Key facts up front
Andy Griffith died on July 3, 2012, at the age of 86. He passed away in his sleep at his home in Manteo, North Carolina, from apparent heart failure. Best known for starring as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the television series The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) and as Ben Matlock in Matlock (1986–1995), he remained a beloved figure in American entertainment until his death. This article provides a verified timeline of his age at death, causes, and career context, relying on authoritative sources and clear facts.
How old was Andy Griffith when he died
Andy Griffith was 86 years old at the time of his death in July 2012. He was born on June 1, 1926 in Mount Airy, North Carolina, making him 86 years, 1 month, and 2 days old when he died. Below is a concise table of key age-related milestones for quick reference.
Age milestones at a glance
| Milestone | Date or Age | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Born | June 1, 1926 | Mount Airy, North Carolina |
| Died | July 3, 2012 | Age 86; Manteo, North Carolina |
| Age at The Andy Griffith Show premiere | October 3, 1960 (age 34) | Starred as Sheriff Andy Taylor |
| Age at Matlock premiere | September 21, 1986 (age 60) | Starred as Ben Matlock |
Details of his death
On July 3, 2012, Andy Griffith died at his home in Manteo, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Reports from family representatives and local authorities indicated he passed away peacefully in his sleep. The official cause was attributed to heart failure. News of his death was widely reported by outlets such as The New York Times, the Associated Press, and major broadcast networks, confirming both the time and location.
Career highlights that define his legacy
Griffith’s career spanned stage, television, and film, earning him lasting recognition as a versatile performer and respected director. His portrayal of the small-town sheriff on The Andy Griffith Show remains iconic, and his later role as attorney Ben Matlock reinforced his everyman appeal. Beyond acting, he directed films and theater, showcasing a breadth of creative influence that extended well beyond his television work.
Key shows and representative roles
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) — Sheriff Andy Taylor
- Matlock (1986–1995) — Ben Matlock
- No Time for Sergeants (1958) — Will Stockdale
- Stage and television directing work in the 1970s and beyond
Sources, corrections, and reliability
Information in this explainer is drawn from authoritative outlets and public records, including Associated Press obituaries, major news coverage from the time of his death in July 2012, and reputable biographies. Dates are cross-referenced where possible to ensure accuracy. No speculative or unverified details are included. If new primary documentation emerges, this article will be updated to reflect confirmed facts.
Wrap-up and quick facts
Andy Griffith died on July 3, 2012, at age 86 in Manteo, North Carolina. He is remembered for defining the wholesome yet wise everyman in classic television, most notably as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Ben Matlock. His long career and measured performances left a durable mark on audiences. This summary reflects widely reported and source-backed information designed to remain useful over time.