Cindi Knight is best known as the loving wife of famous actor Andy Griffith. She was not just his partner but also his biggest support. While Andy became a big star on TV, Cindi quietly stayed by his side — through the good days and the hard ones. This is the story of who Cindi Knight really is and the beautiful, private life she lived with Andy.
Cindi Knight Griffith Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cindi Knight Griffith |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1953 |
| Age (2025) | 72 years old |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Terry Parker High School, Jacksonville University |
| Past Profession | English Teacher, Actress, Dancer |
| Known For | Wife of actor Andy Griffith |
| Marriage Duration | 29 years (1983–2012) |
| Children | None (Stepmother to Andy Jr. & Dixie) |
| Current Status | Widowed, private life |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Over $45 million |
| Current Residence | Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, California, USA |
Who Is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is best known as the wife of beloved actor Andy Griffith, but she is much more than that.
She is a former teacher, a trained dancer, and a one-time TV actress who gave up her dreams to care for her husband during his long illness.
Born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, Cindi grew up in a simple home with loving parents who were both educators. She later became a teacher herself before moving to Los Angeles to chase a career in acting. She met Andy Griffith in 1978, and after years of friendship, they married in 1983.
Their love story lasted nearly three decades, and she stayed by his side until his passing in 2012. Cindi has kept a low profile ever since, but her story continues to inspire fans around the world.
Early Life and Family
Cindi Knight was born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Her parents, Bobby and Muriel Knight, were both teachers in the Duval County school system. Her father worked in schools for 31 years and later became an area superintendent. Cindi grew up in a quiet neighborhood called Arlington, and she had a simple childhood.
She went to Terry Parker High School, and after that, she joined Jacksonville University. Like her parents, Cindi also became a teacher. She worked as an English teacher at Wolfson High School, right there in her hometown. But deep inside, she also loved acting and dancing — and that dream never left her.
Cindi Knight Griffith Profile Summary
From Teaching to Acting
Cindi’s life took a turn when she followed her passion for acting. She had some training in dance, which helped her get roles in local theater shows. One of those shows was The Lost Colony, a historic outdoor play in Manteo, North Carolina.
In the late 1970s, she performed in that play and started to explore more acting chances. Then in 1980, Cindi made a big move — she left Florida and went to Los Angeles to chase her acting dream. She worked as a substitute teacher during the day and went to auditions whenever she could.
In 1982, she landed her first TV role in the show Matt Houston, where she played a secretary. The next year, in 1983, she appeared in a TV movie called Murder in Coweta County, acting alongside Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash. That film would change her life in more ways than one.
Meeting Andy Griffith
Cindi Knight met Andy Griffith for the first time in 1978. It happened during a volleyball game organized by the cast of The Lost Colony. Andy had also been a part of that play many years earlier, and he had a summer home nearby. Even though there was a big age gap — 27 years — they became friends right away.
Andy helped Cindi with her career, and they spent more and more time together. During the filming of Murder in Coweta County, their bond grew even stronger. Soon, they fell in love.
On April 12, 1983, Andy and Cindi had a private wedding ceremony on his beautiful estate in North Carolina. Cindi was 29, and Andy was 57 at the time. They didn’t care about the age difference. They just knew they made each other happy.
Love, Illness, and True Devotion
Just one month after their wedding, Andy Griffith got very sick. Doctors said he had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare nerve disease. It caused serious pain and even temporary paralysis in his legs.
Cindi didn’t think twice. She gave up her acting career to take care of her husband full-time. She became his caregiver, his helper, and his biggest source of comfort. For many years, Andy struggled with his health. Later, in 2000, he also had a heart attack and needed quadruple bypass surgery. Cindi was always there. She never left his side.
A Strong and Loving Marriage
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith stayed married for 29 years, from 1983 until his death in 2012. They never had children together, but Cindi became a stepmother to Andy’s two adopted kids — Andy Griffith Jr. (also called Sam) and Dixie Griffith.
Sadly, Sam passed away in 1996 at the age of 37 due to alcoholism. Still, Cindi supported the family as much as she could, always keeping things private and calm.
