Griffith’s joy, professionalism, and love of creating “was inspiring to grow up around,” says Ron Howard, who played Griffith’s son, Opie, on The Andy Griffith Show. It was never lost on Griffith that he had “the opportunity to create something that people can enjoy,” and he treated that opportunity with “respect and passion.” He was unpretentious, and always appreciative of the audience he was making the show for. “He was a great influence on me.”

Remembering Andy Griffith: ‘America’s favorite sheriff’