Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as the third wife of legendary actor and television star Andy Griffith. Born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, she appeared in television and film productions before marrying Griffith in 1983. Their marriage lasted almost 29 years, ending with Andy’s death in July 2012. Although her husband was one of America’s most recognizable television personalities, Cindi generally preferred a private lifestyle. Her acting career, relationship with Griffith, and life after his death continue to attract interest from fans of classic television. Readers can learn more about her husband’s achievements through Andy Griffith’s Wikipedia biography.
Quick Bio: Cindi Knight
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Cindi Knight |
| Also known as | Cindi Griffith |
| Date of birth | May 2, 1953 (commonly reported) |
| Age in 2026 | 73 years, if the reported date is correct |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former actress |
| Known for | Third wife of Andy Griffith |
| Husband | Andy Griffith (1983–2012) |
| Marriage date | April 12, 1983 |
| Marital status | Widowed |
| Children together | None publicly documented |
| Stepchildren | Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith |
| Notable credits | Murder in Coweta County, Matt Houston |
| Net worth | Not independently verified |
| Public profile | Mostly private |
Who Is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is a former actress whose name became widely recognized through her marriage to Andy Griffith.
Griffith was famous for playing Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show and attorney Ben Matlock in Matlock.
Cindi worked in entertainment during the early 1980s.
She appeared in television productions and developed professional connections within the acting industry.
Her relationship with Griffith began during this period.
After marrying him, she largely stepped away from public acting work.
She became an important part of his personal life during the later decades of his career.
Cindi Knight’s Early Life
Cindi Knight was born in Jacksonville, Florida, according to commonly published biographical accounts.
Her reported date of birth is May 2, 1953.
She grew up in the southeastern United States.
However, detailed information about her childhood is limited.
Many celebrity biography websites identify her parents as Bobby Knight and Muriel Knight.
These names appear repeatedly in secondary sources, but independent confirmation is limited.
How Old Is Cindi Knight in 2026?
Cindi is commonly reported to have been born on May 2, 1953.
If that date is accurate, she turned 73 in May 2026.
Where Was Cindi Knight Born?
She is commonly reported to have been born in Jacksonville, Florida.
Cindi Knight’s Education
Some online biographies state that Cindi attended local schools in Jacksonville.
Others suggest that she later developed an interest in theater and performance.
However, her exact schools, university attendance, and qualifications are not consistently documented in authoritative sources.
It is therefore more accurate to say that her formal educational background remains largely private.
Cindi Knight’s Early Career
Before marrying Andy Griffith, Cindi pursued acting.
Her documented credits include television productions from the early 1980s.
Although her screen career was relatively short, she worked in projects connected to established performers.
She appeared in Matt Houston and the television film Murder in Coweta County.
These credits are among the best-known parts of her professional history.
Was Cindi Knight a Professional Actress?
Yes.
Cindi received acting credits before marrying Andy Griffith.
However, she did not develop a long list of mainstream film and television roles.
Her professional career was much smaller than that of her husband.
Cindi Knight in Matt Houston
Cindi appeared in the television detective series Matt Houston.
The series aired on ABC from 1982 to 1985.
It starred Lee Horsley as a wealthy Texas businessman who worked as a private investigator.
The program combined crime investigations with action and drama.
Cindi’s appearance was part of her early acting career.
However, her role was not among the show’s principal characters.
Cindi Knight in Murder in Coweta County
One of Cindi’s best-known screen credits is the 1983 television film Murder in Coweta County.
The film starred Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash.
It was based on a true murder case in Georgia.
Griffith portrayed John Wallace, a wealthy and powerful landowner.
Johnny Cash played Sheriff Lamar Potts, who investigated the crime.
Cindi appeared in the production as Julia Turner.
The film became significant in her personal life because it connected her professionally with Andy Griffith.
Did Cindi Knight Meet Andy Griffith During Filming?
Yes.
Their relationship developed after they met while working on Murder in Coweta County.
At the time, Andy was already a well-established television star.
Cindi was a younger actress pursuing her career.
Their professional connection eventually became a romantic relationship.
Who Was Andy Griffith?
Andy Griffith was born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
He became one of America’s most beloved television actors.
His career included comedy, drama, music, and film.
He first gained major attention through his comedy performances and the film A Face in the Crowd.
His greatest television success came with The Andy Griffith Show, which premiered in 1960.
The series portrayed life in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
Griffith played Sheriff Andy Taylor, a calm and thoughtful father who solved problems through patience and common sense.
He later starred in Matlock, a successful legal drama.
Andy Griffith’s Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1926 | Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina |
| 1955 | Starred in No Time for Sergeants on Broadway |
| 1957 | Appeared in A Face in the Crowd |
| 1960 | The Andy Griffith Show premiered |
| 1968 | The Andy Griffith Show ended |
| 1983 | Married Cindi Knight |
| 1986 | Began starring in Matlock |
| 1996 | Matlock concluded |
| 2005 | Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| 2012 | Died at age 86 |
Griffith’s performances remain popular through television reruns and streaming services.
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith’s Marriage
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith married on April 12, 1983.
