Exploring the Story of Solica Casuto: Actress and Former Spouse of Andy Griffith
Solica Cassuto, a Greek-American actress, was once married to the late Andy Griffith. Griffith was a multi-talented American figure known for his roles as an actor, comedian, television producer, singer, and writer.
Griffith's remarkable career in music and television lasted for seven decades. In this article, learn in detail about Cassuto's personal and professional life.
Solica Cassuto Wiki/Bio
Solica Cassuto was born in Greece in the year 1950, which makes her 73 years old as of 2023. As for her parents, there is currently no available information about them.
It's worth noting that Cassuto is a dual citizen, holding both Greek and American nationality. Solica belongs to the Caucasian White ethnicity.
How Wealthy is Solica Cassuto?
Solica Cassuto's net worth is not publicly disclosed. On the other hand, her ex-husband, Andy Griffith, had an estimated net worth of approximately $25 million at the time of his passing. In today's dollars, adjusting for inflation, this would be equivalent to around $66 million.
Griffith gained widespread recognition for his iconic roles in two celebrated television series, "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock." He passed away in July 2012 at the age of 86.
Solica Cassuto's Acting Career Before Marriage
Solica Cassuto was known as a Greek actress before she tied the knot with Andy Griffith. Despite her efforts to continue her acting career after marriage, she couldn't achieve the same fame and success as her husband. As a result, she eventually stepped away from the world of acting.
There is little information available about Cassuto's current endeavors. Furthermore, details about her post-acting pursuits remain scarce.
Solica Cassuto's Marriage to Andy Griffith
Solica Cassuto became the second wife of actor Andy Griffith in 1973, and it was her first marriage. They met while working on a movie together in the early 1970s.
Their wedding was a small and simple affair held in the backyard of Griffith's home in Toluca Lake, California, as reported by Me TV. Actor Ken Berry, in his book "Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show," described their wedding, mentioning a big harp in the backyard and how the bride had a free-spirited appearance.
Berry clarified, "I don't mean that in a bad way. But the image that Andy has - you would never pick them as a couple." Surprisingly, the house where they got married was once owned by Bing Crosby.
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After their wedding, Cassuto and Griffith had a lovely honeymoon, but Griffith later shared that the most important journey they took together happened a few years later. This journey was when Griffith introduced his then-wife to his hometown, Mt. Airy, North Carolina. There, Solica met Andy's family and visited the family farm with all its animals.
A couple of years into their marriage, Andy spoke highly of Solica, stating to the Detroit Free Press that she was a wonderful wife who took good care of him and his two children from his previous marriage. Despite these positive aspects of their relationship, they eventually divorced.
Solica Cassuto's Divorce in the Early '80s
Solica Cassuto and Andy Griffith, who got married in 1973, were happily married for a little over seven years before deciding to separate in the early 1980s. Their divorce officially happened in 1981. Although the exact reason for their divorce was not disclosed, it is believed to be due to differences they couldn't resolve.
After the divorce, Griffith quickly found love again and married his third wife, Cindi Knight. However, Cassuto's love life remains a mystery to this day. She hasn't shared any details about her romantic life after the divorce, and it's unclear whether she remarried.
Solica Cassuto's Ex-Husband Andy Griffith's Was Married Thrice
Solica Cassuto's ex-spouse Andy Griffith, the well-known actor, was married three times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Barbara Bray Edwards. They met in college and began dating in the late 1940s. After they graduated, they got married in 1949.
Although Griffith and Barbara were married for over two decades, they didn't have any biological children together during their marriage. Instead, they adopted two children, a son named Andy (who passed away in 1996) and a daughter named Dixie Griffith. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1972.
Andy's second marriage was to Cassuto. After his marriage with her ended in 1981, he married his third wife, Cindi Knight, who remained with him until his passing in 2012.
Griffith developed feelings for Cindi while he was still married to his second wife, and shortly after the divorce, they began dating. After dating for about two years, Griffith and Cindi got married in 1983.
Solica Cassuto's Former Husband Died in 2012
Solica Cassuto's ex-husband, Andy Griffith, passed away on July 3, 2012, from a heart attack. He was 86 years old at the time and was at his home in Manteo, North Carolina. His death certificate revealed that he had underlying health conditions, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and hyperlipidemia.
Before his passing, Griffith faced severe health challenges. In April 1983, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, which left him paralyzed from the knees down and unable to walk for seven months.
In 2000, Andy underwent a quadruple heart bypass surgery at Sentara Norfolk Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Approximately seven years later, he suffered a hip injury from a fall and, on September 5, 2007, underwent hip surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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