John Schneider (screen Actor)
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John Richard Schneider (born April 8, 1960) is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his portrayal of Beauregard "Bo" Duke in the television
action comedy The action comedy is a film genre that applies to action films where humor plays a much more central role. While early films feature stuntwork and humor, academic Cynthia King wrote that the genre only came into its own as a mainstay of the America ...
series ''
The Dukes of Hazzard ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' is an American action comedy television series created by Gy Waldron that aired on CBS from January 26, 1979, to February 8, 1985, with a total of seven seasons consisting of List of The Dukes of Hazzard episodes, 147 ...
'' (opposite Tom Wopat, Catherine Bach, and James Best), Jonathan Kent in the 2001–2011 TV series ''
Smallville ''Smallville'' is an American superhero fiction, superhero television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The series was produce ...
'', and James "Jim" Cryer on the television series '' The Haves and the Have Nots'', created by
Tyler Perry Tyler Perry (born Emmitt Perry Jr., September 13, 1969) is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He is the creator and performer of Madea, Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough elderly woman, and also portrays her brother Joe Simmons and her ...
. Alongside his acting career, Schneider has been a
country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may refer to a sovereign state, state with limited recognition, constituent country, ...
singer since the early 1980s, releasing nine studio albums, a greatest hits package, and eighteen singles. This total includes "
I've Been Around Enough to Know "I've Been Around Enough to Know" is a song written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee. It was first recorded in 1975 by Jo-El Sonnier for Mercury Records. Sonnier's version, his debut single, peaked at number 78 on the Hot Country Songs charts. Sonnier ...
", " Country Girls", " What's a Memory Like You", and " You're the Last Thing I Needed Tonight", all of which reached the top of the ''Billboard'' country singles charts.


Early life

John Richard Schneider was born on April 8, 1960, in
Mount Kisco, New York Mount Kisco is a Administrative divisions of New York#Village, village and Administrative divisions of New York#Town, town in Westchester County, New York, United States. The town of Mount Kisco is coterminous municipality, coterminous with the ...
, the youngest of three boys of Shirley (Frasier) chneiderConklin (1932–2016) and John "Jack" Richard Schneider III (1930–2013), a pilot who had served in the U.S. Air Force. His mother is from
Sanford, Florida Sanford is a city and the county seat of Seminole County, Florida, United States. It is located in Central Florida and its population was 61,051 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical ...
. His family included an older brother Robert, an artist living in southern New York. His other brother (also called John) died of lung failure age three, three years before John's birth. John's life as an entertainer began at the age of eight, when he put on magic shows for his peers and their families. This once got him into trouble, when he had himself chained up and tossed into a swimming pool with the intention of re-creating
Harry Houdini Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known professionally as Harry Houdini ( ), was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts. Houdini first attracted notice in vaudeville in ...
's legendary escape act. When he was 14, he and his mother moved to
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, Georgia, where his love for performing continued. He went to North Springs High School in
Sandy Springs, Georgia Sandy Springs is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States, and a suburb of Atlanta. The city's population was 108,080 at the 2020 census, making it Georgia's 7th most populous city. It is the site of several corporate headquar ...
.


