The Andy Griffith Story: An Illustrated Biography

ANDY GRIFFITH HAD A GREAT CAREER, AND HOW RARE IS A MAN THAT DOESNT SPEAK OF HIS CAREER.HE HAD 8 YEARS OF THE GRIFFITH SHOW, THEN 3 OF SALVAGE ON ABC, AND THEN MATLOCK FOR 9 YEARS. HE WAS ADEPT AT COMEDY AND DRAMA AND STANDUP.HIS YEARS AFTER GRIFFITH SHOW AND HEADMASTER HE DID SOME AMAZING ACTING PLAYING THE MEAN BAD GUY THE BEST BEING COWETA COUNTY.HE OVERCAME A CRIPPLING DISEASE AND EVEN WORKED THROUGH IT. YES HE HAD A TEMPER BUT WHO DOESNT WHEN THEY ARE DEALING WITH TOP SHOWS AND BUDGETS AND REWRITES.THE STORY TOLD MANY TIMES BY ANDY WAS THAT THE ACTRESS WHO PLAYED AUNT BEA JUST DID NOT LIKE GRIFFITH. HE TRIED AND TRIED BUT SHE DID NOT LIKE HIM FOR EIGHT YEARS.THE MAN WAS A TRUE MAN, GREAT ACTOR, PRODUCER AND WRITER.WHEN I WAS A KID I ALWAYS CLAIMED MAYBERRY, NC. AS MY HOME TOWN AND ANDY TAYLOR AS MY DAD. READ THIS BOOK ITS THE ONLY BOOK ON GRIFFITH AND ITS AMAZING.

The test of any good bio is learning something new about the subject. Information about Andy Griffith isn't easy to come by, but in this instance, the author has succeeded in collecting quotes, facts, and events from private sources and turning it into a readable narrative that illuminates the subject while respecting the privacy of the man. I bought two copies: one for my mom as a gift, and one for me. If you have ANY interest in the life and career of Andy, you'll want to add your own copy to your library too.

I just finished reading the biography on Andy Griffith and as a fan of this man I was pleased to learn about how he got started in show biz and all the movies he was involved in post Andy Griffith Show. I was surprised to hear about his temper but pleased to hear he is a thoughtful and caring man. If you want a biography that covers Mr. Griffith's whole career I would recommend you buy this book.

As a long-time Andy Griffith fan, I was happy to see the man's entire career fully represented and not just the years that he spent on his 60's television show. Collins goes to great lengths to assure that all areas of Andy's career are covered, including his work in television, theater, music, drama, and motion pictures. The book also describes some of the personal and physical hurdles that Griffith had to overcome, as well as revealing some fascinating little-known facts. Who knew that early in his career, Andy planned on becoming a minister? Or that his work in the theater was so extensive? All-in-all, an excellent in-depth look at one of the most versatile entertainers of our time, and I would highly recommend it to any admirer of Griffith's work.