Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as the third wife of legendary television actor Andy Griffith. She gained public attention through her marriage to the beloved star of The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, but she also had a modest acting career of her own. Their relationship lasted nearly three decades, from their wedding in 1983 until Griffith’s death in 2012.
Born on May 2, 1953, Cindi Knight appeared in television and film productions during the early 1980s. Her acting work included the television movie Murder in Coweta County, where she worked alongside Andy Griffith.
Although her husband was one of America’s most recognizable television personalities, Cindi generally preferred a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
She became an important part of Griffith’s later years, accompanying him through significant stages of his career and personal life.
After Griffith died on July 3, 2012, Cindi largely remained outside mainstream entertainment publicity.
In 2026, she is 73 years old and continues to attract interest from fans of classic American television.
This article explores Cindi Knight’s biography, age, early life, acting career, marriage to Andy Griffith, family, children, net worth, and life after her husband’s death.
Quick Bio: Cindi Knight
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Cindi Knight |
| Date of birth | May 2, 1953 |
| Age in 2026 | 73 years old |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former actress |
| Known for | Third wife of Andy Griffith |
| Famous acting credit | Murder in Coweta County |
| Husband | Andy Griffith |
| Marriage date | April 12, 1983 |
| Marriage ended | July 3, 2012, following Griffith’s death |
| Husband’s profession | Actor, comedian, producer, singer |
| Stepson | Andy Griffith Jr. |
| Stepdaughter | Dixie Griffith |
| Biological children with Andy | None publicly documented |
| Current relationship status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net worth | Not independently verified |
| Public profile | Relatively private |
Who Is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is an American former actress and the widow of Andy Griffith.
She became publicly known through her relationship with the famous television star.
However, she had already worked in entertainment before their marriage.
Her acting career included appearances in productions during the early 1980s.
She later married Griffith in 1983.
Their marriage continued until his death in 2012.
Although Griffith was famous for portraying Sheriff Andy Taylor and attorney Ben Matlock, Cindi generally avoided extensive public attention.
Her biography remains closely connected to her husband’s later life and career.
Cindi Knight’s Early Life
Cindi Knight was born on May 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida.
She grew up in the United States.
Her early years were spent away from the Hollywood entertainment industry.
She later developed an interest in acting and performance.
This interest eventually led her to pursue opportunities in television and film.
However, detailed information about her childhood experiences is limited.
How Old Is Cindi Knight in 2026?
Cindi Knight was born on May 2, 1953.
She turned 73 years old on May 2, 2026.
Her zodiac sign is Taurus.
Her husband, Andy Griffith, was born on June 1, 1926.
He was approximately 27 years older than Cindi.
Griffith died on July 3, 2012, at the age of 86.
Cindi Knight’s Parents and Family Background
Some biographical profiles identify Cindi’s parents as Bobby Knight and Muriel Knight.
However, detailed authoritative information about their lives is limited.
Cindi has generally maintained privacy around her extended family.
There is also limited verified information about her siblings.
Her family background has not been a major subject of mainstream entertainment coverage.
Cindi Knight’s Education
Cindi reportedly attended schools in Florida.
Some secondary biographies state that she pursued studies connected to performance or education.
However, her exact academic qualifications are not comprehensively documented through authoritative sources.
It would be inappropriate to assign a specific degree without reliable evidence.
Her professional identity became associated with acting.
Cindi Knight’s Acting Career
Cindi Knight began working in entertainment before marrying Andy Griffith.
She appeared in television and film productions during the early 1980s.
Her acting career was relatively brief compared with Griffith’s.
She became known for her involvement in Murder in Coweta County.
After marrying Griffith, she largely stepped away from public acting work.
However, the precise reasons for her career decisions are private.
Cindi Knight in Murder in Coweta County
Murder in Coweta County is a television crime drama released in 1983.
The film starred Johnny Cash and Andy Griffith.
It was based on a real murder case in Georgia.
Andy Griffith portrayed John Wallace, a powerful landowner involved in the crime.
Johnny Cash portrayed Sheriff Lamar Potts.