The couple lived mostly at Andy’s estate in Manteo, North Carolina, away from the Hollywood spotlight. Andy didn’t enjoy the fame lifestyle. He preferred quiet days near the water — and Cindi made that peaceful life possible.
Life After Andy Griffith’s Passing
On July 3, 2012, Cindi Knight’s life changed forever. Her husband, Andy Griffith, passed away at the age of 86.
He died peacefully at home on his estate in Manteo, North Carolina. Cindi was right there beside him during his final moments.
The cause of death was a heart attack, but he also had other health problems like high blood pressure and artery disease. Even though it was expected, it was still very hard for Cindi.
She had spent nearly three decades caring for him and sharing every part of life with him.
A Private Goodbye
After Andy’s death, Cindi stayed quiet. She didn’t go on TV or speak in many interviews. But she did share one short message with the public.
She said: “He is the love of my life, my constant companion… I cannot imagine life without Andy.”
These words showed how deep their love really was. She leaned on her faith and said she found peace knowing Andy was with God. Andy was buried on his own land, near the Roanoke Sound. It was a peaceful place he loved, and Cindi made sure he rested there.
A Quiet Life Today
Since Andy’s passing, Cindi Knight has lived a very private life. She stayed away from the media and didn’t return to acting. Reports say she now lives in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, where she keeps things low-key.
Some fans were worried because she disappeared from the public eye.But Cindi simply chose peace and privacy. She never chased fame — not before, not after.
Even though she’s not in the spotlight, people still search her name. Many fans of Andy Griffith want to know how she’s doing and where she is now.
The Estate and House Controversy
After Andy Griffith’s death, Cindi made some changes. She got a permit to tear down the old house Andy had bought many years ago. Some friends and fans were upset about this.
Why? Because Andy had once said he wanted the house to become a museum. He dreamed of filling it with TV and music memories. But he didn’t write that wish in his will, so it wasn’t legally required.
Cindi made the choice to take it down and build a new home instead. Some people didn’t like it, but others understood that it was her right. She had lived in that home with Andy for many years and wanted to move forward.
How Much Is Cindi Knight Worth?
After Andy passed away, most of his estate went to Cindi. Sources say Andy Griffith’s net worth at the time was between $25 million to $60 million. It depends on how you count the properties, music rights, and other things.
Reports suggest that Cindi Knight’s net worth is now over $45 million.Some even say she may have inherited everything, because Andy removed other family members from his will. This part caused some public talk, but Cindi never made any statements about it. She chose to stay silent and peaceful, just like she always has.
Why Cindi Knight Still Matters
Cindi Knight may have only done a few acting jobs, but her story touches people deeply. She showed the world what real loyalty and love look like.
She gave up her own dreams to care for the man she loved. She stayed out of the spotlight but played the biggest role of all — being Andy’s best friend and partner.
In today’s world, that kind of quiet strength is rare. That’s why Cindi Knight is still remembered, respected, and admired.
Final Thoughts
Cindi Knight never looked for fame. But her love story with Andy Griffith made her name unforgettable. From a teacher in Florida to the heart of a Hollywood legend’s life, Cindi’s journey is full of love, care, and quiet grace.
Even in 2025, fans still ask about her. They still care. And her story still feels warm, inspiring, and full of heart.
(FAQs)
How much is Cindi Knight worth now?
Cindi Knight is believed to be worth over $45 million.
She inherited most of Andy Griffith’s estate after he passed away in 2012.
How old is Cindi Knight today?
Cindi Knight was born on May 2, 1953, so she is 72 years old in 2025.
Did Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith have kids together?
No, they did not have children together.
But Cindi became a stepmother to Andy’s two adopted kids, Andy Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
Did Cindi Knight really tear down Andy Griffith’s old house?
Yes, after Andy passed away, Cindi got permission to demolish their old home in North Carolina.
Some people were upset because Andy once wanted it to become a museum — but that was never written in his will.
Where is Cindi Knight living now?
She now lives a very private life and is believed to be staying in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles.
She hasn’t returned to acting and avoids the public spotlight.
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