The Matlock cast graced television screens from 1986 to 1995. This iconic courtroom drama captured audiences in large part because of its stellar ensemble cast, including its star —Andy Griffith. Griffith, who played the role of Benjamin Matlock, a defense attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, used his folksy demeanor, sharp mind, and unorthodox courtroom tactics for every case he tried.
The plot line each week was warm and familiar, like a cozy blanket. Matlock was hired to defend a client who was accused of murder. He would then investigate the case, uncover new evidence, and, through careful sleuthing, find the real culprit. The show combined elements of legal drama, mystery, and courtroom procedures. And, of course, justice always prevailed in the end.
Audiences loved Matlock’s brilliant and charismatic way of outsmarting the prosecution by using unconventional methods, to ultimately secure acquittals for his clients. It was a guessing game until the final scene.
Surprising Matlock Facts
Dick Van Dyke guest-starred as a sinister trial judge in the pilot episode of Matlock. Of course, there were other famous guest appearances over the years, including Betty White, Jason Bateman, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, and even Alf from the Alien puppet sitcom. Don Knotts, from the Andy Griffith Show, had a recurring role for 12 episodes.
While Matlock was a hit when it came out, after six seasons, it was losing steam. The new NBC entertainment president, Warren Littlefield, was looking to back away from series that skewed to older audiences.
In addition to In the Heat of the Night, he canned Matlock. Griffith and producers felt there was still something to the series and managed to convince executives at ABC, telling them the show could move filming to North Carolina and save money on production. It worked. The show ran three more seasons before going off the air for good in 1995.
The Matlock cast
Let’s look back at the Matlock cast and see where the actors and actresses are now.
Andy Griffith as Benjamin Matlock
The cornerstone of Matlock was star Andy Griffith who brought Benjamin Matlock to life with his Southern charm and legal expertise. Griffith was a household name before becoming part of the Matlock cast, thanks to his role in The Andy Griffith Show.
Not many people realize that Griffith was an accomplished musician and recorded several albums of gospel and country music. After seeing the trombonist Jack Teagarden in the 1941 film Birth of the Blues, he bought a trombone from Sears, Roebuck & Compan and took lessons from a local pastor.
That pastor later recommended him to the University of North Carolina, where he won a music degree. Griffith also took up singing and hoped to one day become a professional opera singer, before he caught the acting bug. He starred in Broadway’s No Time for Sergeants and in the film A Face in the Crowd.
After Matlock, Griffith had guest appearances in several shows including Dawson’s Creek and The Simpsons. He also appeared in several movies including Play the Game. He was still going strong in 1996 when he recorded a gospel album, I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns, which won a Grammy.
Griffith passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.
Did you know? Griffith suffered from Guillian-Barré Syndrome — which is temporary paralysis of the lower legs — so he had to wear knee braces during his long courtroom scenes. He never complained or asked to do the scenes sitting.
It’s not surprising if you can’t imagine anyone else playing the title character Matlock — the role was written exclusively with Andy Griffith in mind.
Julie Sommars as Julie March
From 1987-1994 Julie Sommars played Griffith’s love interest Assistant District Attorney, Julie March. She was a hit on the show and received two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role.
Before joining the Matlock cast, Sommars starred in the comedy series, The Governor and J.J. In that role, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy (she tied with Carol Burnett) in 1970. Her other work included roles in Disney’s Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo and television shows including Barnaby Jones and Magnum P.I. The ‘70s saw Sommars starring in a variety of made-for-TV movies including The Harness, Five Desperate Women, Cave-In, and Centennial.