Their wedding took place during a period when Andy was rebuilding his television career after earlier successes.
The marriage was Andy’s third.
Their relationship lasted until his death in 2012.
Unlike many Hollywood couples who regularly appeared in celebrity media, Cindi and Andy generally maintained a quieter public life.
They spent significant time in North Carolina, where Andy had deep personal connections.
How Long Were Cindi and Andy Married?
They married in April 1983.
Andy died on July 3, 2012.
Their marriage lasted approximately 29 years and three months.
Was Cindi Knight Andy Griffith’s First Wife?
No.
Cindi was Andy Griffith’s third wife.
His first wife was Barbara Bray Edwards.
His second wife was Solica Cassuto.
Cindi became his third and final wife.
Andy Griffith’s Previous Marriages
Before marrying Cindi Knight, Andy Griffith had been married twice.
His first wife was Barbara Bray Edwards, whom he married in 1949. Their marriage lasted until 1972.
His second wife was Solica Cassuto, a Greek actress. They married in 1973 and divorced in 1981.
Cindi became his third wife in 1983.
| Wife | Marriage period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Bray Edwards | 1949–1972 | First wife and mother of his two adopted children |
| Solica Cassuto | 1973–1981 | Second wife, a Greek actress |
| Cindi Knight | 1983–2012 | Third wife, married until his death |
Cindi’s marriage to Andy was the longest of his three marriages.
Did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith Have Children?
Cindi and Andy did not have any publicly documented biological children together.
However, Andy had two adopted children from his first marriage to Barbara Bray Edwards.
Their names were Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
Cindi became their stepmother when she married Andy in 1983.
Who Was Andy Griffith Jr.?
Andy Griffith Jr., also known as Sam Griffith, was Andy’s adopted son.
He experienced personal difficulties during his adult life.
He died in 1996 at age 38.
His death was a painful event in the Griffith family’s history.
Who Is Dixie Griffith?
Dixie Griffith is Andy’s adopted daughter.
She has generally maintained a private lifestyle rather than pursuing a major Hollywood career.
She has occasionally spoken publicly about her father and his legacy.
Cindi became part of Dixie’s extended family through her marriage to Andy.
Cindi Knight’s Role During Andy Griffith’s Later Career
Cindi married Andy shortly before he returned to major television success with Matlock.
The series premiered in 1986.
Andy played Ben Matlock, a clever defense attorney known for solving difficult criminal cases.
The show became popular with audiences and continued until 1995.
During this period, Cindi remained largely outside entertainment publicity.
Although she was married to a major television star, she did not become a regular performer on Matlock.
Her public identity was increasingly connected to her family life rather than her earlier acting career.
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith’s Health Challenges
Andy experienced several health problems during his later life.
In 1983, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological condition that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
He underwent treatment and eventually recovered sufficiently to return to acting.
His diagnosis came during the same year that he married Cindi.
In later years, Andy also underwent heart-related medical treatment.
He had quadruple bypass surgery in 2000.
Cindi was his wife throughout these health challenges.
However, the precise details of her caregiving responsibilities are private and should not be presented as established facts without direct confirmation.
Cindi Knight’s Life in North Carolina
Andy Griffith maintained a strong connection to North Carolina throughout his life.
He was born in Mount Airy and later owned property on Roanoke Island, near Manteo.
The coastal area offered greater privacy than major entertainment centers such as Los Angeles.
Andy spent considerable time there during his later years.
Cindi shared this period of his life.
The couple’s quieter lifestyle reflected Andy’s longstanding attachment to his home state.
Where Did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith Live?
They were associated with Andy’s estate on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.
However, Cindi’s precise current residence in 2026 is not independently confirmed.
Andy Griffith’s Death in 2012
Andy Griffith died on July 3, 2012, at age 86.
He died at his home on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.
His death certificate identified a heart attack as the immediate cause, with other medical conditions contributing.
The news received widespread coverage because of his importance to American television.
For decades, Andy had entertained audiences through The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock, and numerous other performances.
His death also marked the end of his nearly 29-year marriage to Cindi.
How Old Was Cindi Knight When Andy Griffith Died?
If her commonly reported birth date of May 2, 1953, is correct, Cindi was 59 years old when Andy died in July 2012.
What Happened to Cindi Knight After Andy Griffith’s Death?
After Andy’s death, Cindi largely remained outside public entertainment coverage.
She did not launch a major acting comeback or establish a highly visible celebrity career.
Some online biographies discuss her connection to Andy’s estate, but reliable details about her personal finances and property ownership are limited.
She has generally maintained her privacy.
Her absence from frequent public appearances does not establish anything unusual about her personal circumstances.
Cindi Knight’s Net Worth in 2026
Cindi Knight’s individual net worth has not been independently verified.
Andy Griffith enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades.
His earnings came from television, film, music, and other professional activities.
However, his wealth should not automatically be treated as Cindi’s personal net worth.
The complete financial terms of his estate and any inheritance received by Cindi are not sufficiently documented to establish a reliable figure.
Therefore, specific online net-worth estimates should be treated cautiously.
