Actor, NC icon Andy Griffith dies

Posted Jul 3, 2012
Andy Griffith, who parlayed his youth in rural North Carolina into an award-winning television and film acting career, died Tuesday in Manteo. He was 86. Best known as Sheriff Andy Taylor in "The Andy Griffith Show," which ran for eight seasons on CBS in the 1960s, Griffith became an iconic television father figure. (WRAL.com)

Related: Campus Connections

From an indigo hue to Carolina Blue: the history behind UNC's school colors
Many students, fans and alums have proudly proclaimed that UNC is home to "the better blue." Carolina Blue became a widely used noun in the...
Sat Mar 21, 2026

Entrepreneur, UNC alum gives back, a bagel at a time
Alex Brandwein left UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in May 2020 with two big accomplishments: an MBA and a lease for a bagel shop a few...
Tue Mar 17, 2026

20 years after seeds were distributed to children, Davie Poplar's legacy still grows
At nearly 400 years old, the Davie Poplar has stood on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus for as long as the University has existed. But its legacy...
Mon Mar 16, 2026

UNC creative writing associate professor’s book earns national honor
One UNC faculty member’s newest book is earning accolades. “The New Economy,” written by Gabrielle Calvocoressi, has been named a finalist for the National Book...
Sat Mar 14, 2026