Career


Acting

Schneider with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during a taping of NBC">Nancy_Reagan.html" ;"title="Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan">Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during a taping of NBC's ''Christmas in Washington'' special in 1982. At the age of 18, he won the role of Bo Duke, working alongside another newcomer Tom Wopat and veteran actor James Best. For his audition, he "borrowed a dilapidated pickup truck, put on a big ol' country accent and funky hat. I hadn't shaved and went in toting a beer. I don't know whether they believed it or not, but they liked it." Schneider learned to drive the iconic Dodge Charger in the show, but to the disappointment of many fans, he admitted he never jumped the car due to the dangerous nature of the stunt. At the height of the series' popularity, he also became a recording artist and a face of merchandise. In 1982, a tangle of legal suits with the producers over the distribution of merchandising royalties caused Schneider and co-star Tom Wopat to leave the show for most of a season. They returned to their roles in February 1983 only after their claims were satisfied. The show was canceled in 1985, after seven seasons. Schneider directed the series finale, titled "Opening Night at the Boar's Nest," airing originally on CBS, February 8, 1985. In 2001, he portrayed Jonathan Kent, the adoptive father of
Clark Kent Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
on ''
Smallville ''Smallville'' is an American superhero fiction, superhero television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The series was produce ...
'', starring in 100 episodes. Schneider directed some episodes of ''Smallville'', including "Talisman". Some episodes contain references to Schneider's work in ''The Dukes of Hazzard'', e.g. the season five episode "Exposed" is notable for reuniting Schneider with his former ''Dukes'' co-star Tom Wopat. Schneider guest starred for the latter half of season five appearing in the episodes "Void" and "Oracle". Schneider returned for the season 10 premiere of ''Smallville'', reprising his role as Jonathan Kent in a recurring role. Schneider has appeared in many films and TV series, including five guest spots on ''
Hee Haw ''Hee Haw'' is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with the fictional rural "Kornfield Kounty" as the backdrop. It aired from 1969 to 1993, and on TNN from 1996 to 1997. Reruns of the series were broadcast on ...
'' and the
miniseries In the United States, a miniseries or mini-series is a television show or series that tells a story in a predetermined, limited number of episodes. Many miniseries can also be referred to, and shown, as a television film. " Limited series" is ...
'' 10.5''. He had a recurring role on '' Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'' and made guest appearances on such shows as '' Diagnosis: Murder'', ''
Touched by an Angel ''Touched by an Angel'' is an American drama television series that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1994, and ran for 211 episodes over nine seasons until its conclusion on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius and executive produced by Ma ...
'', '' JAG'' and ''
Walker, Texas Ranger ''Walker, Texas Ranger'' is an American action fiction, action Crime drama, crime television series created by Leslie Greif and Paul Haggis. It was inspired by the film ''Lone Wolf McQuade'', with both the film and the series starring Chuck Norr ...
''. In 2009, Schneider made an appearance on '' CSI'' in an episode titled "Kill Me If You Can". He appeared in the first season of '' The Secret Life of the American Teenager'', in which his real-life son Chasen Schneider had a recurring role. During the summer of 2008 and early 2009, John portrayed "Marshall Bowman". He declined to continue through the second season and his character was written off. In 2010, Schneider appeared in the series '' Leverage'' as a corrupt music executive in the season three episode "The Studio Job", and in several episodes of ''
Desperate Housewives ''Desperate Housewives'' is an American mystery comedy-drama television series created by Marc Cherry, and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on ABC from October 3, 2004, until May 13, 2012, for a tota ...
'' as a retired military man and father of Keith Watson ( Brian Austin Green), the love interest of
Bree Van de Kamp Bree Van de Kamp is a fictional character on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC television series ''Desperate Housewives''. She was played by actress Marcia Cross, who received multiple awards and nominations for her portrayal, including a ...
. In 2011, he starred in the film ''Doonby'', as a drifter who comes into a small town and makes it better. However, a menacing force stalks him. "It's ''It's a Wonderful Life'' without the wonderful part," Schneider explains. "'Reach down into the throat of ''It's a Wonderful Life'', pull it inside out and make a movie out of it." He returned to the role of Bo Duke, alongside Tom Wopat as Luke Duke, in a 2014 commercial for Autotrader.com.


Filmmaking

In addition to acting, John Schneider owns and operates the John Schneider Studios (JSS) where he writes and produces independent films in Holden, Louisiana. John Schneider Studios (JSS) has created an infrastructure to give independent filmmakers all the tools they need to create their stories and films in one location.