Cindi Knight also appeared in the production.
The project became important in her personal life because it connected her professionally with Griffith.
How Did Cindi Knight Meet Andy Griffith?
Cindi reportedly met Andy Griffith while working on Murder in Coweta County.
The production brought them into the same professional environment.
Their relationship developed during the early 1980s.
At the time, Griffith had already become one of America’s most recognizable television actors.
The couple married in April 1983.
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith’s Marriage
Cindi Knight married Andy Griffith on April 12, 1983.
She became his third wife.
Their marriage lasted more than 29 years.
The couple maintained a relatively private lifestyle.
They spent much of their time away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Their relationship continued through Griffith’s later television career and retirement years.
Who Was Andy Griffith?
Andy Griffith was an American actor, comedian, singer, and producer.
He was born on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
He became famous for portraying Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show.
The sitcom premiered in 1960.
Griffith later starred in the legal drama Matlock.
His career lasted several decades.
He became one of the most recognizable personalities in American television history.
Andy Griffith’s Early Life
Andy grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
His childhood experiences influenced his later performances.
He developed an interest in music and acting.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He initially worked in music and education.
He later became involved in comedy and performance.
His career expanded through recordings, stage productions, films, and television.
Andy Griffith’s Early Entertainment Career
Griffith gained attention through comedic storytelling.
His recording What It Was, Was Football became popular during the 1950s.
He later appeared in the Broadway production No Time for Sergeants.
He also starred in the film adaptation.
His performance in A Face in the Crowd demonstrated his dramatic acting ability.
These early successes helped establish his career before The Andy Griffith Show.
Andy Griffith’s Major Movies and Television Shows
| Production | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| A Face in the Crowd | 1957 | Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes |
| No Time for Sergeants | 1958 | Will Stockdale |
| The Andy Griffith Show | 1960–1968 | Sheriff Andy Taylor |
| Mayberry R.F.D. | 1968–1971 | Guest appearances |
| Murder in Coweta County | 1983 | John Wallace |
| Matlock | 1986–1995 | Ben Matlock |
| Waitress | 2007 | Old Joe |
| Play the Game | 2009 | Grandpa Joe |
These productions demonstrate Griffith’s versatility across comedy, drama, and television.
Andy Griffith in The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show premiered in 1960.
The series was set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
Griffith portrayed Sheriff Andy Taylor.
The cast included Don Knotts, Ron Howard, Frances Bavier, and other memorable performers.
The show became famous for its gentle humor and family-oriented storytelling.
It remains a major part of American television history.
Andy Griffith and Don Knotts
Don Knotts played Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
His comedic partnership with Griffith became one of the show’s defining features.
The two actors developed a longstanding professional friendship.
Their performances helped make the sitcom a classic.
Knotts later continued his successful career in television and film.
Andy Griffith and Ron Howard
Ron Howard portrayed Opie Taylor, the son of Sheriff Andy Taylor.
He later became a successful film director and producer.
His early role on The Andy Griffith Show helped establish his acting career.
Griffith’s professional relationship with Howard became an important part of the show’s history.
Andy Griffith in Matlock
Matlock premiered in 1986.
Griffith portrayed Ben Matlock, a defense attorney known for solving difficult legal cases.
The series became a major television success.
It ran until 1995.
Cindi was married to Griffith throughout the show’s original run.
The success of Matlock introduced Griffith to another generation of viewers.
Andy Griffith’s First Marriage
Before marrying Cindi, Andy Griffith was married to Barbara Bray Edwards.
They married in 1949.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1972.
During their marriage, they adopted two children.
Their names were Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
Who Was Barbara Bray Edwards?
Barbara Bray Edwards was Andy Griffith’s first wife.
She was associated with his early personal and professional life.
They married in 1949.
Their marriage lasted approximately 23 years.
They adopted two children before divorcing in 1972.
Andy Griffith’s Second Marriage
Andy Griffith married Solica Cassuto in 1973.
She was a Greek actress.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1981.
Griffith later married Cindi Knight in 1983.
