Net Worth Ranker
What Is Andy Griffith’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, Andy Griffith, a multifaceted American entertainer renowned for his acting, comedic timing, television production skills, and singing, had a net worth of $25 million. This impressive sum reflects a career spanning several decades and encompassing various successful ventures in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Andy Samuel Griffith entered the world on June 1, 1926, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, born to Carl Lee Griffith and Geneva Griffith. Due to the family’s initial financial constraints, young Andy spent time in the care of relatives until his parents were able to secure a home. He attended Mount Airy High School, where he discovered a passion for drama and actively participated in the school’s drama programs. His early acting endeavors included a role in “The Lost Colony,” a play about Roanoke Island. Griffith initially enrolled as a pre-divinity student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1944. However, his involvement in drama and musical theater led him to graduate in 1949 with a music degree. Before fully committing to entertainment, Griffith taught high school music for three years.
Film and Television Career Highlights
Griffith’s career gained momentum after his monologue “What It Was, Was Football” became popular. He earned a Tony Award nomination in 1956 for “Distinguished Supporting or Featured Dramatic Actor” for his role in Ira Levin’s “No Time for Sergeants,” although he did not win. He reprised this role in the 1958 film version, which also featured Don Knotts. A significant role in the critically acclaimed 1957 film “A Face in the Crowd” further solidified his reputation as a talented actor. His most iconic role was as Sheriff Andy Taylor in “The Andy Griffith Show” (1960-1968), a sitcom set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Although specific contract details from “The Andy Griffith Show” are not publicly available, it’s known that the show’s enduring popularity and Griffith’s central role contributed significantly to his financial success. After “The Andy Griffith Show,” he starred in numerous TV films throughout the 1970s, including “Go Ask Alice” and “Pray for the Wildcats,” where he played a villain. He founded his production company, Andy Griffith Enterprises, in 1972. Griffith made a comeback with “Matlock” (1986-1995), where he played the title character, Ben Matlock, a Southern lawyer. “Matlock” became a hit, earning Griffith a People’s Choice Award in 1987. Later in his career, Griffith appeared in the film “Waitress” and the romantic comedy “Play the Game.” Specific financial details regarding his earnings from “Matlock,” “Waitress,” and “Play the Game” are not publicly available.
Music Career and Grammy Award
Throughout his career, Griffith pursued music, releasing several albums of country and gospel songs. In 1997, he won a Grammy Award for his album “I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns.” While specific sales figures and royalties from his music career are not fully documented, the Grammy win undoubtedly boosted his profile and potentially increased album sales. However, no sales figures from his music career are known.
Political Involvement
Griffith was approached to run against Jesse Helms for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina but declined. He supported Democratic candidates, including North Carolina Governors Mike Easley and Bev Perdue. In 2008, he joined Ron Howard in endorsing Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for Funny Or Die. Griffith also participated in advertisements promoting Medicare in 2010. Specific financial contributions or compensation received for his political endorsements and advertisements are not publicly available.
Personal Life and Marriages
Andy Griffith married Barbara Bray Edwards on August 22, 1949. They adopted two children: Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and Dixie Nann Griffith, and divorced in 1972. His second marriage was to Solica Cassuto, a Greek actress, from 1973 to 1981. He married Cindi Knight on April 12, 1983. Griffith passed away on July 3, 2012, due to a heart attack at the age of 86. He was buried in his family cemetery on Roanoke Island. Details regarding any inheritance or estate planning arrangements are not publicly accessible.
