Age and Production Timeline for Andy Griffith in Matlock
Andy Griffith was born on June 1, 1926. Matlock aired on NBC from 1986 to 1992 and ran for nine seasons. During the series, Griffith portrayed Ben Matlock, a forensic defense lawyer. He was approximately 60 years old when the series premiered in 1986 and about 66 at its conclusion in 1992. These ages are derived from his birth date and the original air dates for each season.
Exact Birth Date and Its Relevance
June 1, 1926 is the confirmed birth date for Andy Griffith. This specific date makes it possible to calculate his precise age at any point during Matlock. Knowing the exact birth date removes ambiguity when comparing production or air dates to his age in years. Age calculations here are based on the Gregorian calendar and verified biographical sources.
Season by Season Age Breakdown
Below is a season-level breakdown showing Andy Griffith’s age during each season of Matlock. The table aligns production timelines and original air dates with his age in years at the start of each season.
| Season | Original Air Dates | Andy Griffith’s Age at Season Start | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1986–1987 | 60 | Series premiere; born 1926 |
| 2 | 1987–1988 | 61 | Continued role; steady production |
| 3 | 1988–1989 | 62 | Established series by this point |
| 4 | 1989–1990 | 63 | Stable broadcast schedule |
| 5 | 1990–1991 | 64 | Near end of original run |
| 6 | 1991–1992 | 65 | Final season on NBC |
Context on Matlock’s Production Timeline
Production for Matlock typically ran several months before each season’s premiere. Filming would begin in advance, meaning Andy Griffith’s age during principal photography sometimes preceded the on-screen season age by a few months. However, using season air dates and his June birthday provides a reliable estimate for his age during taping and broadcast.
How the Calculation Works
To determine age in a given year, subtract 1926 from the year in question. For example, 1986 minus 1926 equals 60. If production occurred after his birthday in a given year, he had already turned that age; if before, he was one year younger. This method explains the ages listed for each season start and confirms consistency across the series run.
Comparison to Other Career Milestones
Placing his Matlock ages alongside earlier and later work clarifies how his career evolved. The list below shows his age ranges during key projects, helping to frame his performance in Matlock within the broader arc of his professional life.
- Early television and film work: late 20s to early 30s
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968): roughly 34 to 42
- Matlock (1986–1992): 60 to 66
- Later appearances: late 60s into the 70s
Why Age Details Matter for Legacy
Documenting exact ages during long-running shows like Matlock supports accurate biographies, casting retrospectives, and onscreen continuity analysis. These specifics are helpful for researchers, archivists, and fans who track career timelines. Clear, sourced age data also reduces confusion when comparing roles that span decades.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Confirming ages for historical productions relies on birth records, studio press materials, and broadcast schedules. Publicly available biographies and network documentation consistently list June 1, 1926 as Griffith’s birth date. Cross referencing this date with the show’s premiere and finale ensures that the season-by-season breakdown remains accurate and verifiable.