Andy Griffith amassed an impressive fortune as one of classic TV’s most iconic stars. The actor passed away on July 3rd, 2012, at 86, leaving behind dozens of iconic small and silver screen roles. What was Andy Griffith’s net worth at the time of his death? According to Net Worth, he also left a staggering $25 million. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis says that’s equivalent to $33.13 million in 2023.
What Was Andy Griffith’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
Most fans know Griffith as Andy Taylor, the strait-laced sheriff of the idyllic Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show. He is perhaps equally as famous for starring as the cunning criminal defense attorney, Ben Matlock, in Matlock. But the legendary actor played in 69 other series and movies as well. Those projects include A Face in the Crowd, The Ed Sullivan Show, From Here to Eternity, and Waitress. However, his earnings came from more than just his onscreen performances.
Andy Griffith’s Career Spanned Beyond the Camera
Andy Griffith’s entertainment career went beyond acting and even beyond Hollywood. The Emmy nominee also stepped behind the camera to help produce his two most legendary franchises, and he was a decorated singer.
Griffith’s production credits include four The Andy Griffith spinoffs, including the TV movie Return to Mayberry, TV specials The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry and Andy Griffith Show Reunion, and all 78 episodes of the hit series Mayberry R.F.D. The star also produced 69 episodes of Matlock.
The actor even took his talents to Broadway. From 1955 to 1957, he starred in No Time for Sergeants. His performance as Will Stockdale earned him a Tony nod in 1957. He headed back to the infamous stage to play Destry in Destry Rides Again from 1959 to 1960. That role also earned him a Tony nomination during its final year.
What’s surprisingly lesser known is that Andy Griffith recorded several records, and he earned major accolades for his work. Griffith’s records include various gospel and country songs, most of which were released during his run on The Andy Griffith Show—fun fact, he lent his whistling chops to the show’s main theme, too. His most popular project, however, came decades after the series ended.
In 1996, Griffith dropped an album named I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns. The record, which was an ode to his strong Christian faith, is certified Platinum by RIAA. The collection won a Grammy for Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album in 1997.
Who Inherited Griffith’s Fortune?
Andy Griffith certainly deserved the millions he amassed and enjoyed during his life. Who is currently enjoying the inheritance is a mystery, however.
Griffith’s family never disclosed where the money went after his death. The icon had two children, a son, Andy Griffith Jr., and a daughter, Dixie Griffith. Griffith Jr. passed before his father in 1996. So, most fans assume the actor willed the money to Dixie and his widow, Cindi Knight.
