Usually, he celebrates his birthday on the 9th of September every year. I come from a liberal background for sure, but when I was growing up in Lodi, Wisconsin it was lily white and there was no talk of gays -- none of that. Celebrated singer and actor Pat Boone noted in a recent interview that conservative stars in Hollywood are wary of publicly discussing their personal politics for fear of public backlash. And the creative team, her and the DP (Jason Beasley) and the writer (Jack Bryant), they have history that helps the process a lot because they know what they want. 'I do think there's a bias against conservatives, Republicans, in Hollywood, but I think if you let that alter how you are, then I question how you are,' Schneider said in an interview with Fox Newsafter his release. For Jones, 78, who now owns a chain of Hazzard-themed shops called Cooters Place the website currently sellsface maskswith the General Lees 01 numbering the controversy is a tragedy., There are 80 million descendants of the Confederacy one out of four people has that heritage. The actor is best-known for his role as Bo Duke on the hit series from 1979 to 1985, as well as in several revivals in the early 2000s. I dont blame TV Land for pulling Dukes off. Market data provided by Factset. I have never had an African American come up to me and have any problem with it whatsoever, John Schneider (Bo), 60, tells THR, adding that the whole politically correct generation has gotten way out of hand., Tom Wopat (Bos cousin Luke), 68, strikes a more conciliatory tone. Andy Warhol was right in his time, but wrong now. 06:16 EDT 14 Jun 2018. I had relatives fight on both sides of the Civil War and we honored both the American and Confederate flags, he told THR. Tom Wopat Talks of his Role in Timely Gay Conversion Film 'Fair Haven Thanks for contacting us. Most people can understand a feeling of resentment. Sometimes the trip itself sitting silently and letting the music wash over us was more fun than the hiking or fishing plans we made. It all starts with the written word. Castle filed for divorce in December 2014 after 21 years of marriage. I cant understand why hes just not run out on a rail.. Schneider went on to say that no matter your political stance, its important to support the president regardless for the sake of our country. 'Dukes of Hazzard' star John Schneider says Confederate flag It's official! If you believe it, speak it, live it.. The iconic country comedy series began its run in 1979 and continued until 1985 with Tom Wopat playing Luke Duke and Schneider portraying his cousin Bo Duke. THR also spoke to Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter the mechanic on the show and later went on to serve as a Democratic Georgia congressman from 1989 to 1993, took a sympathetic stance to the flag. It was simply a part of our Southern culture.. When asked what his song,Playing Dumb, was about, Petty said it related to sex abuse within the Catholic Church. The situation in the country has obviously changed in the last 40 years. He claimed that he couldn't afford the payments after losing the majority of his money when hisLouisiana movie studio was destroyed by floods in March 2016. The future sees Tom working on several more films, plus touring the U.S. to . Appearing 3 Credits. And if theres anyone who should feel resentment over injustice, its the most marginalized people in America. Kings right-hand man Andy Young is a dear friend of mine. A: We are collateral damage. . Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider was released early from jail this week, and is now blaming his conservative values for the few hours he spent in the slammer. I knew what we shot and I liked the way it was assembled.EDGE: You are an eclectic talent, film, TV, music, stage. It's always educational for me. TheWrap also reached out to Catherine Bach, who played Bo and Lukes cousin Daisy Duke on the series. Tom Petty himself was open about his political views. 'Dukes of Hazzard' star Tom Wopat said he 'never really - MSN I feel fortunate. The good part is they fade quicker. It could appeal to people protesting the president over his stances on immigration policy or poor people and people with disabilities who see their safety nets and health care attacked over and over again. The actor, however, had been released after only five hoursdue to overcrowding. I supported the last president [even though] I didnt vote for him, but I supported him because I believe thats my duty as a United States citizen, he said, referring to President Barack Obama. 'I have never had an African American come up to me and have any problem with it whatsoever,' Schneider, 60, who played Bo on the program told the Hollywood Reporter. