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While the iconic character of Ben Matlock, portrayed by Andy Griffith, is known for relishing a good hot dog, the actor himself had slightly varied culinary preferences during the shooting of “Matlock.” In fact, Griffith’s favorite indulgence — or rather the sudden deficiency of it — occasionally prompted him to channel his character’s more irritable traits.
As per Daniel de Visé’s biographical account of Griffith and his “The Andy Griffith Show” co-star Don Knotts, titled “Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show,” Griffith had a particular fondness for peanut butter during his “Matlock” days. However, de Visé’s book also uncovers how this delectable spread could turn into a significant stress trigger. Griffith enjoyed nibbling on peanut butter and apples during breaks, and the crew ensured he was always supplied with his preferred snack. But Dean Hargrove, the producer of “Matlock,” revealed to de Visé that Griffith would often get irked when individuals who were not part of the crew would help themselves to his cherished snack:
“Andy would get distressed sometimes because people who were not part of the crew would come on and eat the peanut butter and the apples. Andy was a hawk-eye on it, too.”
Griffith’s annoyance towards those who stole his favorite snacks is not difficult to comprehend. After all, anyone would be perturbed by lunch theft, particularly when you’re the star of a renowned TV series.
Behind-the-Scenes Vocalizations of Andy Griffith on Matlock
NBC
“Matlock” has cemented its place as a remarkable show in the annals of television. Andy Griffith’s quirky defense attorney has become a cultural icon, inspiring various characters, including the alien chicken lawyer Matcluck from “Futurama” (voiced by Maurice LaMarche). Over the years, Ben Matlock has remained relevant, leading to a reboot of “Matlock” on CBS in 2024, with Kathy Bates taking on the titular role.
Ben Matlock’s endearing folksy charm and his eccentricities have been instrumental in setting him apart from the stereotypical slick lawyers we often see on-screen. However, Griffith’s contributions weren’t limited to his on-screen persona. Some of his suggestions for “Matlock” mirrored his grievances over stolen peanut butter, and could have potentially altered the show’s trajectory.
Griffith had numerous radical ideas for “Matlock,” leading to disputes behind the scenes. He often proposed to series creator Dean Hargrove that his largely genial character should have a more troubled side. Griffith’s suggestions included plots that painted Matlock with a violent streak and highlighted the lawyer’s alcohol usage. However, Hargrove consistently dismissed these ideas, leaving Griffith to grapple with both the theft of his on-set snacks and his unfulfilled desire to explore Matlock’s dark side. Who said leading a popular show was a breeze?
FAQs:
Q: What was Andy Griffith’s favorite snack on the set of “Matlock”?
A: Andy Griffith enjoyed snacking on peanut butter and apples during his breaks on the set of “Matlock.”
Q: How did Andy Griffith express his frustration with people who ate his snacks on the set?
A: According to “Matlock” producer Dean Hargrove, Griffith would get distressed and vocal when people who weren’t part of the crew helped themselves to his peanut butter and apples.
Q: What were some of Andy Griffith’s ideas for the show “Matlock” that weren’t accepted?
A: Griffith proposed several radical ideas for “Matlock,” including giving his character a violent streak and highlighting his alcohol usage. However, these ideas were dismissed by series creator Dean Hargrove.
Q: What was the impact of Andy Griffith’s vocal expressions behind the scenes on the show’s development?
A: While Griffith’s vocal expressions behind the scenes didn’t lead to the acceptance of his radical ideas for the show, they shed light on his commitment to his character and his desire to explore deeper, darker themes within the series.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
