LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Television icon Andy Griffith is dead at the age of 86, CBS News reports.

Griffith died at his home in Manteo, North Carolina Tuesday morning. It is unknown how he died.

Griffith became famous for the “The Andy Griffith Show” which ran from 1960 to 1968 on CBS. He also starred in “Mayberry R.F.D.,” “Matlock” and several other television shows, including a guest appearance on “Dawson’s Creek.”

Director Ron Howard, who played “Opie Taylor” on “The Andy Griffith Show,” took to Twitter Tuesday to talk about his friend: “His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I’m forever grateful RIP Andy.”

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

For more on the story of Andy Griffith’s passing click here.