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Cindi Knight: Andy Griffith’s Wife Age, Career, Net Worth and Life After her Husband’s Death

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5 months ago

September 13, 2024

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Cindi Knight is a name that resonates with a blend of nostalgia and admiration for those who remember the late 20th-century era of television and film. While she started her career in the shadows of the bright lights of Hollywood, her life took a significant turn when she married one of America’s most beloved actors, Andy Griffith. This article dives deep into the life of Cindi Knight, from her early days as a budding actress to her role as a devoted wife and a figure who chose a life away from the public eye after her husband’s passing.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio

Detail	Information
Full Name	Cindi Knight
Date of Birth	May 2, 1953
Place of Birth	Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Profession	Former actress
Education	Attended Terry Parker High School, followed by local theater and dance classes
Parents	Muriel Knight (mother), Bobby Knight (father)
Marital Status	Widow (married to Andy Griffith from April 12, 1983, until his death in 2012)
Children	Stepmother to Dixie Griffith and Andy Griffith Jr. (both adopted by Andy Griffith)
Net Worth	Estimated at $60 million (largely inherited from her late husband, Andy Griffith)

Early Life and Background

Born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, Cindi Knight was the daughter of Muriel and Bobby Knight, both of whom were educators. Growing up in a household that valued education and the arts, she was naturally drawn to the creative fields. Knight attended Terry Parker High School, where she actively participated in local theater programs, laying the groundwork for her future pursuits in the entertainment industry.

Cindi Knight Parents

Muriel Knight

Muriel Knight, Cindi Knight’s mother, was a dedicated educator in the Duval County School System in North Carolina. Muriel’s career as a teacher influenced her daughter profoundly, instilling in Cindi a deep appreciation for the arts and education. Known for her nurturing demeanor, Muriel was not only a guide in the classroom but also a supportive presence at home. Her commitment to education and her community left a lasting impact on Cindi, who initially followed in her footsteps by pursuing a career in teaching before transitioning into acting.

Bobby Knight

Bobby Knight, Cindi’s father, also worked as an educator in the same school system as his wife, Muriel. His influence on Cindi extended beyond academics, as he supported her interests in theater and performance from a young age. Bobby’s role as an educator and a father highlighted the values of hard work and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. His guidance was pivotal in Cindi’s decision to explore her talents in acting and dance, which later defined her early career path before she met Andy Griffith.

Career Before Andy Griffith

Before her life became intertwined with that of Andy Griffith, Cindi Knight was carving out her own path in the world of entertainment. She briefly worked as a high school English teacher, much like her parents, at Wolfson High School in Jacksonville. However, her passion for acting led her to resign from teaching and move to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. During her transition, she supported herself by working as a substitute teacher while attending auditions. Knight’s acting career included roles in television shows like “Matt Houston” and the movie “Murder in Coweta County,” which ironically starred Andy Griffith himself.

Relationship with Andy Griffith

Cindi Knight

Cindi Knight’s relationship with Andy Griffith began serendipitously. They first crossed paths in 1978 at a volleyball game, but their relationship only blossomed into romance after working together on the set of “Murder in Coweta County.” The couple married on April 12, 1983, in a private ceremony. This union marked a new chapter in Knight’s life, as she gradually stepped away from the spotlight to focus more on her personal life and support her husband through his later health challenges.

Who Is Andy Griffith?

Cindi Knight

Andy Griffith was a prominent American actor, television producer, and singer, best known for his starring roles in the iconic television series “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock.” Born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Griffith carved a niche for himself with his distinctive Southern drawl and folksy, charismatic persona. Before his rise to fame on television, he was also noted for his dramatic role in the film “A Face in the Crowd.” Over his career, Griffith received numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His portrayal of Sheriff Andy Taylor and lawyer Ben Matlock made him a beloved figure in American homes, and his legacy in the entertainment industry remains profound and enduring.

Andy Griffith’s Second Wife

Andy Griffith’s second wife was Solica Casuto, a Greek actress whom he married in 1973. The couple’s marriage lasted until their divorce in 1981. Casuto, lesser known in the public eye compared to Griffith’s other relationships, shared a private life with him away from the media spotlight. Their marriage was part of Griffith’s life during a period when he was actively involved in various television and film projects, but little is publicly known about their time together or the reasons for their separation.

Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith’s Children?

Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith did not have any biological children together. Cindi became the stepmother to Andy Griffith’s two adopted children, Dixie Griffith and Andy Griffith Jr., whom he had adopted during his first marriage with Barbara Edwards. Cindi embraced her role as a stepmother, providing care and support to both children alongside Andy. This family dynamic continued until Andy’s passing in 2012.

Career Post-Marriage

Following her marriage to Griffith, Cindi Knight made the loving decision to retire from acting. Her last known role was in the film they co-starred in, “Murder in Coweta County.” Post-marriage, her life took on a new role as her husband’s caregiver and partner, highlighting her shift from public actress to private figure.

Andy Griffith’s Health and Passing

Andy Griffith’s health declined significantly in his later years. He underwent quadruple heart surgery in 2000 and a severe hip surgery in 2007 after a fall. Throughout these health battles, Cindi was a constant, supportive presence until his passing on July 3, 2012, at their home in Manteo, North Carolina.

Life After Andy Griffith

After Andy Griffith’s death, Cindi Knight chose to retreat from public life, maintaining her privacy and rarely making public appearances. This decision reflects her nature and her process of grieving and living beyond the shadow of her late husband’s celebrity.

Legacy and Net Worth

Cindi Knight inherited a significant portion of Andy Griffith’s estate, with an estimated net worth of $60 million. Despite her wealth, she remains a low-profile figure, focusing on maintaining the legacy of her late husband through charitable work and community involvement.

Conclusion

Cindi Knight’s journey from an actress to a devoted wife and then to a widow living out of the public eye is marked by her resilience and dedication. Her life story is a testament to the personal sacrifices often hidden behind the glamor of public figures. Through her actions, Cindi Knight exemplifies the enduring power of love and dedication, underscoring the profound personal dimensions that often accompany public lives.

FAQs About Cindi Knight

Who is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is best known as the third wife of the famous American actor Andy Griffith. She is a former actress who appeared in a few television shows and films before marrying Andy Griffith and retiring from the acting profession to focus on her personal life.

How did Cindi Knight meet Andy Griffith?
Cindi Knight met Andy Griffith on the set of the film “Murder in Coweta County” in the early 1980s. Their relationship blossomed from a professional acquaintance to a deep, personal connection, leading to their marriage in 1983.

Did Cindi Knight have any children with Andy Griffith?
No, Cindi Knight did not have biological children with Andy Griffith but was the stepmother to his two adopted children, Dixie Griffith and Andy Griffith Jr., from his previous marriage.

What was Cindi Knight’s profession before marrying Andy Griffith?
Before marrying Andy Griffith, Cindi Knight was an actress and had also worked as a high school English teacher. She appeared in several television roles and in the film “Murder in Coweta County” alongside Andy Griffith.

How has Cindi Knight managed her life after Andy Griffith’s death?
After Andy Griffith’s death in 2012, Cindi Knight has maintained a low profile, focusing on her private life away from the public eye. She has rarely made public appearances or statements, preferring to live a life of privacy.

What is Cindi Knight’s net worth?
Cindi Knight’s net worth is estimated to be substantial, primarily due to her inheritance from Andy Griffith’s estate. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, it is believed that her financial standing reflects the significant assets accumulated by Andy Griffith during his successful career in entertainment.

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