There's something magical about Andy Griffith, isn't there? The legendary actor brought us the iconic character of Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, a role that resonated with millions of viewers for eight seasons. In the series, Andy played a devoted father to Opie Taylor, portrayed by the young Ron Howard. But off-screen, the Tony-nominated actor had his own family to cherish. Adopting two children, daughter Dixie Nann Griffith and son Andy Samuel "Sam" Griffith Jr., Andy's real-life family story is both heartwarming and poignant. Let’s dive deeper into the lives of Andy's children and explore their unique journeys. Keep reading to uncover more about this incredible family legacy.
Meet Andy Griffith's Son, Andy Samuel Griffith Jr.
Andy Griffith's first marriage to Barbara Bray Edwards began in 1949, setting the stage for a family that would grow through adoption. Sam, born in 1957, came into the Griffith household a year later, officially becoming part of the family through adoption. Dixie followed in 1960, joining the Griffiths shortly after her birth. As Andy pursued his groundbreaking career during the filming of The Andy Griffith Show from 1960 to 1968, the family split their time between North Carolina and California. It was a whirlwind era for the Griffiths, filled with both triumphs and challenges.
Andy's first marriage lasted until 1972, a period that saw the family navigate the highs and lows of fame. Sam eventually married Renee Denise Griffith, but life took a tragic turn in 1992 when he was arrested and sentenced to three years of probation following a domestic dispute, an incident that led to his wife suffering a miscarriage, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Tragically, Sam's battle with alcohol addiction culminated in his untimely death at the age of 37 in 1996. Although Andy did not attend his son’s funeral, the loss deeply affected him. Dixie later revealed to Closer in June 2018, "My brother had some troubles, but it wasn’t my dad’s fault. It affected my dad on a very, very deep level. I went to my brother’s funeral service, but my dad wasn’t able to go. There would be too many magazines and cameras, and it just wasn’t a good place for him to be."
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Throughout his life, Andy faced his own health challenges, ultimately passing away in 2012 from a heart attack at the age of 86. Married to his third wife, Cindi Knight, at the time of his death, Andy ensured that his children remained largely out of the public eye, preserving their privacy amidst the chaos of fame.
Introducing Andy’s Daughter, Dixie Nann Griffith
Unlike her father, Dixie chose to step away from the limelight, opting not to pursue an acting career despite her involvement as an apprentice on two of her father’s made-for-TV films. "I could have been on the producer’s roster. I chose not to," Dixie shared with the Denver Post in July 2012. "Same goes for growing up. I didn’t grow up in the spotlight. Of course, this was before people hid in the bushes outside your door and there were cameras everywhere. My dad was fiercely protective of us. I respected his privacy all my life. I have kept a pretty low profile, which I still plan on doing."
Despite her decision to stay behind the scenes, Dixie fondly recalls the cherished moments she spent with her father during the summers, away from the bustling world of television production. "During the summers, we’d go back to North Carolina and play volleyball and water ski," she reminisced to Closer. "I would play with him in the pool, and he’d put me up on his shoulders. He’d always stop what he was doing to play with me."
Dixie has continued to maintain her privacy, focusing on her own family. Before her father’s passing, she welcomed daughters of her own, ensuring that Andy’s legacy would endure through the next generation. Reflecting on her father’s spirit, she said, "He had a very strong will to live and to enjoy his life. And he did enjoy his life. One of his favorite things to say, when I’d share news of the girls, was, 'Well, isn’t that grand!'"
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
