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Barbara Bray Edwards – Complete Explanation of Life and Biography

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Barbara Bray Edwards, also known as Barbara Griffith after her marriage, was an American actress and singer best remembered as the first wife of legendary actor Andy Griffith. Born on August 17, 1926, in Wilson, North Carolina, Barbara led a life intertwined with the entertainment industry, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Early Life and Education

Barbara was born to James Spurgeon Edwards and Dixie Vance (Lamm) Edwards. She spent her early years in Wilson, North Carolina, where she developed a passion for music and performance.

Her dedication to the arts led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she pursued a Bachelor of Music degree. It was here that she met Andy Griffith, a fellow music student, setting the stage for both their personal and professional journeys.

Barbara and Andy Griffith married on August 26, 1949, after dating during their college years. Their union lasted for 23 years, making it one of the most talked-about marriages in Hollywood at the time. During their marriage, the couple adopted two children: a son, Andy Samuel Griffith Jr., and a daughter, Dixie Griffith.

Career in Entertainment

Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Barbara pursued a career in entertainment. She made notable appearances on television, including a role in “The Andy Griffith Show” in 1964, where she portrayed a character named Sharon. Additionally, she appeared as herself on “The Sam Levenson Show” in 1959.

Life After Divorce

In 1972, after more than two decades together, Barbara and Andy Griffith divorced. Post-divorce, Barbara married Michael St. Clair on January 18, 1975. She continued to be involved in the entertainment industry, though she kept a lower public profile compared to her earlier years.

Barbara Bray Edwards passed away on July 23, 1980, at the age of 53. She died in Beverly Hills, California, and was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.

Legacy

Barbara’s legacy is primarily linked to her association with Andy Griffith and her brief appearances in television. While she may not have achieved widespread fame as an individual performer, her contributions to the entertainment industry and her role as a supportive partner during Andy Griffith’s rise to stardom remain a notable part of her story.

FAQs

1. Who was Barbara Bray Edwards?

Barbara Bray Edwards, later known as Barbara Griffith and subsequently Barbara St. Clair, was an American actress and singer. She is best known as the first wife of actor Andy Griffith.

2. When and where was Barbara Bray Edwards born?

She was born on August 17, 1926, in Wilson, North Carolina, USA. ​

3. What was Barbara’s role in “The Andy Griffith Show”?

Barbara appeared as a character named Sharon in a 1964 episode of “The Andy Griffith Show.”

4. Did Barbara Bray Edwards have any children?

Yes, she and Andy Griffith adopted two children: a son, Andy Samuel Griffith Jr., and a daughter, Dixie Griffith. ​

5. When did Barbara marry Andy Griffith, and how long were they married?

Barbara and Andy Griffith married on August 26, 1949. They were married for approximately 23 years before divorcing in 1972.

6. Who was Barbara’s second husband?

After her divorce from Andy Griffith, Barbara married Michael St. Clair on January 18, 1975. ​

7. When and where did Barbara Bray Edwards pass away?

She passed away on July 23, 1980, in Beverly Hills, California, USA, at the age of 53.

8. Where is Barbara Bray Edwards buried?

Barbara is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. ​

9. Did Barbara Bray Edwards have any siblings?

Yes, she had a brother named James Spurgeon Edwards and a sister named Mary Tilson Edwards King.

10. What was Barbara’s profession before marriage?

Before her marriage to Andy Griffith, Barbara was an actress and singer, performing in various shows and musicals in her hometown of Wilson, North Carolina.

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