Andy Griffith Biography: Obituary, Children, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Wife

Andy Samuel Griffith, famously known as Andy Griffith, was an American actor, comedian, television producer, singer, and writer whose career in music and television spanned seven decades.

Griffith, recognized for his Southern drawl, warm and folksy demeanor, and gruff yet friendly voice, earned Tony Award nominations for two roles.

He rose to fame with his leading performances in Elia Kazan’s films A Face in the Crowd (1957) and No Time for Sergeants (1958).

Profile

• Full Name: Andy Samuel Griffith
• Stage Name: Andy Griffith
• Born: 1, June 1926
• Date of death: July 3, 2012 (Aged: 86 years)
• Birthplace: North Carolina, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.83m
• Parent: Carl Lee Griffith and Geneva Griffith
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Barbara Griffith (m. 1949–1972), Solica Casuto (m. 1973–1981), and Cindi Knight (m. 1983–2012)
• Children: Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and Dixie Nann Griffith
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $60 million

Early Life And Education

Andy Samuel Griffith was born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, United States, to Carl Lee Griffith and Geneva Griffith. He was their only child.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a music scholarship, where he initially focused on music before developing a passion for acting. Of European descent, Griffith was ethnically American. While he came from a Christian background, his religious beliefs were not widely known.

Career

Andy Griffith’s career began in the early 1950s as a comedian. 1953, his comedic monologue “What It Was, Was Football” gained national attention.

The recording, released by Capitol Records, became a major success, selling over a million copies. Before transitioning into entertainment, Griffith spent three years as a high school music teacher.

His breakthrough in acting came with his Broadway debut in No Time for Sergeants (1955), which earned him a Tony nomination and marked the beginning of his professional partnership with Don Knotts, who later became a key figure in The Andy Griffith Show.

Griffith debuted in Elia Kazan’s A Face in the Crowd (1957), delivering a critically acclaimed performance showcasing his dramatic talent.

However, television solidified his status as a household name. In 1960, he starred as Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show, set in the fictional town of Mayberry.

The sitcom ran for eight seasons and became one of the most beloved shows in television history. Its memorable supporting cast included Ron Howard and Jim Nabors.

Griffith’s portrayal of the wise, kind-hearted sheriff left a lasting impact on American pop culture. The show remained popular in syndication for decades.

In the 1980s, Griffith found renewed success with the legal drama Matlock (1986–1995), where he played the sharp-witted, folksy attorney Ben Matlock. The role further cemented his reputation as a television icon.

Beyond acting, Griffith was also a passionate musician, mainly in gospel music, and was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999. He continued to work in film and television throughout his later years, leaving an enduring legacy as one of America’s most cherished entertainers before passing in 2012.

Social Media

Andy Griffith does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

Andy Griffith was married three times throughout his life. He first wed Barbara Bray Edwards on August 22, 1949, and their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1972. The following year, in 1973, he married Solica Cassuto.

Later, on April 12, 1983, he married Cindi Knight, with whom he remained until his passing in 2012. Griffith had two children, Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and Dixie Nann Griffith, whom he adopted with his first wife, Barbara Bray Edwards.

Filmography

• A Face in the Crowd (1957)
• No Time for Sergeants (1958)
• Onionhead (1958)
• The Second Time Around (1961)
• Angel in My Pocket (1969)
• Hearts of the West (1975)
• Rustlers’ Rhapsody (1985)
• Spy Hard (1996)
• Daddy and Them (2001)
• Waitress (2007)
• Christmas Is Here Again (2007) (voice)

Net Worth

Andy Griffith’s net Worth, at the time of his passing in 2012, was estimated at approximately $60 million. His fortune primarily stemmed from his iconic roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock and his ownership stake in The Andy Griffith Show, which contributed significantly to his financial success.