Is Cindi Knight Still Alive in 2026?
There is no widely verified public announcement establishing that Cindi Knight has died.
She is generally described as living a private life following Andy Griffith’s death.
However, recent independently confirmed information about her activities is limited.
Cindi Knight’s Life Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Commonly reported birth year |
| Early 1980s | Pursued acting work |
| 1982 | Appeared in Matt Houston |
| 1983 | Appeared in Murder in Coweta County |
| April 12, 1983 | Married Andy Griffith |
| 1986 | Andy began starring in Matlock |
| 1996 | Andy’s adopted son Sam died |
| 2000 | Andy underwent heart bypass surgery |
| July 3, 2012 | Andy Griffith died |
| 2026 | Maintains a largely private public profile |
Interesting Facts About Cindi Knight
-
She is commonly reported to have been born in Jacksonville, Florida.
-
She pursued acting before marrying Andy Griffith.
-
She appeared in the television series Matt Houston.
-
She worked on the film Murder in Coweta County.
-
She met Andy Griffith through their professional connection.
-
She married Andy on April 12, 1983.
-
She was Andy Griffith’s third wife.
-
Their marriage lasted almost 29 years.
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She was married to Andy during his successful Matlock years.
-
She became stepmother to Andy’s adopted children.
-
She shared Andy’s connection to North Carolina.
-
She has maintained a private lifestyle since his death.
Common Misconceptions About Cindi Knight
| Common claim | More accurate information |
|---|---|
| Cindi was Andy Griffith’s first wife | She was his third wife |
| Cindi never worked as an actress | She had acting credits in the early 1980s |
| She starred in The Andy Griffith Show | She was not part of its original cast |
| Cindi and Andy had biological children together | No children together are publicly documented |
| They divorced before Andy died | They remained married until his death |
| Andy Griffith died in 2013 | He died on July 3, 2012 |
| Cindi’s current net worth is confirmed | No independently verified figure is available |
| Cindi is still a regular Hollywood actress | No recent major acting career is documented |
Why Cindi Knight’s Story Matters
Cindi Knight’s life is connected to one of the most recognizable figures in American television history.
She met Andy Griffith during her acting career and married him in 1983.
Their relationship continued through his return to television success, significant health challenges, and retirement years.
Although Cindi did not become as famous as her husband, her story provides a personal perspective on the later decades of his life.
She also represents someone who experienced Hollywood connections without making celebrity attention the center of her identity.
Final Thoughts
Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as the third and final wife of Andy Griffith.
She appeared in television productions during the early 1980s and met Griffith through the film Murder in Coweta County.
They married in April 1983 and remained together until Andy’s death in July 2012.
Their marriage lasted nearly 29 years.
Following his death, Cindi largely withdrew from public attention.
Her biography remains closely connected to classic American television and the personal history of one of its most beloved stars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cindi Knight
1. Who is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as Andy Griffith’s third wife.
2. How old is Cindi Knight in 2026?
She is commonly reported to have been born on May 2, 1953, which would make her 73 in 2026.
3. When was Cindi Knight born?
Her commonly reported birth date is May 2, 1953.
4. Where was Cindi Knight born?
She is commonly reported to have been born in Jacksonville, Florida.
5. What is Cindi Knight’s nationality?
She is American.
6. Was Cindi Knight an actress?
Yes. She appeared in television productions during the early 1980s.
7. What movies did Cindi Knight appear in?
Her best-known screen credit is the television film Murder in Coweta County.
8. Did Cindi Knight appear in Matt Houston?
Yes. She had an acting credit in the television series.
9. How did Cindi Knight meet Andy Griffith?
They met through their work on Murder in Coweta County.
10. When did Cindi Knight marry Andy Griffith?
They married on April 12, 1983.
11. Was Cindi Knight Andy Griffith’s first wife?
No. She was his third wife.
12. How long were Cindi and Andy married?
They were married for nearly 29 years.
13. Did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith divorce?
No. Their marriage ended when Andy died in 2012.
14. Did Cindi Knight have children with Andy Griffith?
No biological children together are publicly documented.
15. Who were Andy Griffith’s children?
His adopted children were Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
16. What happened to Andy Griffith’s son?
Andy Griffith Jr., also known as Sam, died in 1996 at age 38.
17. When did Andy Griffith die?
He died on July 3, 2012.
18. How old was Andy Griffith when he died?
He was 86 years old.
19. What caused Andy Griffith’s death?
His death certificate identified a heart attack as the immediate cause, with contributing medical conditions.
20. Did Cindi Knight appear in The Andy Griffith Show?
No. She was not part of the original television series.
21. Did Cindi Knight appear in Matlock?
She is not widely documented as a regular cast member of Matlock.
22. Did Cindi Knight remarry after Andy Griffith died?
There is no reliable public confirmation that she remarried.
23. What is Cindi Knight’s net worth?
Her individual net worth has not been independently verified.
24. Where does Cindi Knight live now?
Her precise current residence is not publicly confirmed.
25. Why is Cindi Knight famous?
She is known for her early acting work and her long marriage to Andy Griffith.
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