Biography for
John Schneider (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

8 April 1960, Mount Kisco, New York, USA

Birth Name

John Richard Schneider III

Nickname

Schneidy

Height

6' 3½" (1.92 m)

Mini Biography

John Richard Schneider was born April 8, 1960, in Mt. Kisco, New York. His parents divorced when he was two. John began acting at the age of eight. He was in many plays in New York. He and his mother moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when he was fourteen. He got involved in the local theater and was in many local productions. He had a small part in Smokey and the Bandit (1977) starring Burt Reynolds.

His big break came when he won the role of Bo Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979) on CBS from 1979-1985. He auditioned for the role pretending he was a genuine country boy. He had a weeks growth of beard and held a beer can claiming he was from Snellville, Georgia. He later became a very successful country singer and had several hit songs including "I've Been Around Enough To Know" and "Country Girls." He has since opened Faith Works Productions in San Antonio, Texas. He also appears in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) as Daniel Simon/Red McCall.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Stacey Sanders <tsanders@comsource.net>

Spouse

Elly Castle	(11 July 1993 - present) 3 children
Tawny Little	(16 July 1983 - March 1986) (divorced)

Trivia

Father of Leah Schneider, Chasen Joseph Schneider and Karis Schneider.

Co-founder, with Marie Osmond, of the Children's Miracle Network charity organization in 1983. The organization helps children by raising funds for children's hospitals around the United States.

Attended North Springs High School in Atlanta, GA.

Races cars every May in the Silver State Classic Challenge held in Ely, Nevada. He races and is driver of a model of the General Lee with fellow actor friend, Jim Caviezel, who is the navigator.

On November 12, 2004, John was an honoree at the 7th Annual Silver Spur Awards show by the Reel Cowboys, an organization dedicated to the western heritage. The late Howard Keel was also honored.

In addition to starring on "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979), he wrote and/or directed several episodes of the series. He also performed many of his own stunts, including driving.

Has restored many General Lee look-alike Dodge Chargers.

According to a Season 1 commentary of "Smallville" (2001), John was approached by some kids who said, "Hey, you're Jonathan Kent!" To his relief, it was the first time that he was recognized as someone else other than "Bo" from "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979).

Lied about his age to get the role of "Bo" on "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979).

His stage work (both on- and off-Broadway) includes "Oklahoma!" and "Chicago".

Has been in various branches of show business since the age of eight. Got his start as a magician, performing assorted tricks for classmates and friends. Once, he had himself chained up and tossed into his family's swimming pool, with the intention of re-creating Harry Houdini's legendary escape act. His mother was furious when she discovered he had done this.

Has an older brother, Robert.

Personal Quotes

When "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979) was at its peak, Tom Wopat and I knew how The Beatles must have felt in Help! (1965), having an army of love-crazed girls chase you. The trick is slowing down just enough for those young ladies to catch you.