Obama Speaks Fondly of Andy Griffith's Career

President Barack Obama says he is saddened to hear that Andy Griffith has died at age 86 and called the actor an extraordinary talent.

Obama said in a statement Tuesday that Griffith was beloved by generations and revered by entertainers.

Obama was one of many people to speak fondly of Griffith's career. Griffith was most famous for his character Sheriff Andy Taylor from "The Andy Griffith Show."

Ron Howard played Sheriff Taylor's son, Opie, on the show. Howard says Griffith was inspiring to grow up around and the show was an amazing environment.

Don Knotts was the goofy Deputy Barney Fife. Knotts' widow, Francey Yarborough Knotts, says Griffith was in good spirits when she spoke with him June 1, his birthday.

Knotts died in 2006 at age 81.