Get to Know the Child Stars of The Andy Griffith Show (One of Them Is an Award-Winning Actress!)
Andy Griffith and Barbara Edwards in 1966 ; Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard attend the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Credit :
Hulton Archive/Getty ; Rich Fury/VF20/Getty
The beloved series The Andy Griffith Show, which debuted in 1960, portrayed the life of Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith, in the quaint southern town of Mayberry. The show was notable for its memorable characters and engaging storylines, continuing to be cherished by audiences long after its finale in 1968.
Reflecting on the familial bonds formed among the cast, Ron Howard, who portrayed young Opie Taylor, described Griffith as “like a wonderful uncle.” Howard noted that Griffith created a healthy atmosphere on set, combining hard work with enjoyable moments, a testament to the show’s lasting impact. Griffith even attended Howard’s wedding in 1975, underscoring their close relationship.
Howard, now a successful director known for films like Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code, credits much of his personal growth to parenting his four children. In a 2010 interview, he expressed that his experiences as a father have significantly shaped his development.
Here’s a closer look at the children of the show’s prominent cast members.
01
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Andy Griffith’s 2 Children
Andy Griffith with his first wife Barbara Edwards in the 1960s.
Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty
Griffith’s legacy includes two children with his first wife, Barbara Edwards. Andy Samuel “Sam” Griffith Jr. was born in December 1957, followed by Dixie Nann Griffith in September 1959. The family split their time between California and the scenic Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Both Sam and Dixie made appearances in The Lost Colony, a summer play, during their youth. Dixie recalled her early experience as a “colonist child,” earning just $10 a week, and emphasized her father’s unwavering support for their participation.
In adulthood, Sam pursued a career as a real estate developer in Los Angeles but faced struggles with substance abuse and legal issues before passing away in 1996 at age 38. Dixie remarked on the profound impact of her brother’s death on their father, noting that he couldn’t attend the funeral due to media attention.
Dixie has since embraced a more public role, getting involved in her father’s legacy by executive producing the 2021 film Mayberry Man and the upcoming series of the same name.
02
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Don Knotts’ 2 Children
Don Knotts with his family on March 2, 1961.
CBS Photo Archive/Getty
As the comic sidekick Barney Fife, Don Knotts became an iconic character on The Andy Griffith Show. Knotts was married three times and fathered two children, Thomas and Karen, with his first wife, Kathryn Metz. Karen Knotts has built her own career as an actress and stand-up comedian, touring with her show Tied Up in Knotts, which explores her father’s legacy.
In a reflective moment, Karen mentioned the challenges of having a father who worked long hours, yet he would occasionally take them to the set, enriching their understanding of the entertainment world. Despite his busy schedule, she described him as a loving father who enjoyed narrating stories about other celebrities.
Both Karen and Dixie have participated in fan celebrations such as Mayberry Lucy Days, honoring their fathers’ legacies.
03
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Ron Howard’s 4 Children
Ron Howard and family attend Ron Howard’s star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 10, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Ron Howard began his acting career at five years old on The Andy Griffith Show and later emerged as a prominent figure in the film industry. He married high school sweetheart Cheryl Howard in 1975. Together, they have four children: Bryce, Reed, and twins Paige and Jocelyn.
Bryce Howard has established herself in Hollywood with roles in films such as The Help and the Jurassic World franchise. She noted that her parents maintained a strict boundary regarding child acting, allowing her to focus on her education before pursuing her career later.
Reed Howard, who chose to follow a different path in golf, is married with one daughter. Paige Howard has made her mark in both acting and writing, while Jocelyn Howard prefers a private lifestyle but occasionally joins family events.
In a documentary, Reed spoke about their childhood experiences, revealing their mother’s dedication to ensuring a stable family environment.
04
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George Lindsey’s 2 Children
George Lindsey at the 12th Annual Golden Laurel Awards March 3, 2001 in Century City, CA.
Chris Weeks/Liaison via Getty
George Lindsey, who charmed audiences as Goober Pyle, was married to Joyanne Herbert and had two children, George Jr. and Camden. George Jr. pursued acting, recently appearing in the film Mayberry Man in 2024. Camden lives a quieter life with her family.
05
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Howard McNear’s Son
Howard McNear as Floyd Lawson on The Andy Griffith Show.
CBS via Getty
Howard McNear, known for his role as Floyd Lawson the barber, was married to his wife Helen and they had one son, Christopher McNear.
06
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Hal Smith’s Son
Hal Smith.
Film Favorites/Getty
Hal Smith portrayed Otis Campbell, the town’s resident "drunk." He was married to Louise Smith until her passing in 1992 and had one son, Terry Jay Smith, who worked as a makeup and special effects artist until his passing in 1998.
07
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Jack Dodson’s 2 Daughters
Jack Dodson as Senator Wayne Joplin in All’s Fair.
CBS via Getty
Jack Dodson, who portrayed the county clerk on The Andy Griffith Show, was married until his death in 1994. He had two daughters, Amy and Cristina. Amy currently works in costume departments in the entertainment industry, while Cristina maintains a private life.
In full circle, the legacy of The Andy Griffith Show continues as the children of these beloved characters contribute their own stories to the rich tapestry of the show’s history.