Music

During Schneider's ''Dukes of Hazzard'' days, he also entered into music. In the early 80s Schneider signed with Scotti Brothers Label and released his debut full-length album, ''Now or Never'', which peaked at No. 8 on the US Country Billboard charts. The single "It's Now or Never," a remake of the Elvis Presley hit, peaked at number 4 on the US Country Billboard charts and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981 and is one of the highest charting Elvis covers of all time. Schneider continued to release albums, including ''Quiet Man'' and ''If You Believe'', and, in 1984, signed with MCA Nashville. Through MCA Nashville, Schneider released ''Too Good to Stop Now'' which included his first No. 1 hits, "I've Been Around Enough to Know" and "Country Girls," peaking at No. 1 on the CAN Country music charts. In 1985, Schneider unleashed ''Tryin' To Outrun the Wind'', followed by ''A Memory Like You'' which debuted at No. 1 on the US Country Billboard charts, a first for Schneider. The album ''A Memory Like You'' featured "What's a Memory Like You (Doing In A Love Like This)" and "You're The Last Thing I Needed Tonight," singles which both peaked at No. 1 on the US Country Billboard charts and CAN Country. In the late 80s, Schneider continued releasing albums including his Greatest Hits record. Taking some time off to pursue acting opportunities, Schneider returned with ''Worth The Wait'', ''John's Acoustic Christmas'', ''The Promise'' and ''Home For Christmas'', with ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' co-star Tom Wopat in 2014. In 2019, on January 29, LIVE, at a filming of the TV show "Good Rockin' Tonight," John Schneider was Inducted on the air into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "I hadn't done music since 1990. People responded to that music, and one thing led to another," shares Schneider. "It's funny. Even though I had a bunch of No. 1 songs, people say, 'Oh, I love that Dukes of Hazzard song you sang!' Well, I didn't sing it, Waylon Jennings sang it. I'm famous for music by a song I never sang. Crazy." In November 2021, Schneider spoke and performed at Global Vision Bible Church in Wilson County, Tennessee. In 2023, Schneider competed in season ten of '' The Masked Singer'' as "Donut". He finished in 2nd place where he also referenced the death of his wife Alicia Allain.


Theater

Schneider has also been involved with a number of stage performances: '' 42nd Street'' ittsburgh, PA (Regional)Pittsburgh CLO Revival, 2006 Julian Marsh eplacement''
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
''
roadway A carriageway (British English) or roadway (North American English) is a width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a number of traffic lane ...
Broadway Revival, 1996 Billy Flynn eplacement'' Grand Hotel''
roadway A carriageway (British English) or roadway (North American English) is a width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a number of traffic lane ...
Original Broadway Production, 1989 Felix Von Gaigern eplacement(source: Broadway World)


Audio books

Schneider took part In the "Word of Promise" Audio Bible series, which featured the voices of many famous actors and actresses. He voiced James in the Book of James.


''Dancing with the Stars''

On September 12, 2018, Schneider was announced as one of the celebrities who would compete on season 27 of ''
Dancing with the Stars ''Strictly Come Dancing (widely known as Dancing with the Stars)'' is an international television franchise based on the format of the British TV series '' Strictly Come Dancing,'' itself a successor to the show ''Come Dancing'' (1950–1998) ...
''. His professional partner was
Emma Slater Emma Slater (born 25 December 1988) is a British-American professional dancer and choreographer. She is known for her appearances on ''Dancing with the Stars (U.S. TV series), Dancing with the Stars''. Early life Slater was raised in Tamworth ...
. They became the sixth couple to be eliminated from the competition on November 5, alongside DeMarcus Ware and his professional partner Lindsay Arnold.


Personal life

In 1982, Schneider co-founded the Children's Miracle Network with
Marie Osmond Olive Marie Osmond (born October 13, 1959) is an American singer, actress, television personality, author, and businesswoman. She is known for her girl next door, girl-next-door image and her decades-long career in many different areas. Her musi ...
and her brothers. In 1995, he founded FaithWorks Productions in order to
produce In American English, produce generally refers to wikt:fresh, fresh List of culinary fruits, fruits and Vegetable, vegetables intended to be Eating, eaten by humans, although other food products such as Dairy product, dairy products or Nut (foo ...
family-oriented videos and recordings. In 1998, Schneider became a
born-again Christian To be born again, or to experience the new birth, is a phrase, particularly in evangelical Christianity, that refers to a "spiritual rebirth", or a regeneration of the human spirit. In contrast to one's physical birth, being "born again" is d ...
while living with
Johnny Johnny is an English language personal name. It is usually an affectionate diminutive of the masculine given name John (given name), John, but from the 16th century it has sometimes been a given name in its own right for males and, less commonly ...
and June Carter Cash for a short time, and speaking with Johnny about Christianity. Schneider was good friends with James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in ''
The Dukes of Hazzard ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' is an American action comedy television series created by Gy Waldron that aired on CBS from January 26, 1979, to February 8, 1985, with a total of seven seasons consisting of List of The Dukes of Hazzard episodes, 147 ...
'', until Best's death, April 6, 2015, at age 88. In a February 2024 interview with One America News Network, Schneider likened
Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...
's entry into country music to a "dog peeing on a tree." His comments were criticized as racist.


