Reaction on Twitter and elsewhere to the death of Andy Griffith on Tuesday:

‘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.’

President Barack Obama

‘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, country singer, @BradPaisley

‘With the passing of Andy Griffith, heaven just became a little more neighborly.’

Paul Begala, political

commentator, @PaulBegala

‘Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I’m forever grateful RIP Andy.’

Ron Howard, ‘Opie’ on ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ @RealRonHoward

‘North Carolina has lost its favorite son. Andy Griffith graciously stepped into the living rooms of generations of Americans, always with the playful charm that made him the standard by which entertainers would be measured for decades.’

Gov. Bev Perdue

‘Sing with angels Andy. U brought a lot of pride 2 our home state & a lot of joy 2 America. Headed home, cuz Mayberry was a lot like Heaven.’

Clay Aiken, singer, @clayaiken

‘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, TV host,

@kingsthings

‘Everyone pour out some of your big orange drink for Andy Griffith.’

Patton Oswalt, comedian,

@pattonoswalt

‘By making “Mayberry” famous, he put North Carolina — his home state — on the map.’

Sen. Kay Hagan

‘RIP Andy Griffith. We lost a legend today that provided me and my family some great quality time around the tv filled with some good laughs’

Scotty McCreery, singer,

@ScottyMcCreery

‘What made the Andy Griffith Show the best ever is that the characters and the emotions were simple and real. Funny + timeless + true.’

Rick Reilly, sportswriter,

@ReillyRick

‘Take a moment and whistle ‘”The Andy Griffith Show”’ theme today – finger snap optional – RIP Andy Griffith.’

Ralph Macchio, actor,

@ralphmacchio

‘Another huge loss to the acting community. RIP Andy Griffith’

Faye Dunaway, actress,

@RealFayDunaway