In the quiet comfort of a Georgia courtroom (or, more often, a North Carolina set), Ben Matlock, the folksy, hotdog-loving lawyer, meticulously unraveled mysteries, often with a twinkle in his eye and a perfectly timed legal maneuver. For nine seasons, Matlock offered viewers a soothing balm of justice served, thanks to its brilliant ensemble cast. But behind the sharp suits and southern charm, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life navigated their own complex dramas, forming a tapestry of real-life loves that were as varied and compelling as any case Matlock ever tackled. And yes, sometimes, those threads wove into surprisingly public, or tantalizingly elusive, connections – even touching on the world of "FBI Most Wanted."
At the heart of it all was Andy Griffith, the inimitable Ben Matlock himself, a man whose easygoing demeanor on screen belied a profoundly private life. Griffith was married three times. His first marriage to Barbara Bray Edwards, the mother of his two children, lasted for two decades before concluding. Later, he married Solica Cassuto, a short-lived union that remained largely out of the public eye. But it was his third wife, Cindi Knight, who became his anchor. Married in 1983, she was by his side for nearly thirty years until his passing in 2012. Cindi provided a steady, loving presence, offering Griffith the peace and companionship that seemed to mirror the comfortable wisdom he exuded as Ben Matlock. Their enduring bond was a testament to finding lasting love later in life, a beautiful final chapter for a television icon.
The women who played Matlock's devoted daughters and capable associates also lived lives rich with relationships. Linda Purl, who first charmed audiences as Charlene Matlock, experienced a fascinating romantic journey. Known for her stage and screen work, Purl's personal life included high-profile marriages. Notably, she was married to Desi Arnaz Jr., son of the legendary Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Sr., a union that brought together two prominent Hollywood families. Her subsequent marriage to Alexander Cary, and other relationships, painted a picture of a woman who embraced life and love with equal passion.
Nancy Stafford, who took over as Matlock's daughter Michelle Thomas, found a different kind of enduring stability. A devout Christian, Stafford has been married to Larry Myers since 1989. Their partnership has been a cornerstone of her life, a shared journey of faith and family that has kept her grounded amidst the demands of her acting career. Similarly, Julie Sommars, who played the recurring role of District Attorney Julie March, Matlock's on-again, off-again romantic interest, navigated several marriages through her life, including to John Karns, Albert Larson, and Arthur Burris, each chapter adding to the depth of her personal story.
The men who assisted Matlock in his investigations also had their share of significant others. Kene Holliday, who played the street-smart private investigator Tyler Hudson, faced personal struggles during his time on the show, but found strength and support in his wife, Dolly Fox. Their relationship, while not always in the spotlight, was a steady force in his life. Later, Clarence Gilyard Jr., who joined the cast as Conrad McMasters, led a more private family life, marrying Catherine Gilyard and later Lisa Gilyard, before his passing in 2022. Gilyard, also known for Walker, Texas Ranger, maintained a strong commitment to his family and his academic career alongside his acting.
In the later seasons, new faces brought fresh dynamics to the Matlock office. Daniel Roebuck, playing Matlock's nephew Cliff Lewis, found his lifelong partner in Kelly Durst. Married in 1994, their relationship has been a constant, supportive presence, a testament to enduring love in a demanding industry. Brynn Thayer, who portrayed Matlock's daughter Leanne MacIntyre, also experienced notable relationships, including her marriage to actor David Birney, known for his roles in St. Elsewhere and other popular series.
And then, there are the connections that spark intrigue and highlight the intricate web of Hollywood's intermarriages – like the intriguing suggestion of a Matlock actor married to an "FBI Most Wanted Star!" While tracing the exact, specific verifiable threads of this particular link can be an elusive pursuit amidst the vast and sometimes labyrinthine romantic histories of the entertainment industry's players, it profoundly illustrates how intertwined the lives of our favorite performers truly are. The world of television is a small one, and it is not uncommon for actors to find love with colleagues from other beloved shows, or even with those whose careers take them into different dramatic territories, such as the high-stakes world of federal investigations depicted in shows like FBI: Most Wanted. Such a connection, whether a popular rumor or a deeply private reality, reminds us that the people behind the characters lead lives just as rich, surprising, and interconnected as the stories they help create.
Even the beloved Don Knotts, who brought his unique brand of comedy to Matlock as Ben's cousin Les Calhoun and others, found enduring love late in life. After two previous marriages, Knotts married Frances Yarborough in 2002, and they remained together until his death in 2006. His friendship with Andy Griffith, which spanned decades and several iconic shows, was itself a love story of brotherly affection and mutual respect, deeply enriching both their lives.
The real-life loves of the Matlock cast painted a vibrant picture, ranging from enduring partnerships that spanned decades to more transient, yet equally significant, unions. These relationships, whether public or intensely private, stable or complex, added layers of depth and experience to the individuals we welcomed into our homes each week. They remind us that while Ben Matlock always found the truth in his cases, the truth of his actors' hearts was often found in the quiet, profound, and sometimes surprising, journey of love.
