Andy Griffith remembered by Ron Howard, President Obama and more

Ron Howard and Andy Griffith as Opie and Andy Taylor in scene from "The Andy Griffith Show."

/ AP

(CBS News) Celebrities have released statements and taken to Twitter to remember beloved TV actor Andy Griffith, who died at his home in North Carolina on Tuesday. He was 86.

 Griffith was known for portraying the wise sheriff in CBS' "The Andy Griffith Show" and the defense lawyer in "Matlock."

Read more: Andy Griffith dead at 86
Read more: Andy Griffith - A life in music
Pictures: Andy Griffith, 1926-2012
Pictures: Andy Griffith remembered

Director/actor Ron Howard rose to fame in the 1960s as a child actor on "The Andy Griffith Show," in which he played Opie, the son of Sheriff Andy Taylor, portrayed by Griffith.

Upon hearing the news of the actor's death, Howard tweeted and also released a statement to Deadline.com, explaining: "His love of creating, the joy he took in it whether it was drama or comedy or his music, was inspiring to grow up around. The spirit he created on the set of The Andy Griffith Show was joyful and professional all at once. It was an amazing environment. And I think it was a reflection of the way he felt about having the opportunity to create something that people could enjoy. It was always with respect and passion for the opportunity and really what it could offer people in a very unpretentious and earthy way. He felt he was always working in service of an audience he really respected and cared about. He was a great influence on me. His passing is sad. But he lived and a great rich life."

President Barack Obama also released a statement about Griffith: "A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere."

Here's a look at some celebrity tweets:

Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I'm forever gratefulRIP Andy

-- Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 3, 2012

RIP the forever in our memory Andy Griffith

-- Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 3, 2012

Rest in peace, Andy Griffith.

-- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) July 3, 2012

Sad to hear news of Andy Griffith's death. He was a terrific actor, a great comedian, an endearing person. He lived a long & fruitful life.

-- Larry King(@kingsthings) July 3, 2012

More than a face in the crowd: RIP Andy Griffith.

-- Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) July 3, 2012

RiP Andy Griffith!!! Sadness abounds!!!

-- octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 3, 2012

just found out the ANDY GRIFFITH passed away. an american treasure. if you can, give a little whistle for him today.

-- Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) July 3, 2012

Take a moment and whistle "The Andy Griffith Show" theme today - finger snap optional - RIP Andy Griffith

-- Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) July 3, 2012

we lost a legend...RIP Andy Griffith

-- Denise Richards (@DENISE_RICHARDS) July 3, 2012

staying positive and sharing joy ....Andy Griffith will always be remembered for bringing us all peace and wholesome entertainment

-- Andie MacDowell (@AndieMacDowell3) July 3, 2012

AndyGriffith passes, age 86. HUGE bucket of win life. Cane pole in hand, he's headed toward the Fishin' Hole of eternity... #WhistleForAndy

-- KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 3, 2012

RIP Andy Griffith.Sometimes I wish the world was as simple as it used to be in Mayberry.

-- Frank Caliendo (@FrankCaliendo) July 3, 2012

Heaven gained a talented man today. Mr. Andy Griffith, thanks for giving me amazing memories with my family growing up watching your show!

-- Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) July 3, 2012

Sad note Andy Griffith has passedaway see the movie , a face in the crowd you will know he wasn't just Mayberry. Condolences to his family

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) July 3, 2012

Andy Griffith entertained the world. He improved our lives, and I was so proud to work with him call him a friend. Love you Andy. Go rest.

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 3, 2012

Andy Griffith... Truly a GREAT actor. "A Face in the Crowd" Brilliant."the Andy Griffith Show" Genius.A true talent... RIP

— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) July 3, 2012

25 Photos

Andy Griffith: 1926-2012

[AZDarkblade]

I loved him in Mayberry RFD Andy Griffith show. My GOD that was the best, wholesome, hilarious show. Love the comments here, hat tips to a very good man passed from us. Hugs in the sky Andy....

[SUZAMBA]

His views, your views, it's called freedom and the fact that you still can.
Andy brought many hours of enjoyment to people over the years, may he rest in peace and find the perfect fishing hole!

[decdetdes]

[@ notreich, no, let's not politicize Mr. Griffith's passing. How crass of you to link him, on the day of his death, to a political cause.] RIP, Andy Griffith.

[notreich]

Let us remember for the 4th of July and Andy's passing that Andy Griffith was in favor of the Affordable Care Act and even made an ad stating just that and he even called it by its right name instead of "Obama-Care." We might also rememember that it was the Democrats who passed Medicare in the first place.