Andy Griffith wasn't just an incredible actor, he was also a genuinely good person. It's a rare quality, but kindness is something that no amount of talent can make up for. Griffith was fortunate enough to demonstrate such talents early in his career that earned him more than a few important roles in film and television. However, Griffith also had a hand in working behind the scenes on projects like The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Griffith went above and beyond where most actors were willing to venture, and the quality of the program was all the better for it.

Throughout all of his hard work, Griffith never lost his geniality, especially when it came to working with his fellow actors. Nancy Stafford, who starred in Matlock, alongside Griffith, was openly reverent of the actor during an interview with the Winston-Salem-Journal.

"When we worked together, he would share such wonderful stories, as only he could," said Stafford of Griffith.

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Stafford said that Griffith was able to calm her nerves when she first joined the Matlock cast.

"When I walked on that set the very first day, I was absolutely terrified," said Stafford. "But he had a quick way of putting me completely at ease, and the whole set was welcoming...Andy was an amazing consummate professional. He expected a lot from the people around him because he gave that, and more."

Stafford and Griffith kept in touch long after Matlock had wrapped filming, and the actor credited much of the success of her career to him.

"I owe so much to Andy Griffith," said Stafford. "Not only did he give me a tremendous boost in my career, but I learned so much from just watching him. He's a very underrated actor; he's a guy that makes it look easy."