(CNN) — Fans and friends from all walks of life weighed in with their recollections of and tributes to TV actor Andy Griffith, who died Tuesday at age 86 in his home state of North Carolina:
Cindi Griffith, Andy Griffith’s wife: “Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord.”
President Barack Obama: “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith this morning. A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family.”
Ron Howard: “His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life,” the film director, who played Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” said on his Twitter page. “I’m forever grateful RIP Andy.”
North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue: “North Carolina has lost its favorite son. Throughout his career, he represented everything that was good about North Carolina: a small town boy and UNC graduate who took a light-hearted approach to some of the attributes he grew up with and turned them into a spectacularly successful career. And regardless of where that career took him, he always came back to North Carolina and spent his final years here.”
Former CNN talk show host Larry King: “Sad to hear news of Andy Griffith’s death,” King tweeted. “He was a terrific actor, a great comedian, an endearing person. He lived a long & fruitful life.”
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