Ron Howard on Andy Griffith, who died today at 86:

“His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life. I’m forever grateful.”

Of course, Howard isn’t the only one. Griffith is best known for his role in the classic TV show that bears his name, a series remembered as much for the America it represents as for the laughter that it brought to millions. As Griffith himself put it:

“Our basic theme was love. And understanding one another. And hoping the best for one another.”