Barbara Bray Edwards was an American singer and dancer, who gained popularity for being the first wife of American actor and comedian Andy Griffith. She was born on December 17, 1926, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and passed away on July 23, 1980, at the age of 53. In this article, we will take a closer look at what happened to Andy Griffith’s wife, as well as some of her personal and professional accomplishments.
Early Life and Career
Barbara Bray Edwards was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to parents who were both teachers. She attended school locally, before attending Greensboro College, where she majored in music. After graduation, Barbara moved to New York City to pursue a career as a professional singer and dancer.
Her career in show business began to take off in the late 1940s, when she signed up with Benny Goodman’s Orchestra. She soon joined other popular bands, such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. Her beautiful voice and stunning dance moves made her shine on stage, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Marriage to Andy Griffith
Barbara and Andy Griffith met in 1948, while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The two fell in love and got married on August 22, 1949. They were married for 24 years, and had two children together: son Andrew Samuel Griffith Jr. and daughter Dixie Nan Griffith.
Andy Griffith was a renowned actor and comedian, best known for his roles in “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock”. Barbara played a significant role in supporting her husband’s career, especially early on in their marriage. She often accompanied him to various events and provided moral support.
Death
On July 23, 1980, Barbara Bray Edwards died at the age of 53, due to cancer. Her death was a devastating loss for Andy Griffith, who was heartbroken by the passing of his wife of 24 years. Although their marriage had gone through some ups and downs, the two remained close until Barbara’s death.
After her death, Andy Griffith described Barbara as “a wonderful mother and wife”. He stated that she was “an important person in my life and in the lives of our children.” The couple’s children also spoke positively about their mother, praising her for being a devoted parent and a kind-hearted person.
Legacy
Barbara Bray Edwards was a talented performer and a devoted wife and mother. Although her career was cut short by illness, her contributions to the world of music and entertainment live on. She will be forever remembered as the beloved wife of Andy Griffith, and as a person who brought joy to many people’s lives through her music and dance.
In conclusion, Barbara Bray Edwards was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life. Her marriage to Andy Griffith was a testament to their love and devotion to each other. Her contributions to the music and entertainment industry will always be remembered. We will always honor her memory as an important part of Andy Griffith’s life, and as a talented performer who touched the lives of many people.
FAQ
Who did Andy Griffith leave his money to?
The beloved actor and television icon Andy Griffith passed away on July 3, 2012, at the age of 86 in his North Carolina home. After his death, many people were curious about who would inherit his fortune, as he had amassed a substantial net worth during his lifetime. It was reported that Andy Griffith had a net worth of $60 million at the time of his death.
Andy Griffith had two wives during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Barbara Bray Edwards from 1949 to 1972, and his second marriage was to Cindi Knight from 1983 until his death in 2012. Although he had two wives, Andy Griffith only had two children, a son named Sam Griffith and a daughter named Dixie Griffith.
It was reported that after Andy Griffith’s death, his entire fortune was left to his third wife, Cindi Knight, and his daughter, Dixie Griffith. The decision to leave his wealth to his third wife and daughter was not a surprise to many, as Andy Griffith was known to have had a close relationship with both of them.
According to reports, Andy Griffith had made a will before his death, which outlined how he wanted his fortune to be divided after his passing. The exact details of the will were not made public, but it was reported that his estate was divided between his wife and daughter.
It is important to note that the details of a person’s will are confidential and are only made public if there is a legal dispute or challenge to the will. In the case of Andy Griffith, there were no reported legal challenges to his will, and it is assumed that his wishes were carried out as he had intended.
Andy Griffith’s net worth of $60 million was inherited by his wife, Cindi Knight, and his daughter, Dixie Griffith, after his death. Although the exact details of his will were not made public, it is assumed that his wishes were carried out as he had intended.
How much money was Andy Griffith worth when he died?
Andy Griffith was a legendary American actor and singer who had a prosperous career spanning over five decades. He was best known for his iconic roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Griffith became one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, with numerous awards and nominations under his belt.
At the time of his death on July 3, 2012, Andy Griffith had an estimated net worth of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This fortune came from his successful acting career, which began in the 1950s, and his work as a producer, director, and musician.
Griffith’s most significant source of income was from his performance as the lead character in The Andy Griffith Show, a popular television show that aired from 1960 to 1968. The show was a major hit that made him a household name and cemented his place in TV history.
After the show ended, Griffith continued acting and starring in a variety of movies and TV shows, the most notable of which was Matlock. He played the titular character in the legal drama series from 1986 to 1995, which earned him millions of dollars in income.
Griffith was also a talented musician who recorded several albums and singles throughout his career, which helped him earn additional income. His album “I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns” was a commercial success when it was released in 1996.
Andy Griffith was a highly successful actor, producer, director, and musician with a career spanning over five decades. At the time of his death, he had an estimated net worth of $25 million, which came from his various endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Did Andy Griffith’s wife tear down his house?
Yes, Andy Griffith’s wife, Cindi Griffith, obtained a permit to tear down the house where he lived for many years on the North Carolina waterfront, which has been a matter of controversy among the fans and friends of the famous actor. After his death in 2012, the future of the house became a topic of debate for many who wanted to preserve the memory of the beloved actor. However, Cindi Griffith, who inherited the property, had different plans.
The house, located on Roanoke Island in North Carolina, was where the actor lived for many years, and it was also the inspiration behind his famous TV show, “The Andy Griffith Show.” The house served as the backdrop for many scenes on the show and was a cultural icon for the fans of the sitcom. However, over the years, the condition of the house had deteriorated, and it had become uninhabitable.
In 2015, it was reported that Cindi Griffith had plans to create a museum or Graceland-type estate at the site to honor her husband’s legacy. However, due to disputes with the local authorities, the plan fell through. According to the latest reports, she has obtained a permit to demolish the house, which marks the end of an era for Andy Griffith’s loyal fans.
The decision to tear down the house has upset many people who had hoped that it would be preserved as a museum or a tribute to the actor’s memory. However, Cindi Griffith has defended her decision, stating that the house is in disrepair and a safety hazard. She has also expressed her willingness to honor her husband’s legacy in other ways, such as creating a park or a statue on the property.
It is true that Andy Griffith’s wife obtained a permit to tear down the house where he lived for many years on the North Carolina waterfront, which has been a controversial topic among his fans and friends. While many people wished that the house could be preserved in some way, Cindi Griffith had different plans, citing the safety hazard and disrepair of the house.
