainedefelice]

I think he did pretty well!

[@rushmore3927]

No.

[@dragonslayer1294]

I believe he liked Obama. I think he voted for him. Shame on you, Andy

[@davidgarris2513]

Wouldn't work in today's world. And Fu him

[@JC-di4uz]

I was born in 89 but I've always loved and appreciated Andy griffith and Don Knotts.There isn't a show on TV today that will be in the record books like the Andy griffith show . Sad to watch these old interviews.

[@tcmusic6429]

There are shows that are “in the record books like TAGS.” 🤦‍♂️

[@papat7663]

I met this man on the Outer Banks as he came in from his private island he was rather vulgar and rude he is not the wonderful human being that everybody thinks Andy Griffith is. Trust me he cussed me told me to get away and all I wanted to do was get an autographed. I will not repeat the vulgarity he said to me I'll never forget it.

[@chriskiser4670]

I've heard from several sources he was not approachable, that he was quite rude to fans. He often clashed with people on the set to

[@RichardDCook]

I'm very sorry to hear that. I met him and chatted for a few minutes and he was down-to-earth and friendly, but on the other hand I wasn't an autograph-seeker. He was working on Matlock and I was working on Murder She Wrote on neighbouring sound stages, and both shoots happened to take breaks at the same time and both of us were just hanging around in between buildings.

[@jannuzijannuzicharlescharl3260]

Season 1 has some real gems for episodes, but it is a mixed bag. Season 2 the same. Season 3, just about all the episodes are classics. Season 4 is a pretty good follow-up, as is Season 5. Season 6 is under-appreciated, as are 7 and 8. There are some really very good episodes in 7 and 8, but it was more like ensemble, which is how RFD worked. In 7-8, a lot of the comedy has Andy Taylor being put upon by the comic characters, and that formula worked very well actually.