Television star Andy Griffith has died at the age of 86, according to a close friend of the late actor.

Griffith, who was best known for his role on the television hit “The Andy Griffith Show,” was found dead at his home in North Carolina.

A large part of putting North Carolina on the entertainment map, Griffith attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where he earned a degree in music.

He was a regular on the Ed Sullivan show in the 1950s, before earning the title of “America’s Favourite Sheriff,” on The Andy Griffith Show.

The show would run from 1960-1968 and spawn many spin-off programs.

Griffith also was involved in the production of and starred in the television series “Matlock.”

He was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina.