Andy Griffith Rushed to Hospital

July 3, 2012

PHOTO: Andy Griffith is seen in this undated file photo, circa 1970.

Andy Griffith is seen in this undated file photo, circa 1970. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Andy Griffith was taken to the hospital this morning after EMS responded to a call from his home in Roanoke Island, N.C., according to the Dare County, N.C., Sheriff's office.

Griffith's friend Bill Friday, the former president of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, told NBC affiliate WITN News that Griffith has died. Representatives for Griffith have not confirmed the actor's death, and ABC News has not confirmed his condition.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Andy Griffith is seen in this undated file... View Full Size

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Andy Griffith is seen in this undated file photo, circa 1970.

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Griffith, 86, is best known for "The Andy Griffith Show" on CBS, in which he played Sheriff Andy Taylor, a widower and a wise man who kept the fictional town of Mayberry, N.C. in check. He starred alongside his friend Don Knotts for five years. Ron Howard also starred as the only child of Taylor, Opie.

In 1986, Griffith landed the title role on the legal drama "Matlock." Matlock's Southern drawl and uncanny ability to win his cases made the show a ratings winner until its finale in 1995.