Back in early 1979, two charming country boys named Bo and Luke Duke came storming into America’s living rooms in The Dukes of Hazzard. Despite often being on the wrong side of the law, these two Georgia cousins won the hearts of audiences everywhere as they cleverly outfoxed the corrupt Commissioner Boss Hogg and raced around in their iconic cherry-red Dodge Charger. "When I moved to California to join the cast of The Dukes, I was just 18 years old," recalls John Schneider, now 61, who grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and played Bo Duke. "I had literally just graduated from high school."
Since those days on The Dukes of Hazzard, John has become a recording star, performed on stage, and starred in numerous TV series, including Smallville and Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. He’s also been a co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network alongside Marie Osmond. Today, John continues to act while also pursuing writing, producing, and directing. His latest project is the film Switched, now streaming on Pure Flix/Sony.
Scroll down to read Closer’s exclusive Q&A with John Schneider!
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Do You Still Get Recognized for Playing Bo Duke?
Oh, absolutely! It’s such a compliment to still be recognized for that role. The beauty of The Dukes of Hazzard is that it has found a whole new generation of fans. I recently performed a concert in North Carolina, and the crowd ranged from 6-year-olds to 80-year-olds. Everyone in that room loved the show. It’s amazing how timeless it remains.
Why Do You Think The Dukes of Hazzard Continues to Resonate with Fans?
For so many people, the characters from The Dukes of Hazzard became part of their extended family. It’s not just a TV show; it’s a cherished memory tied to lessons they learned or the time they spent watching episodes with loved ones who are no longer with us. For many, the Dukes were the people they grew up with during some of the most important years of their lives. It’s a truly special show, and I’m incredibly honored to have been a part of it.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Memories from Making the Show?
Some of my fondest memories from the set of The Dukes of Hazzard were the times I spent with Denver Pyle, the legendary actor who played Uncle Jesse. We would sit and chat about his experiences on The Doris Day Show and working with icons like John Ford and John Wayne. He shared so many stories and life lessons with me. Denver was more than just a co-star; he was like a real uncle to me. We were incredibly close throughout my entire time on the show.
Did You Always Know You Wanted to Be an Actor?
Absolutely. Even as a young kid, I knew what I was meant to do. I believe that when we’re young, around 6 or 7 years old, we have a clear sense of our purpose. For me, that purpose was acting. I started making movies with an 8-millimeter camera and participating in plays. I remember telling my dad when I was around 12 or 13 that I was going to Hollywood to become a stuntman. That’s how passionate I was about it.
Did Your Dad Support Your Dream?
My dad, like many well-meaning parents, was protective and worried about me getting disappointed. He would say things like, “Don’t you think you should have a backup plan?” I understand where he was coming from, and I love him deeply, but it was clear he didn’t want me to set my hopes too high.
But You Made It Big!
I often tell people that if you don’t set your hopes high, no one else will. Watching movies, I realized that’s where I belonged. Many people have that clarity early on, but unfortunately, they lose sight of it. You’ve got to hold onto that dream and go after it with everything you’ve got.
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Being a Father Changed Your Perspective, Right?
Oh, without a doubt. Becoming a father gave me a whole new outlook on life, especially during the first 16 years of raising my kids. You realize just how much responsibility you have to help them discover their own paths and talents. It’s about guiding them to understand their uniqueness and supporting them as they pursue their dreams.
How Is Your Wife, Alicia Allain, Doing After Her Breast Cancer Battle?
Alicia is doing wonderfully. She’s her own biggest advocate and continues to see her doctors regularly. She’s also committed to the Keto for Cancer diet, which she views as a maintenance program. She’s an incredible woman—strong, tenacious, and full of life. That’s why we’re such a great team. We call ourselves “the team to beat.”
How Did You Handle the Challenges of the Pandemic?
We decided to treat the pandemic as a learning experience—a time to focus on getting things done no matter the circumstances. During this period, I wrote a movie, which Alicia produced. We managed to shoot, edit, and release the film, even turning a profit—all within less than a year. It just goes to show that when you put your mind to it, you can achieve great things.
Tell Us About Your New Movie, Switched.
Switched is a clever and timely film that resonates deeply with today’s world. As someone who grew up being bullied—the heavy kid with the inhaler—I know firsthand how painful that can be. Nowadays, people play supposedly harmless pranks on others and post them online, where they live forever. When I read this script, I knew it tapped into an important conversation we need to have. It’s about empathy and understanding the impact of our actions.
Is the Movie About Two Girls Who Switch Places?
Exactly. The story revolves around two girls—a popular one and a bullied one—who magically switch places. It’s almost like a genie-in-a-bottle scenario where we don’t know why it happens. I believe it’s God’s way of showing them what life is like on the other side. It’s a powerful narrative that encourages deep reflection and conversation.
Are You Active on Social Media?
I do have a Facebook page and a YouTube channel, and I enjoy reading the comments. However, I have to admit, I can read a thousand positive comments, but the one troll who feels their purpose in life is to be mean to me sticks with me. I don’t know why, but it does. I wish compliments lasted as long as insults, but unfortunately, they don’t.
