Profile of the Day: Andy Griffith
On this day in 1960, the classic sitcom The Andy Griffith Show premiered for the first time on television. The show starred Andy Griffith as a widower and sheriff of the small town of Mayberry and introduced the world to a 6-year-old Ron Howard as his young son, Opie.
Rounding out the cast was actor Don Knotts, who played bumbling deputy Barney Fife, and Francis Bavier as the lovable Aunt Bee. Knotts would win five Emmys for his role, three during the show’s first five seasons and two more for his guest-appearances.
The beloved comedy was an immediate hit and ranked as one of the top watched programs for the entirety of its eight season run. The series would also launch its own spinoff, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. in 1964.
Fun fact: Andy Griffith and Don Knotts are 14th cousins once removed!
Do you remember watching The Andy Griffith Show?
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Image: Wikimedia Commons