Relationships

Schneider was married to former
Miss America Miss America is an annual competition that is open to women from the United States between the ages of 18 and 28. Originating in 1921 as a "bathing beauty revue", the contest is judged on competition segments with scoring percentages: ''Priva ...
Tawny Elaine Godin from 1983 to 1986. He married his second wife, Elvira "Elly" Castle, on July 11, 1993. On December 12, 2014, TMZ.com reported that Castle had filed for divorce, They have three children: two are Castle's children from her first marriage (born in 1991) and a daughter together. Schneider began a relationship with Alicia Allain, his producing partner and owner of Maven Entertainment in April 2015. Alicia was also his personal and professional manager. They married in September 2019 and remained together until Allain's death from breast cancer on February 21, 2023. On July 23, 2024, Schneider married Dee Dee Sorvino (née Benkie), actor
Paul Sorvino Paul Anthony Sorvino (, ; April 13, 1939 – July 25, 2022) was an American actor. He often portrayed authority figures on both the criminal and the law enforcement sides of the law. Sorvino was particularly known for his roles as Lucchese cri ...
's widow. Both stars had lost their spouses in the previous two years leading up to their marriage.


Legal issues

On June 12, 2018, Schneider spoke to
Fox News The Fox News Channel (FNC), commonly known as Fox News, is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Conservatism in the United States, conservative List of news television channels, news and political commentary Television stati ...
regarding his upcoming three-day jail sentence for failing to pay
alimony Alimony, also called aliment (Scotland), maintenance (England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Canada, New Zealand), spousal support (U.S., Canada) and spouse maintenance (Australia), is a legal obligation on a person to provide ...
to his estranged wife Elvira Castle. He said he has had hard financial times and he has spent his money on repairing his studio in
Louisiana Louisiana ( ; ; ) is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It borders Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east. Of the 50 U.S. states, it ranks 31st in area and 25 ...
which was destroyed in an August 2016 flood. He was arrested at 10:29 AM and released at 3:45 PM. The short imprisonment was due to the overcrowded prison. He contrasted the warm treatment of the corrections officers to the " guilty until proven innocent" treatment he received in the court system. However, he was still ordered to perform 240 hours of
community service Community service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people for the benefit and betterment of their community contributing to a noble cause. In many cases, people doing community service are compensated in other ways, such as gettin ...
and pay the debt to Elvira, or else face imprisonment of five years. On December 21, 2023, Schneider posted a comment on X calling for the prosecution and public hanging of
U.S. President The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president directs the Federal government of the United States#Executive branch, executive branch of the Federal government of t ...
Joe Biden Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice p ...
and his son Hunter Biden for treason, including the quote "Mr. President, I believe you are guilty of treason and should be publicly hung. Your son too". The comment was deleted after it drew criticism and the attention of the
United States Secret Service The United States Secret Service (USSS or Secret Service) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security tasked with conducting criminal investigations and providing protection to American political leaders, thei ...
, who opened an investigation into the remark. Schneider has publicly denied advocating violence.


Filmography


Film


Television


Video games


Discography


Albums


Singles


Promotional singles


Music videos


References


External links

* * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Schneider, John 1960 births Living people 20th-century American singer-songwriters 20th-century American male singers 20th-century evangelicals 21st-century American singer-songwriters 21st-century American male singers 21st-century American screenwriters 21st-century American male writers 21st-century evangelicals American country singer-songwriters American evangelicals American film producers American male film actors American male musical theatre actors American male screenwriters American male singer-songwriters American male television actors American male voice actors American people of German descent Converts to evangelical Christianity Male actors from New York (state) MCA Records artists People from Mount Kisco, New York Screenwriters from New York (state)