Cindi remained his wife until his death.
Who Is Solica Cassuto?
Solica Cassuto is a Greek actress best known as Andy Griffith’s second wife.
They married in 1973.
Their marriage ended in 1981.
She has generally maintained a private lifestyle.
Her relationship with Griffith took place before his marriage to Cindi.
Cindi Knight’s Children
Cindi Knight and Andy Griffith did not have biological children together, according to widely available public biographies.
However, Andy had two adopted children from his first marriage.
Their names were Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
Cindi became their stepmother through her marriage to Griffith.
Who Was Andy Griffith Jr.?
Andy Griffith Jr. was the adopted son of Andy Griffith and Barbara Bray Edwards.
He was sometimes known by the nickname Sam.
He struggled with personal difficulties during his life.
He died in 1996 at the age of 38.
His death was a significant personal loss for the Griffith family.
Who Is Dixie Griffith?
Dixie Griffith is Andy Griffith’s adopted daughter.
She has generally maintained a private lifestyle.
Although she belongs to a famous entertainment family, she has not pursued extensive mainstream celebrity publicity.
Her personal life remains largely outside public attention.
Cindi Knight as a Stepmother
Cindi became a stepmother to Andy Griffith’s children when she married him in 1983.
However, the precise details of her relationships with the children are private.
It would be inappropriate to invent family experiences or conversations.
Her role within the Griffith family remains part of her personal biography.
Cindi Knight’s Life With Andy Griffith
Cindi and Andy maintained a relatively private married life.
Griffith had strong connections to North Carolina.
He owned property on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks.
The couple spent significant time away from Hollywood.
Their lifestyle reflected Griffith’s longstanding connection to his home state.
Andy Griffith’s Health Problems
During his later years, Griffith experienced health challenges.
He underwent major medical treatment, including heart-related procedures.
Cindi was his wife during this period.
However, detailed information about her private caregiving responsibilities should not be invented.
Their marriage continued until Griffith’s death in 2012.
Andy Griffith’s Death
Andy Griffith died on July 3, 2012.
He was 86 years old.
His death occurred at his home in North Carolina.
The news prompted tributes from actors, fans, and members of the entertainment industry.
His contributions to television and film were widely remembered.
Cindi became his widow after nearly three decades of marriage.
What Caused Andy Griffith’s Death?
Andy Griffith died following a heart attack, according to public reports and his death certificate.
He had experienced health problems during his later years.
His death occurred on July 3, 2012.
He was buried on his property in North Carolina.
Cindi Knight’s Life After Andy Griffith’s Death
Following Griffith’s death, Cindi largely withdrew from mainstream entertainment publicity.
She has not pursued a highly visible public acting career.
Her current personal activities are not extensively documented.
She continues to be remembered as Griffith’s longtime wife.
Fans remain interested in her life because of her connection to classic American television.
Did Cindi Knight Remarry?
There is no widely verified public information confirming that Cindi Knight remarried after Andy Griffith’s death.
Her current relationship status is private.
It would be inappropriate to assume that she has entered another marriage without reliable evidence.
Cindi Knight’s Net Worth
Cindi Knight’s individual net worth has not been independently verified.
Some celebrity websites publish estimates based on Andy Griffith’s wealth.
However, his estate and her personal finances should not be treated as identical.
Her assets, investments, and financial arrangements are not comprehensively documented.
A precise figure cannot be responsibly established without reliable financial evidence.
Where Does Cindi Knight Live?
Cindi has longstanding connections to North Carolina through her marriage to Andy Griffith.
However, her exact current residence is not independently confirmed.
Some online biographies identify specific locations without reliable evidence.
Her private address should not be published.
Cindi Knight’s Social Media Presence
Cindi does not maintain a widely authenticated major public social media profile.
Accounts using her name should not automatically be considered official.
Her limited online presence is consistent with her private lifestyle.
Is Cindi Knight Still Alive in 2026?
As of October 2026, Cindi Knight is not known to have died.
She is 73 years old based on her reported birth date.
