SEINFELD Reveals 'Secret Tribute' to Andy Griffith in Every Episode

Jerry Seinfeld has revealed on his Twitter account that he included a tribute to his idol, the late Andy Griffith, in every episode of NBC's long-running sitcom SEINFELD. 

The Emmy-winning comedian posted on Twitter Tuesday night that  “the reason every ‘Seinfeld’ character [is] greeted with ‘Hey, (name)’ ” was to pay homage to Griffith, whose 1960s hit series the “Andy Griffith Show” featured the signature line “Hey, Andy.”

Griffith died Tuesday at age 86  at his home in Manteo, NC. He was best known for his long-running role on "The Andy Griffith" show, which was set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. His portrayal of law enforcer Andy Taylor earned him the title of 'America's Favorite Sheriff.' The show ran from 1960 - 68. He later appeared on "Mayberry R.F.D.," as well as the long-running series "Matlock." He also made numerous guest appearances on "Dawsen's Creek."

Griffith starred in the Broadway musical, Destry Rides Again, and is featured on the show's original Broadway cast recording. He played Tom Destry, a character created for the screen by Jimmy Stewart. He starred opposite Dolores Gray as saloon girl Frenchy. He returned to Broadway in 1955's No Time for Sergeants, which earned him a Tony nomination. He later appeared in the show's film adaptation.

Griffith was also a Grammy award-winning southern gospel singer. In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush.

Photo credit: Walter McBride