What Was Andy Griffith's Net Worth?
Andy Griffith was an iconic American actor, comedian, television producer, and singer who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of his death. Andy Griffith rose to prominence in the 1950s with his monologue "What It Was, Was Football" and his starring role in the film "A Face in the Crowd" (1957).
Griffith's most famous role came as Sheriff Andy Taylor in "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-1968), a beloved sitcom set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The show's wholesome humor and Griffith's folksy charm made it a cultural touchstone of 1960s America. After the show ended, Griffith appeared in various TV movies and series. He found renewed success with the legal drama "Matlock" (1986-1995), playing the title character, a shrewd Southern attorney.
Throughout his career, Griffith also pursued music, releasing several albums of country and gospel songs. He won a Grammy Award in 1997 for his album "I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns." Griffith was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 for his contributions to entertainment. He was married three times and had two children. Andy Griffith passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most beloved television personalities.
Early Life
Andy Samuel Griffith was born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina. His parents were Carl Lee Griffith and Geneva Griffith. As a child, Griffith was taken in by his relatives until his parents had the means to buy a house. Coming from a family with considerably less means than many at the time, Griffith would often sleep in dresser drawers. Despite his humble beginnings, Griffith grew up with a deep appreciation for music that would carry on throughout his life and culminate in a fruitful career in music as well as film and television.
Griffith attended Mount Airy High School, where he cultivated an interest in the dramatic arts early on — he participated in the school's drama program. Early on in his acting efforts, Griffith earned a role in "The Lost Colony" by Paul Green, a play about Roanoke Island that is still popular and even performed today. Griffith played a variety of characters until landing a benchmark role as Sir Walter Raleigh — the man whom North Carolina's capital was named after.
Griffith found his place within his community as a pre-divinity student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1944). While attending college, Griffith was involved in drama and musical theater, graduating in 1949 with a music degree. After this, Griffith would go on to teach high school music for three years before he made the decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
(Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Film and Television Career
After making a name for himself as a monologist, Griffith starred in Ira Levin's one-hour teleplay "No Time for Sergeants," a role that was expanded in Ira Levin's full-length theatrical version on Broadway. This role earned Griffith a 1956 Tony Award nomination for "Distinguished Supporting or Featured Dramatic Actor" — which he ended up losing to Ed Begley.
Griffith would later reprise an old role for the film version of "No Time for Sergeants" (1958), a film that also starred Don Knotts. It would be the start of a lifelong collaboration.
As an actor, Griffith would gain further recognition for his role in the 1957 critically-acclaimed film "A Face in the Crowd," and, later, his work on the situation comedy "The Andy Griffith Show," in which he starred as Sheriff Andy Taylor alongside a young Ron Howard. For a lion's share of the '70s, Griffith would be cast in roles for TV films, which included "Go Ask Alice," "The Strangers in 7A," "Winter Kill," and what would be his very first role as a villain in "Pray for the Wildcats."
Griffith famously left "The Andy Griffith Show" in 1968 while the show was still wildly popular. Griffith would go on to start his own production company, Andy Griffith Enterprises, in 1972. However, Griffith's initial alternative TV offerings were considerably less successful shows like "Headmaster," "The New Andy Griffith Show," and "The Yeagers."
Mayberry R.F.D. 1969 (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Griffith also co-starred with famous names like Jeff Bridges in the feature-length comedy "Hearts of the West" and appeared alongside Tom Berenger in the Western comedy spoof "Rustlers' Rhapsody."
After an unexpected condition that resulted in temporary leg paralysis, Griffith would make a triumphant return to the small screen in "Matlock" as the titular character, Ben Matlock. "Matlock" ran successfully from 1986 to 1995 — on both NBC and ABC. On "Matlock," Griffith played a country lawyer who worked in Atlanta, Georgia, a character made popular for his Southern drawl and flawless case record. By the end of its initial season, "Matlock" was already a ratings hit airing on the Tuesday night timeslot. Griffith won a People's Choice Award in 1987 for his enduring work and acting chops on the series.
Later, Griffith would appear in the feature film "Waitress" alongside Keri Russell. His last appearance in a leading role would be in the romantic comedy "Play the Game".
(MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Political Life
Griffith had an opportunity to run against Jesse Helms for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, but he declined the offer. In October 2008, Griffith rejoined Ron Howard in an endorsement for Barack Obama's presidential campaign for Funny Or Die.
Griffith was known for favoring Democratic candidates and would use his talents in television commercials that endorsed North Carolina Governors like Mike Easley and Bev Perdue. Griffith spoke at the inauguration ceremonies for both individuals.
Griffith also lent his star power to help with advertisements about Medicare in 2010.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Personal Life
Andy Griffith married Barbara Bray Edwards on August 22, 1949. They would go on to adopt two children: a son named Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and a daughter named Dixie Nann Griffith. The two would divorce in 1972. Griffith's second wife was Solica Cassuto, a Greek actress, and they were married from 1973 to 1981. Griffith married a third time to Cindi Knight on April 12, 1983 — the two met and fell in love when Griffith was filming "Murder in Coweta County."
Griffith passed away on July 3, 2012 from a heart attack. He was 86 years old. Griffith would remain in Manteo, Roanoke Island, North Carolina, until his final days. Griffith was buried in his family cemetery on Roanoke Island.
