Andy Griffith was born in 1926 in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Throughout his illustrious career, he gained recognition for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Before his passing in 2012, Griffith was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, marking his significant contributions to entertainment. Despite his later success, he came from humble beginnings; as a child, Griffith slept in drawers because he didn’t have a crib or bed.
The Career Andy Griffith Dreamed Of
While it’s difficult to envision Griffith as anything other than an actor, especially given his beloved portrayal of Andy Taylor, he originally aspired to be a Moravian preacher. Raised in a Baptist household, he developed a passion for music early on, learning to sing and play the trombone with guidance from a minister at Grace Moravian Church. In 1944, when Griffith began attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he intended to study divinity to fulfill his dream of becoming a preacher.
However, his love for the arts eventually led him to change his major to music. During his college years, he actively participated in theater, notably with the renowned Carolina Playmakers company. After graduating, Griffith taught music at a North Carolina high school before fully committing to an acting career.
Sleeping in Drawers as a Child
During his childhood, Griffith’s parents were saving to buy a house, and he lived with relatives. In this transitional period, he lacked a crib or bed. As the Chicago Tribune reported, “Before his parents bought a house, Andy Griffith had no crib or bed to sleep in. He spent the first few months of his life sleeping in drawers.”
The fictional town of Mayberry, featured in The Andy Griffith Show, was inspired by Griffith’s hometown. His love for North Carolina remained strong throughout his life; although he never became a Moravian preacher, he and his wife officially joined Grace Moravian Church in 2009. As noted by the Mount Airy News, “Actor Andy Griffith first became associated with Grace Moravian Church while living in Mount Airy in the early 1940s, and now that relationship has come full circle with his officially joining its congregation.”
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Griffith’s dedication and success served as an inspiration to many. In recognition of his significant impact on the entertainment industry, President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. “Andy Griffith is one of America’s best-known and most beloved entertainers,” read an official statement from The White House. “He is a man of humor, integrity, and compassion. The United States honors Andy Griffith for demonstrating the finest qualities of our country and for a lifetime of memorable performances that have brought joy to millions of Americans of all ages.”