How The Cast Of “The Dukes Of Hazzard” Has Changed Over The Years
“The Dukes of Hazzard” wasn’t just a popular TV show; it became a cultural phenomenon, propelling many of its cast members into sex symbol status. Now, forty-two years after its 1979 debut, the cast members have certainly aged, but they’ve aged remarkably well.
Starring John Schneider and Tom Wopat as Bo and Luke Duke, the show followed the adventures of these “good old boys,” always finding themselves skirting the wrong side of the law. With relatively simple yet entertaining plots, the Dukes tangled with the local sheriff and the corrupt Boss Hogg, a long-standing adversary of their family. Catherine Bach portrayed Daisy Duke, their cousin who worked at a local bar and often found herself in the midst of their escapades. Her iconic cutoff shorts sparked a craze that still resonates in Southern rural culture today.
#1 Tom Wopat as Luke Duke
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Tom Wopat initially rose to fame as Luke Duke, the older and more level-headed of the Duke boys in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Beyond television, Wopat boasts an impressive array of stage credits, including a Tony-nominated performance alongside Bernadette Peters in the 1999 Broadway revival of “Annie Get Your Gun.”
Wopat’s television credits extend to shows such as “Fantasy Island,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Home Improvement,” “Smallville,” “Longmire,” and “The Blacklist,” as well as appearances in films like “Jonah Hex” and “Django Unchained.” In the ’90s, he had a recurring role on “Cybill.” Now 72, Wopat has recently portrayed the sheriff in the “County Line” series of TV movies. Reflecting on his evolving roles, he shared in a Forbes interview, “It’s funny, after being on the other side of the law for so long on ‘Dukes of Hazzard,’ now I play marshals and sheriffs.”
Aside from acting, Wopat is also an accomplished musician. He released his debut album in 1983 and has since produced numerous albums. In 2014, Wopat and his “Dukes of Hazzard” co-star John Schneider even collaborated on a Christmas album.
#2 John Schneider as Bo Duke
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John Schneider catapulted to fame as Bo Duke, the spirited and girl-crazy younger cousin of Luke Duke, when he was just 18 years old. Following the conclusion of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” he continued to be a mainstay on television, making appearances in shows such as “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Diagnosis: Murder,” “Touched by an Angel,” and “Desperate Housewives.” In the 2000s, he portrayed Jonathan Kent, the adoptive father of Clark Kent, on “Smallville.” Notably, he also shared the screen with his real-life son, Chasen Schneider, in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”
Much like his co-star Tom Wopat, Schneider boasts a robust music career alongside his acting endeavors. Now 63 years old, Schneider has recently graced the screens in a plethora of Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies, including “Christmas in Tune,” alongside Reba McEntire. Additionally, he showcased his dancing skills as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.”
#3 Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke
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“The Dukes of Hazzard” made Catherine Bach into late-’70s icon status. Portraying Daisy Duke, her iconic super-short denim cut-offs sparked a fashion craze, with the shorts often still referred to by her character’s name today. Beyond being a sex symbol, Daisy Duke brought a much-needed feminine touch to the show, her sweet presence serving as the perfect counterbalance to Bo and Luke’s macho country swagger.
Before gracing the screens as Daisy Duke, Bach appeared in the 1974 film “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” starring alongside Clint Eastwood. Following her time on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” she starred in the early-’90s family drama “African Skies,” alongside legendary actor Robert Mitchum. Bach also made appearances in episodes of “Monk” and the reboot of “Hawaii Five-O.”
Now 69 years old, Bach’s most recent television role was a seven-year stint on “The Young and the Restless,” where she portrayed Anita Lawson on the long-running soap from 2012 to 2019.
#4 Denver Pyle as Uncle Jesse
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While Uncle Jesse didn’t have children of his own, he served as the paternal figure for the bustling Duke clan. A seasoned actor, Denver Pyle boasted an extensive resume long before joining the cast of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” regularly appearing in Westerns throughout the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s.
Pyle’s most notable film roles included “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and “Bonnie and Clyde,” and he was a familiar face in numerous Western TV shows. Additionally, he had recurring roles on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Doris Day Show.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Pyle acted in over 200 movies and TV shows, even directing 12 episodes of “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Post-“Dukes,” he made appearances in episodes of “Dallas,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “L.A. Law.” Beyond acting, Pyle amassed a significant fortune through oil investments, reportedly exceeding his earnings from acting.
Sadly, Pyle passed away on Christmas Day in 1997 at the age of 77.
#5 Sorrell Booke as Jefferson Davis “Boss” Hogg
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Boss Hogg, the cunning and wealthy commissioner of Hazzard County, was brought to life by Sorrell Booke, an experienced actor with roots in Broadway and television. Booke’s portrayal of Hogg, known for his signature white cowboy hat, suit, and cigars, left a lasting impression on viewers of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Booke’s career spanned many years, featuring roles in classic TV shows like “Mission: Impossible,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “MAS*H,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Kung Fu.” He also appeared in notable films such as “Fail Safe,” “What’s Up, Doc?,” and “Slaughterhouse-Five.” After his stint as Boss Hogg, Booke lent his voice to various cartoons in the ’80s and ’90s.
Despite his character’s devious nature, Booke enjoyed playing Boss Hogg. Beyond acting, he was passionate about languages, mastering French, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian. Sadly, Booke passed away in 1994 at the age of 64, leaving behind a memorable legacy in the entertainment world.
#6 Ben Jones as “Crazy Cooter” Davenport
Source: Marianne Barcellona/Getty; @Ben Jones aka “Cooter”/Facebook
Ben Jones portrayed “Crazy Cooter” Davenport, the loyal friend and ally of the Dukes in their constant battles against the wealthy Boss Hogg and corrupt Sheriff Coltrane. As the town mechanic, Cooter’s expertise often proved invaluable during the many car chases and mishaps that occurred in Hazzard County.
Prior to his role in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones had a small part in “Moonrunners,” a 1975 film that served as inspiration for the show. He also made appearances in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” Following the conclusion of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones experienced a significant career shift, entering the political arena. He ran for Congress in Georgia in 1986 and went on to serve as a representative for the state from 1989 to 1993.
While Jones scaled back his acting endeavors, he remained active in various pursuits. He appeared in the movie “Primary Colors” in 1998 and made a guest appearance on an episode of “As the World Turns” the following year. Now 82 years old, Jones continues to engage in political commentary through newspapers and television. Additionally, he keeps the spirit of “The Dukes of Hazzard” alive by operating Cooter’s, a chain of Dukes-themed museums and stores located in Virginia and Tennessee.
#7 Waylon Jennings as The Balladeer
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While you might not have seen Waylon Jennings on-screen in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” his voice was unmistakable as The Balladeer, providing narration for each episode and singing the iconic “Good Ol’ Boys” theme song. With his distinct voice and country flair, Jennings brought a genuine authenticity to the show.
A trailblazer in the outlaw country music scene, Jennings enjoyed a successful career spanning from the 1960s onwards. His repertoire included hit songs such as “This Time,” “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” “Luckenbach, Texas,” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy.” Jennings was renowned for his collaborations with fellow country legend Willie Nelson, and together they formed part of the country supergroup, the Highwaymen, alongside Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash in the ’80s and ’90s.
