Andy Griffith: 8 Roles to Remember

His acting legacy, from ''A Face in the Crowd'' and ''No Time for Sergeants'' to Mayberry and ''Matlock''
By EW Staff
Updated July 03, 2012 at 05:25 PM EDT

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A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Credit: Everett Collection

Andy Griffith played Larry Rhodes, a manipulative drifter with a dark side, in this Elia Kazan drama costarring Walter Matthau and Patrica Neal. Chronicling Rhodes' rise from jail to success as a radio and TV personality, the movie grapples with the intoxicating influence of fame. —Denise Warner

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No Time for Sergeants (1958)

Credit: Everett Collection

Griffith earned a Tony nomination for his role as a country boy on Broadway and brought the play to the silver screen with future Andy Griffith costar Don Knotts (who also appeared alongside him in the stage version). —Denise Warner

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Destry Rides Again (1959)

Credit: Ralph Morse/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

Griffith earned a Tony nomination playing the eponymous brave Western lawman in this musical adaptation of the 1939 film, which originally starred Jimmy Stewart. It was the first time audiences decided they liked the look of Griffith, then 33, wearing a badge. —Jeff Labrecque

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The Andy Griffith Show (1960-68)

Credit: CBS/Landov

As small-town sheriff Andy Taylor, Griffith was welcomed into America's homes and cemented his place in pop culture. Whether he was doling out advice to son Opie (Ron Howard) or dealing with bumbling Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Griffith's warm presence radiated. (For more on the TV legacy of the show and its star, see Ken Tucker's Andy Griffith tribute.) —Erin Strecker

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Pray for the Wildcats (1974)

Griffith played against type in this TV movie, portraying a villainous businessman who lures some desperate advertising employees into the Baja wasteland. He ends up killing a man, and then spends the rest of the film chasing his guests — who include William Shatner and Robert Reed — on motorbikes. —Jeff Labrecque

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Matlock (1986-92)

Credit: Gene Trindl/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Continuing to debunk his nice guy image, Griffith found his second iconic role as crusty Atlanta defense attorney Ben Matlock. Griffith had the chance to show off his acting chops during the show's trademark witness-on-the-stand interrogations. —Erin Strecker

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Waitress (2007)

Credit: Everett Collection

In this indie charmer, Griffith signed up for one of his final big-screen performances. As Joe, the curmudgeonly restaurant owner, Griffith dispensed pearls of wisdom and ultimately proved his grumpy exterior hid a soft core when he bequeathed his café to good-hearted heroine Jenna (Keri Russell). —Erin Strecker

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Play the Game (2009)

Credit: Slowhand Cinema Releasing/Photofest

Griffith starred as Grandpa Joe, a widower learning dating tricks from his grandson, in his final film role. —Denise Warner

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