Richard “Dick” O. Linke served as the personal manager of Andy Griffith for 37 years and as the associate producer of “The Andy Griffith Show” for all 249 of its episodes. Dick also guided the careers of Jim Nabors, Ken Berry, Maggie Peterson and others. After graduating from Ohio University in 1941 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Dick began his career in New York with the Associated Press as a file clerk and then managed the publicity of 40 radio stations as part of the Earle Ferris & Company public relations firm. From there, Dick joined Newell-Emmett Company and handled television show accounts. Soon he was working for a then-fledging Capitol Records as their New York contact. In 1950, Dick started Richard O. Linke Publicity, but was hired back to Captiol Records a year later as national promotion manager. It was there that Dick teamed up with Andy Griffith in 1954.

Dick managed Andy's career through early comedy records, appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” small television roles, Broadway productions and a few feature films while also working for Columbia Records. In 1957, Dick formed Richard O. Linke and Associates, and left Columbia to manage Andy Griffith's career full-time.

After more feature films, “The Andy Griffith Show” was born and prospered for eight years. “Matlock” followed. Known for cultivating a diversity of skills among his clients, Dick was a well-known manager who helped many find success on both television and the silver screen.

In 1991, Dick returned to Ohio University to teach journalism for five years. During this time, he also served as a trustee on the University's Foundation Board and established the Richard O. Linke Scholarship in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

Dick now resides in Hawaii with his wife Bettina. Dick has five children and several grandchildren.