Andy Griffith -- TV Legend Rushed to Hospital

TV legend Andy Griffith was rushed to the hospital in North Carolina early this morning ... TMZ has learned.

The 86-year-old was transported by an emergency medical crew that was called to Griffith's home in Roanoke Island shortly after 7 AM.

The details surrounding the incident are unclear.

Griffith became famous for "The Andy Griffith Show" -- and went on to star in the long-running series, "Matlock." He often made guest appearances in other shows, including "Dawson's Creek."