It has been decades since The Dukes of Hazzard first aired, yet the friendship among the cast remains enviable. John Schneider, Tom Wopat, and Catherine Bach recently reunited to celebrate the show’s legendary General Lee car at the Hollywood Museum’s Iconic Rides exhibit.
When the show first premiered, critics were not impressed. However, it captured the attention of millions of viewers and became one of CBS’s biggest hits by its third season. Looking back, the cast attributes the show’s success not just to the action-packed car stunts or Daisy Duke’s wardrobe, but to the real-life friendship they built behind the scenes.
Catherine Bach’s longtime friends
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John Schneider and Tom Wopat were especially protective of Catherine Bach. Although she was in her twenties when the show aired, the two men made sure she always felt safe, especially when she had visitors. John Schneider played Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard.
Schneider recalled how natural the bond between the three leads became, noting that they never thought their friendship would be for a short period, and he could not imagine his life without the other two. Schneider and Wopat often brought guitars to the set, strumming between takes, as they built their friendship on music, humor, and long workdays. Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke and Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), also remained close.
Career success
John Schneider was just 18 when he landed his role, fresh out of high school. Handling his sudden fame was not easy, but he credits veteran actor Denver Pyle, who played Uncle Jesse, with helping him stay grounded. “He was my mentor,” Schneider said. Pyle’s guidance helped shape Schneider’s early years in the industry, providing a role model when he needed it most.
Even as time passed, the show continued to draw fans, with conventions pulling in over 100,000 attendees. However, in 2015, The Dukes of Hazzard was pulled from TV due to the Confederate flag displayed on the General Lee, sparking debate and pushback from fans. John Schneider acknowledged the criticism but believes the show’s heart has always been about community and family, not hate.