[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 101 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1204-E1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN REMEMBRANCE OF ANDY GRIFFITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 9, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of one 
of the most beloved television personalities of all time, Andy 
Griffith. For over five decades he entertained us with the wholesome 
and charismatic energy he was known for. Mr. Griffith's career is the 
very definition of legendary, and he will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Griffith came from humble beginnings. Born in Mount Airy, North 
Carolina, in 1926, he started out his entertainment career in minor 
comedic roles and obtained notoriety with his hit monologue ``What it 
Was, Was Football''. He went on to star in his first dramatic role in 
the movie ``A Face in the Crowd''. The character he played was a 
country boy who manipulated his way to political power. The movie 
taught all of us the lesson that power corrupts, and corrupts 
absolutely.
  Although this was his only real big screen success, Mr. Griffith's 
television roles are what we will remember him for. ``The Andy Griffith 
Show'' was an instant success. Mr. Griffith starred as the lovable 
Sheriff Andy Taylor, and while he never received a writing credit, he 
was also involved in the development of every script. Overlooked year 
after year for an Emmy Award, Mr. Griffith congratulated his

[[Page E1205]]

costars and crew with graciousness and humility.
  It was not until 1987 that Mr. Griffith was recognized with a 
People's Choice Award for his work on the television show ``Matlock''. 
He was able to show his diversity as the righteous lawyer Ben Matlock, 
best known for always coming out on top. Most impressively, Mr. 
Griffith showed the strength of his character by overcoming leg 
paralysis from Guillain-Barre Syndrome right before taking part in the 
show.
  Throughout the rest of his career Mr. Griffith never stopped 
surprising his audience. He released many different albums, and his 
1996 release ``I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns'' went 
platinum.
  In 2005 he was honored by President George W. Bush with the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Griffith truly personified grace and 
decency, his memorable performances brought millions of Americans joy 
while demonstrating the finest qualities of our country. Even today, 
that trademark whistle still makes us think of a sense of 
neighborliness and small town charm of years past.
  Andy Griffith was a true jack-of-all-trades, who demonstrated talents 
both on screen and off. He started his own production company, 
completed an award-winning gospel music album, and later became 
involved in political activism. Yet audiences could be sure that Mr. 
Griffith would bring the same infectious energy and charisma to each 
endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Andy 
Griffith's family and loved ones. I hope they can find some comfort in 
knowing the incredible legacy he leaves behind in hearts across the 
nation.

                          ____________________