6 Things You Never Knew About ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star John Schneider
John Schneider, who was born on April 8, 1960, may be best known as Beauregard “Bo” Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, but making jumps in the General Lee alongside Tom Wopat is just one highlight in Schneider’s long career. In addition to a decade playing Superman’s father on Smallville, as well as a recurring role on the Tyler Perry soap The Haves and the Have Nots, Schneider has been a country singer since the 1980s, with songs and albums that have hit #1 on the country charts and landed in the Billboard Top 20.
In his down time, Schneider enjoys spending time with his new wife Dee Dee Sorvino and restoring Dodge Chargers (and has been known to wander into the occasional bit of trouble on social media). In honor of his 65th trip around the sun, let’s learn some fun facts about Schneider.
1 He lied to get the role of Bo
Everett Collection
When the Dukes of Hazzard producers were looking to cast the role of cousin Bo Duke, they wanted someone in his mid-twenties from Georgia, so that the actor could accurately portray the impulsive Southern character. Schneider, who was really only 18 years old and from New York, wanted the role so badly that he found this out and lied about his background — which obviously ended up working out in the end.
2 Relieved to be recognized for something other than being a Duke Boy
Warner Bros./Everett Collection
Schneider worked hard to land the role of Bo Duke, and played the character for six years. However, he eventually got tired of always being recognized just for that character. So it was a relief for him to be approached by kids on the street calling, “Hey, you’re Jonathan Kent!” referring to his role in Smallville.
3 He worked with Marie Osmond for charity
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In 1983, Schneider teamed up with Marie Osmond to co-found the Children’s Miracle Network charity, helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals around the United States; they started the charity after dating briefly in 1981. Since its inception, the charity has reportedly raised over $9 billion to help children. Over a decade later, in 1995, he also founded FaithWorks Productions, a family-friendly entertainment production company.
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4 He lived with Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
In 1988, Schneider lived with country great Johnny Cash and his wife and fellow musician June Carter Cash for about two years. During this time, Schneider became a born-again Christian after talking to Cash about his own beliefs. He once told Daily Mail about his conversations with Cash, “It was the first time that I saw that you could say ‘Jesus is Lord’ and still be a man. Once I realized I was part of this bigger plan, I didn’t want to be a follower but a leader for the cause.”
5 Continues to race cars
Warner Bros. Television/Everett Collection
Inspired by his time as Bo Duke, Schneider became interesting in racing cars and restoring General Lee lookalike Dodge Chargers. Every year, he races in the Silver State Classic Challenge held in Ely, Nevada.
6 Best friends with onscreen nemesis James Best
Everett Collection
Despite playing enemies onscreen, in real life, Schneider was best friends with James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane; in fact, he looked up to him as a mentor. After Dukes of Hazzard, they appeared together in CMT Cribs and Return of the Killer Shrews before Best died in 2015. Schneider served as a pallbearer at his funeral.
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Stars & Cars
April 2018
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