However, she maintains a private lifestyle, and detailed recent public updates are limited.
What Is Cindi Knight Doing in 2026?
Cindi Knight continues to be known as Andy Griffith’s widow and a former actress.
Her exact current employment, residence, and personal activities are not comprehensively documented.
She has generally avoided mainstream celebrity publicity since Griffith’s death.
Her connection to The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock remains the main reason for public interest.
Cindi Knight’s Life Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2, 1953 | Cindi Knight was born |
| 1960 | The Andy Griffith Show premiered |
| 1981 | Andy Griffith’s second marriage ended |
| 1983 | Cindi appeared in Murder in Coweta County |
| April 12, 1983 | Cindi married Andy Griffith |
| 1986 | Matlock premiered |
| 1995 | Matlock ended |
| 1996 | Andy Griffith Jr. died |
| 2007 | Griffith appeared in Waitress |
| July 3, 2012 | Andy Griffith died |
| 2023 | Cindi and Andy would have marked 40 years since their wedding |
| May 2026 | Cindi turned 73 |
Interesting Facts About Cindi Knight
- Cindi Knight is Andy Griffith’s third wife.
- She was born on May 2, 1953.
- She is 73 years old in 2026.
- She worked as an actress during the early 1980s.
- She appeared in Murder in Coweta County.
- She reportedly met Griffith through that production.
- They married on April 12, 1983.
- Their marriage lasted more than 29 years.
- Griffith was famous for The Andy Griffith Show.
- He also starred in Matlock.
- Cindi became the stepmother of Griffith’s two adopted children.
- Griffith died in 2012.
- She has generally maintained a private lifestyle.
- Her individual net worth is not independently verified.
- She has not pursued a widely documented acting career in recent years.
Final Thoughts
Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as the third wife of television legend Andy Griffith.
Born in 1953, she pursued acting opportunities during the early 1980s.
Her appearance in Murder in Coweta County became an important part of her professional and personal story.
She married Andy Griffith in April 1983.
Their marriage lasted until his death in July 2012.
Although Griffith achieved lasting fame through The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, Cindi generally preferred a private lifestyle.
She remained part of his life during the later stages of his career and retirement.
After his death, she largely stayed outside mainstream entertainment publicity.
In 2026, Cindi Knight is 73 years old.
Her biography remains closely connected to the legacy of Andy Griffith and the enduring popularity of classic American television.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cindi Knight
1. Who is Cindi Knight?
Cindi Knight is an American former actress best known as the third wife of Andy Griffith.
2. How old is Cindi Knight in 2026?
She is 73 years old.
3. When was Cindi Knight born?
She was born on May 2, 1953.
4. Where was Cindi Knight born?
She was born in Jacksonville, Florida.
5. Who was Cindi Knight’s husband?
Her husband was actor Andy Griffith.
6. When did Cindi Knight marry Andy Griffith?
They married on April 12, 1983.
7. How did Cindi Knight meet Andy Griffith?
They reportedly met while working on Murder in Coweta County.
8. Was Cindi Knight an actress?
Yes. She worked as an actress during the early 1980s.
9. What movie did Cindi Knight appear in?
She appeared in the 1983 television movie Murder in Coweta County.
10. Did Cindi Knight have children with Andy Griffith?
There are no publicly documented biological children from their marriage.
11. Who were Andy Griffith’s children?
His adopted children were Andy Griffith Jr. and Dixie Griffith.
12. Was Cindi Knight Andy Griffith’s first wife?
No. She was his third wife.
13. Who was Andy Griffith’s first wife?
His first wife was Barbara Bray Edwards.
14. Who was Andy Griffith’s second wife?
His second wife was Solica Cassuto.
15. When did Andy Griffith die?
He died on July 3, 2012.
16. What is Cindi Knight’s net worth?
Her individual net worth has not been independently verified.
17. Did Cindi Knight remarry after Andy Griffith died?
There is no widely verified public information confirming a later marriage.
18. Is Cindi Knight still alive in 2026?
There is no widely reported information indicating that she has died.
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