Andy Griffith was often critical of his own talent

Griffith was kind to everyone, except himself.

October 18, 2024, 10:25AM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

Everyone is prone to bouts of insecurity; a lack of self-confidence is part of the human condition. We're bound to lose faith in ourselves now and again, but the important thing is that you've got to be able to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and recognize your own worth.

Andy Griffith meant a great deal to many viewers across America. As one of the brains and faces behind The Andy Griffith Show, Griffith served as a hero to those who watched him play Sheriff Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show.

But even Griffith wasn't immune from minimizing his own success. As a talented actor and creator, Griffith worked hard to lift up his fellow comedians by giving them a spot on his show, the likes of which included Don Knotts and Jim Nabors. Both men enjoyed a successful career after they left The Andy Griffith Show.

Even after their departure, Griffith was eager to sing his friends' praises, as he did in an interview with The Times after Knotts had left the show. "Don has been offered a wonderful movie contract and I know he's going to be a big star," Griffith said. "I think I'll miss having him around as much as I will his tremendous talent."

Griffith also spoke highly of Nabors. "Jim is just beginning and I'm delighted by his success, but he's got a lot more to offer than Gomer Pyle," Griffith said. "Don and I took him to Lake Tahoe last year with our act and darned if he didn't steal the show. He's got a marvelous singing voice and a great sense of comedy."

However, Griffith was less than praising when he spoke of himself, insinuating that he wasn't capable of the kind of success that Nabors and Knotts were. "You see, I'm in a tough spot because there just aren't that many things I can do if I leave the series, but Don and Jim are unlimited," he said.

In hindsight, we know this couldn't be further from the truth. Not only did Griffith make several film appearances, but he also returned to television with Matlock, a show that once again captured the hearts of viewers everywhere.

So take a lesson from Andy, and don't sell yourself short!