Actor John Schneider is best known for his role as Bo Duke on the TV show “Dukes of Hazzard”. But his talent goes much deeper than playing the good old boy.
The cult series about the misadventures of two handsome Southern cousins in the rural South made actor John Schneider (and co-star Tom Wopat) stars and teenage heartthrobs.
Schneider, however, believes God has always been in control of your life.
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Schneider said, “I believe that we are designed very specifically to do something because God intends something that we are a part of.”
In a recent episode “Lighthouse Faith” Podcast.Schneider talked about how life had ups and downs, tragedies and joys.
Actor John Schneider played Bo Duke on the CBS television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The series was shown from 1979 to 1985. (CBS via Getty Images)
But he stayed true to what he believed God intended for him.
Schneider said, “There was always that feeling from the beginning, watching the movies, watching John Waynewatching things happen on the big screen in Mount Kisco, that I should have been there.”
When he auditioned for “Dukes of Hazzard” at age 18, he had already been working in theater for a decade.
Originally from Mount Kisco, New York, he said, Schneider ended up in Atlanta, Georgia after his mother got a job transfer.
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He started doing theater at a young age.
By the time he auditioned for “The Dukes of Hazzard” at the age of 18, he had already been working in the theater for a decade.
Tom Wopat, left, played Luke Duke and John Schneider played Bo Duke on the CBS television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” (CBS via Getty Images)
“Vojvode” was shown from 1979 to 1985.
At one time, it was in second place behind the hit “Dallas” in terms of viewership.
“When you have any skill, the industry is always surprised.”
After she finished, Schneider, now 64, sometimes found it hard to shake off the “Bo Duke” image.
He could act and singbut he had to prove it all again.
American actors Schneider, Catherine Bach and Wopat in a promotional portrait for “The Dukes of Hazzard”, circa 1980. They played Bo, Daisy and Luke Duke. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
“Dukes of Hazzard” stars Schneider, Bach and Wopat reunite at the 2023 Gallatin Comic Con held at the Gallatin Civic Center on November 11, 2023 in Gallatin, Tennessee (©Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com, via Mega Agency) . (backend network)
Schneider said, “For every door that was opened, 10 were slammed in my face because I was famous … because I was famous.”
He added: “The industry, though, to a large extent, I think – and it can be judgmental – but mostly it thinks of celebrities as the luckiest people in the room. And pretty much no talent really. So when you have any skill, the industry is always surprised.”
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Schneider also starred in the TV series “Smallville”, playing Superman’s father.
As a singer he betrayed About 20 albums and acted on Broadway.
Schneider at Motor City Comic Con, at the Suburban Collection Showplace on May 16, 2015, in Novi, Michigan. (Monica Morgan/WireImage)
He is currently starring in Broadway’s longest-running play, “The Perfect Crime,” a who-done-it mystery through Feb. 2.
His co-star, Catherine Russell, is also a producer on the show.
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She raved about Schneider’s talent when she MC’d the event Restaurant Sardi where he was presented with one of his iconic caricatures.
“You are undoubtedly the best person to ever play that role.”
Said Russell directly to Schneider: “I’ve done this show for 38 years. We’ve had many, many people play this part. And I’m not saying that because you’re standing here today. The best person to ever play the part.”
Schneider’s late wife, Alicia, died in 2023 after a battle with cancer. (John Schneider Instagram)
Schneider reflects on his life of opportunity. But he does not shy away from expressing the trauma of his wife Alicia death from cancer two years ago.
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As well as the joy that came later, finding love again with wife Dee Dee Benkie, who also tragically lost her husband, actor Paul Sorvino, in 2022.
They learned together trust in God’s plan.
Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino were married in 2024. They are shown above at the Kentucky Derby. (Getty Images)
Said Schneider, “You are all part of this story. You all have something to do within the plan. Not John Schneider’s plan. God’s plan.”
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He added: “You all have something to do there, so pay attention to each other, because … it’s like the perfect crime. All the clues are there.”
Schneider speaks during the wedding celebration of John Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino Nashville at The Standard at Smith House on September 11, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
