Cindi Knight is best known as the devoted wife of legendary actor Andy Griffith. However, her life story extends far beyond her marriage. From her beginnings in Jacksonville, Florida, to her quiet life following Griffith’s death, Knight’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and love. Here’s a look at her life, her marriage to Andy Griffith, and her life afterward.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cindi Knight |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1953 |
| Age | 71 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | Around 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Spouse | Andy Griffith (m. 1983–2012) |
| Children | None (stepmother to Griffith’s two children) |
| Education | Jacksonville University |
| Profession | Former actress, former teacher |
| Notable Works | Matt Houston, Murder in Coweta County |
| Net Worth | Estimated $16-$30 million |
| Current Status | Lives privately in North Carolina |
Early Life and Background
Born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, Cindi Knight grew up in a close-knit family. Her parents, Muriel and Bobby Knight, were dedicated educators in Duval County, Florida. Knight attended Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville before pursuing her college education at Jacksonville University. Her background in education eventually led her to a teaching career at Wolfson High School, where she worked as an English teacher.
Before meeting Griffith, Cindi’s passion for the arts had taken her in a new direction: she started taking acting and dancing lessons, leading her to work in local theater and a few television appearances. Her teaching career was on hold as she pursued her passion for the stage.
Career in Acting
Knight’s first steps into acting were relatively modest but marked a shift from her teaching role. In the early 1980s, she appeared in minor roles, including parts on shows like Matt Houston and Murder in Coweta County. Her role in Murder in Coweta County was especially significant because it introduced her to Andy Griffith, who starred in the film.
The connection between Griffith and Knight was immediate. Despite the age gap (Griffith was nearly 30 years older than Knight), their shared love for acting and storytelling helped them bond. Their relationship gradually transformed into a deep friendship and later blossomed into romance.
Marriage to Andy Griffith
In April 1983, Cindi Knight married Andy Griffith on his estate in North Carolina. It was Griffith’s third marriage and for Cindi, her first. At the time of their marriage, Griffith was already an established television icon known for The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. The couple’s relationship, though private, became one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting, enduring nearly 30 years.
Cindi’s role as Griffith’s partner took on a deeper meaning shortly after their marriage. Only a month into their union, Griffith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that left him temporarily paralyzed from the knees down. The illness required intense care, but Cindi was steadfast, choosing to support her husband as he worked to recover. This experience marked the beginning of a pattern in their marriage: Cindi consistently stood by Griffith during his numerous health challenges, including a heart attack in 2000 that required quadruple bypass surgery. Griffith often credited Cindi as being a steady presence and a source of strength in his life.
During this time, Knight put her acting career on hold. Griffith’s health challenges required full-time support, and Cindi was there for him through every hardship. This dedication didn’t go unnoticed by those around them, and Griffith often spoke publicly about the immense joy and stability she brought into his life.
Life After Andy Griffith
On July 3, 2012, Andy Griffith passed away at the age of 86, leaving Cindi a widow. Griffith’s sudden passing was both a personal loss and the end of a significant era in her life. The couple had chosen to live a quiet, private life in North Carolina, away from Hollywood’s limelight. Even after his death, Cindi continued this approach, opting to stay out of the public eye and preserve the memory of their time together.
After Griffith’s death, Cindi inherited a substantial portion of his estate. While the exact value varies between sources, it’s believed that her net worth today is between $16 million and $30 million. Cindi reportedly chose to demolish Griffith’s historic estate and house, an act that sparked some controversy among Griffith’s fans. Though Griffith had considered turning the estate into a museum, Cindi ultimately decided against it, possibly in keeping with her desire for privacy.
Net Worth and Current Life
Cindi’s wealth, much of which came from her inheritance of Griffith’s estate, is estimated to be around $20 million. Since Griffith’s passing, she has chosen to keep a low profile, rarely appearing in the public sphere. Living quietly in North Carolina, she has avoided interviews and public appearances, choosing instead to cherish the life she shared with Griffith privately.
Although she has not remarried, Cindi remains a beloved figure among Griffith’s fans, admired for the dedication and care she provided during their marriage. Her current life is centered around preserving Griffith’s legacy discreetly and staying connected to the memories of their time together.
FAQs
Who is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is the third wife of legendary actor Andy Griffith, best known for her role as his devoted caregiver and partner during his health challenges. She was also an actress and English teacher before her marriage to Griffith.
How did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith meet?
They met while working on the film Murder in Coweta County in the early 1980s. Their shared passion for acting helped them form a close bond, which eventually led to marriage.
Did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith have children?
No, Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith did not have children together. However, Cindi was the stepmother to Griffith’s two children, whom he adopted during his first marriage.
What is Cindi Knight’s net worth?
Cindi Knight’s net worth is estimated to be between $16 million and $30 million, mainly inherited from Andy Griffith’s estate.
Where is Cindi Knight today?
Cindi Knight lives a quiet, private life in North Carolina, away from the public eye. She has chosen not to remarry and continues to honor Griffith’s memory in her way.
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