Andy Griffith was a beloved all-rounder Hollywood star. While Griffith was everywhere, from movies to TV shows, he preferred to keep his personal life away from the public eye.
Still, Griffith’s fans might know his first wife and the mother of his children, Barbara Edwards. Many people are also aware of his 30-year marriage to actress Cindi Knight. The media even speculated a relationship between Griffith and his co-star Aneta Corsaut.
However, did you know Andy Griffith was married to Greek actress Solica Casuto?
In this article, we’ll tell you everything about the fiery, but short-lived, relationship between Andy Griffith and Solica Casuto. So, let’s dive in!
Solica Casuto Biography
Solica Casuto was born in Greece during the 1950s. This would make her currently in her seventies. The former actress prefers to keep away from the limelight. So, there’s little information available about her childhood and upbringing.
Casuto is a retired Greek-American actress. The starlet worked mainly in various roles in Greek TV shows and movies. However, she rose to prominence through her marriage to Andy Griffith.
As for her personality, the Greek actress was a seventies free spirit. She was a modern pacifist and had an incredibly outgoing personality.
You’d think Griffith and Casuto would make the most unlikely couple. Yet, perhaps it was her free-spirited nature that enticed the American comedy legend.
Solica Casuto Relationship With Andy Griffith
Solica Casuto and Andy Griffith were married in 1973, with him being more than 20 years her senior, a fact that surprised many of Andy’s fans. The comedian had just divorced his first wife, Barbara Bray Edwards, just a year before.
The couple had been together for over 20 years and even had two kids. First, Griffith and Barbara adopted a son, Andy Sam Griffith Jr., in 1957. Then, they continued their adoption journey by welcoming a daughter named Dixie Nann Griffith.
Still, the couple separated due to unknown reasons. The same year, Griffith met Solica Casuto on set. They kept their affairs under wraps, so much so that the name of the movie/TV show that Solica was a part of is unknown.
Solica Casuto and Andy Griffith’s Wedding
In fact, the couple also got married in secret. The only reason the relationship made headlines was due to the location of their wedding.
The couple got hitched in The Andy Griffith Show’s very own set! The Taylor’s backyard on the show was also Griffith’s home, and it happened to be the place where the couple said “I do.”
Instead of Opie’s bike in the middle of the yard, the backyard featured a large harp. Solica and Andy were surrounded by their close friends and family as they shared their wedding vows.
Solica Casuto and Andy Griffith’s Marriage
That’s not all. The couple also resided in the same home. This makes the house used as the exterior on The Andy Griffith Show pretty significant in Andy’s personal and professional life.
After their marriage, Casuto got to meet Griffith’s friends and family. Many of Andy’s friends thought the pair were odd together.
Not only was this due to the age difference, but it was also because of the polar opposite backgrounds and personalities. Yet, as the saying goes, opposites attract!
As for meeting the family, the Greek actress was in for quite a culture shock. After all, Andy grew up in a blue-collar family in North Carolina. Casuto simply wouldn’t fit in the family farm among the livestock!
The actor also thought that his family would be surprised by their relationship. The reason is that Solica Casuto has a European flair about her, while his family is more reserved.
Solica Casuto and Andy Griffith’s Divorce
Unfortunately, after only eight years of marriage, the couple separated in 1981. Griffith, with his private nature, didn’t share the reasons behind his divorce.
Many fans speculate that the separation was inevitable. The couple’s family and friends knew they weren’t a good match. So, the divorce didn’t come as a surprise.
That said, other cynical fans seem to believe that Solica Casuto couldn’t support Andy Griffith during his health problems.
In 1983, Griffith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a condition characterized by rapid muscle weakness and paralysis.
Since this diagnosis came two years after the couple’s separation, and Casuto was nothing if not supportive of Griffith’s career, Griffith and Casuto probably ended their marriage due to their different personalities.
Solica Casuto Career
Prior to her marriage to Andy Griffith, Solica Casuto landed a couple of acting roles in Greece. The starlet then moved to Hollywood in order to make a name for herself.
Afterward, Casuto was able to get minor, uncredited roles in Hollywood productions. It was in one of these movies that she met Andy Griffith, and the rest is history!
Solica chose to focus on her marriage to Griffith, supporting his career rather than pursuing fame.
This was an exceptional choice, as the wife’s support helped Griffith further advance his exceptional career.
Throughout their marriage, Andy Griffith continued to make a name for himself. Notably, he starred in the western-comedy Hearts of the West, alongside Jeff Bridges.
FAQs
How did Andy Griffith die?
Andy Griffith suffered a long battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. First, the American actor had the most serious bout in 1983. For seven weeks, Griffith was paralyzed from the waist down.
Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t the neurodegenerative disease that took Griffith’s life. The Matlock star was a heavy smoker and even had a heart bypass surgery in 2000.
Sadly, the legendary actor’s health continued to deteriorate. He had hypertension and coronary artery disease. Eventually, Andy Griffith suffered a stroke at 86 years old. He was buried on Roanoke Island, in his home state of North Carolina.
How many children did Andy Griffith have?
Andy Griffith had two children with his first wife. His son, Andy Griffith Jr. went by Sam Griffith. He also had a daughter, Dixie Nann. Both children were adopted.
Sadly, Sam Griffith’s death in 1996 made headlines. The son suffered from alcoholism for years before it eventually took his life.
It also came as a shocker to the public how Andy Griffith didn’t attend his own son’s funeral. However, his daughter, Dixie, explained that the star was always private and hated having his son’s life, let alone his funeral, on display.
Final Thoughts
Solica Casuto was Andy Griffith’s second wife. The Greek actress was trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood when she met the legendary comedian. The pair quickly fell in love, with Casuto choosing marriage over her career.
If it were up to Griffith, the public wouldn’t have known about the pair’s relationship. Yet, word quickly spread about their intimate wedding held in Andy Griffith’s backyard.
Casuto and Griffith couldn’t be further alike. Not only was Griffith much older than his ex-wife, but he was also more reserved, while Solica was outgoing and free-spirited. Accordingly, it didn’t come as a surprise when the pair got divorced in 1981.
