After becoming a UNC-CH alumni, Andy Griffith continued to pursue acting while remaining strong ties to the University. In 1949, Andy moved to Goldsboro to become a high school drama teacher, but later implemented a choir program at the high school. Andy taught at the high school in Goldsboro for three years, and spent his summers on Roanoke Island performing in The Lost Colony while traveling to perform stand-up comedy. In 1952, Andy created a hilarious monologue to spoof college football, named “What it Was, Was Football.” The monologue immediately went viral after being recorded by Capital Records, and sold over one million copies. In 1954, Andy was able to come back to Chapel Hill and perform his famous monologue in UNC’s very own Kenan Stadium. Andy’s monologue allowed him to gain national attention and entered him into the entertainment industry. Recently, Andy donated his papers, letters, and other documents from his time at UNC to the Wilson Library Special Collections.
Although I am not majoring in music or theater, learning about Andy’s inspirational and charming character has encouraged me throughout this semester as a first-year student. As the first in my family to attend college in the United States, I did not know what to expect on a college campus. Moving in to my dorm on my first day in Chapel Hill, I felt the same doubt and anxiety that Andy faced on his first day in Chapel Hill. Like Andy, I also took part in school musicals and took music lessons throughout high school. Reading through biographies and memoirs about Andy, I could relate to his enthusiasm for music and the rush of adrenaline that performers would feel before a performance, followed by relief and satisfaction of finally showcasing the hours of rehearsals and practicing. I hope that Andy Griffith’s journey from a small-town theater-enthusiast to a renowned television star will fuel me to remain passionate and motivated towards both my academics and extracurricular activities. Despite Griffith’s recent death in 2012, he will always be remembered for his perseverance, charisma, and success before, during, and after his time at UNC.
Although I am not majoring in music or theater, learning about Andy’s inspirational and charming character has encouraged me throughout this semester as a first-year student. As the first in my family to attend college in the United States, I did not know what to expect on a college campus. Moving in to my dorm on my first day in Chapel Hill, I felt the same doubt and anxiety that Andy faced on his first day in Chapel Hill. Like Andy, I also took part in school musicals and took music lessons throughout high school. Reading through biographies and memoirs about Andy, I could relate to his enthusiasm for music and the rush of adrenaline that performers would feel before a performance, followed by relief and satisfaction of finally showcasing the hours of rehearsals and practicing. I hope that Andy Griffith’s journey from a small-town theater-enthusiast to a renowned television star will fuel me to remain passionate and motivated towards both my academics and extracurricular activities. Despite Griffith’s recent death in 2012, he will always be remembered for his perseverance, charisma, and success before, during, and after his time at UNC.