Andy Griffith’s Daughter Dixie Reveals Her Dad Had 'Numerous Issues' With His Health In The Years Before He Died

Sep 29, 2023

Andy Griffith was an American actor, comedian and producer and is remembered for his incredible contributions to television history. He is best known for his eponymous TV series “The Andy Griffith Show.” 

The actor had a friendly demeanor and is also remembered for his Southern drawl and folksy personality. Andy was a leading man in both “The Andy Griffith Show,” playing Andy Taylor, and in “Matlock” as Ben Matlock. 

In the late 1950s, Andy appeared on the big screen in Elia Kazan’s “A Face in the Crowd” and the film “No Time for Sergeants.” After his time as a film actor, Andy became better known for his roles on television. The star was incredibly talented, and both his leading roles were enduring. His time as Andy Taylor lasted eight years and the series “Matlock” aired for nine. 

Andy was born in 1926 in Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is said to have been a shy child but came out of his shell when he discovered he could make his peers laugh. Andy participated in the drama program at Mount Airy High School and also cultivated a love for music. 

He was a gospel singer and was raised in the Baptist church. Andy graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in music, which was also the year that he got married to Barbara Bray Edwards. 

The couple adopted two children, Andy Samuel Griffith Jr. and Dixie Nann Griffith. They were married until 1972 when they decided to get a divorce. Throughout their marriage, there were rumors of infidelity from Andy, and one of those affairs was said to be with his co-star Aneta Corsaut.

Regarding Andy Griffith’s children, his daughter, Dixie Griffith, born in 1960, grew up during the prime years of her father's career. Although she was an apprentice on two of her dad’s movies, she didn’t pursue a career in the entertainment industry under the costumers union until after she graduated high school.

In an interview with the Denver Post, published in April 2016, Dixie said she could have been on the producer's roster, but she chose not to. Although she didn’t give the exact reason why, Dixie said her dad was protective of her and her brother. At the time of the interview, she said she managed to keep a low profile and wished to do so in the future.

On the other hand, Andy’s other child, Andy Samuel Griffth Jr., also known as Sam, was born in 1957 and was immediately adopted. Similar to his sister, Sam also had a private life and didn’t pursue acting or a job in show business.

According to Closer Weekly, Sam passed away at the young age of 37 in 1996 after battling alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, Andy wasn’t able to attend his own son’s funeral as Dixie explained that there would be “too many magazines and cameras,” which wouldn't be a good place for him. 

“It affected my dad on a very, very deep level,” she said of her father’s feelings.

Dixie went on to have her own family, and despite spending years away from her dad prior to his death due to “traveling, school,” one of her daughters still recalled what they remembered about their grandfather.

“He was so cute. I loved his adorable Southern accent. He was so generous, and he spoiled us,” this is how Dixie's daughter described their grandfather.

After years of working hard in the entertainment industry, Andy passed away at the age of 86 on July 3, 2012. ABC News reported that the actor died due to an illness and his wife was by his side at the time of his death.

According to a funeral spokesman, the actor was buried five hours after his passing; it had been planned prior, and it was the family’s wish. He was laid to rest in a grave on Roanoke Island.

In the Denver Post interview, Dixie gave an insight into the actor’s final years, and she revealed that he had “numerous issues” in terms of his health.

CNN reported that Andy’s cause of death was listed as a heart attack on his death certificate, but prior to that, he had suffered from different health issues which included coronary artery disease.

“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!’” Dixie added.

Decades before he passed away, there was a rumor in the '80s that the actor was paralyzed for life. Outsider reported that the false news swirled after he was hospitalized due to losing control of his feet during the Kentucky Derby at the time. He was later diagnosed with an inflammatory nerve condition.

What do you think of Andy Griffith’s career? Did you adore him back when he was still active in the entertainment industry? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to pass this on to your friends and family.