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Rohrabacher told The Hollywood Reporter Boones willingness to speak out has decisively strengthened his run. Suffice to say, James' repressed desires soon manifest and he must also deal with his very real father demons. Dukes of Hazzard co-stars John Schneider and Tom Wopat addressed the long-time controversy over the show's iconic General Lee car, saying political correctness has gone too far as protests mountover the Confederate flag that the famed vehicle features prominently on its roof. Mr. Schneider discussed his career, the lasting appeal of Dukes of Hazzard and the Confederate flag controversy that left the Dukes as unfortunate victims. It wasnt the only one of his songs that was clearly about an actual news event. Thats good if it makes the right people angry, and good, thatll wake them up a little bit, he said. I don't worry about it. Moreover, the ex-blessed duo welcomed Joey Wopat and Taylor Wopat, respectively. Now its like 15 seconds. This is a story about a woman who is ready to suffer the consequences of wanting more for her life. Tom Wopat was born on September 9, 1951, in Lodi, Wisconsin, under the zodiac sign of Virgo. And from then on when there's something I'm really ambivalent about going in for -- I hate auditioning, it's not a pleasant process for me -- I'll just defer to her. '[Within the] court system, I was treated like I was guilty until proven innocent, like a second-class citizen,' he said, and added that it's time for Hollywood stars to 'come out of the Republican closet.'. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. She's got a right Lotte cheek with tantrums, feisty remarks and bossing her brothers about. There used to be more of us, the 84-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter Monday. By Waltham Police confirmed that Wopat was arrested just before 11 p.m. Wopat . He first achieved fame as Lucas K. "Luke" Duke on the long-running television action/comedy series The Dukes of Hazzard. That was the end. Woods added there are many conservative stars who dont speak up because the blacklist against conservatives in Hollywood is very real.. It is always the story. You belong among the wildflowers The difference here is that I did vote [for Trump] and I dont mind people knowing that., American actors John Schneider, Catherine Bach and Tom Wopat in a promotional portrait for the TV show 'The Dukes of Hazzard" circa 1980. You belong with your love on your arm "The situation in the country has obviously changed in the last 40 years. I think. Wopat, who gained fame as Luke Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard and Jeff . A song thatis laden with melancholy but hides it via seemingly enthralling melody asTodd VanDerWerff wrote at Vox, is more than appropriate here. Ive been in the comedy world for 30 years as a comic and theres nothing more dangerous right now for all of the comics I know, what we can and cannot say. But my father was very open-minded and fair. It feels like it could be a game changer for you.Tom Wopat: We'll see. 19-year-old James (an effective Michael Grant), an aspiring concert pianist, has just returned from his long "conversion" stay to his family farm run by his emotionally unavailable and perpetually angsty father, Richard (Tom Wopat). That seemed appropriate, since Pettys music allowed us to sit in our pain for a moment, to fully feel it. "I supported the last president [even though] I didn't. Castle, in her divorce petition seeking spousal support, stated that she was a stay at home mother throughout their marriage and did not have the skills to compete in the modern workforce. Petty writes that people should always be prepared to learn something new and keep an open mind to other perspectives: You will never be told when the next bit of education is coming or where its coming from or who the teacher will be. Schneider also had recurring roles on Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman and the reboot of 90210. (AP). Annual fan conventions like the Good Ol Boys Fest in West Virginia thrown by Ben Jones, who played Cooter the mechanic before going on to become a Democratic Georgia congressman from 1989 to 1993 have been known to draw over 100,000 spectators. Wopat, 69, was more understanding of the current generations call to remove the flag from pop culture. "Fair Haven" is in limited theatrical release. I believe that as parent. Tom Wopat became a household name when he starred on the beloved television show "Dukes Of Hazzard" from 1979 through 1985. For more information, visit the "Fair Haven" website.Watch the trailer to "Fair Haven": Enter your email address below to receive daily email updates including news, giveaways and more. Frank is a recipient of the International Writers Residency in Assisi, Italy, a Bogliasco Foundation Fellowship, and a NJ State Arts Council Fellowship. Kathy Wopat: The Untold Truth About Tom Wopat's Wife - LinkedIn Tom Wopat, the former "Dukes of Hazzard" star who last year admitted to accosting female cast members during rehearsals for a Waltham musical in 2017, is cautioning fans to ignore scams from . He called the war in Iraq shameful, and added, The guy lied. Tom Wopat played Jeff Robbins. But they weren't the first to dump offensive or racist team names. And that kind of stuff is what I enjoy. Petty said that the song, Learning to Fly, was inspired by images he saw of the Gulf War on television. Today's political climate, with Mike Pence having supported conversion therapy, the film feels quite important.Tom Wopat: I think it's really timely and I think they did a beautiful job of putting it together. It is really like dancing on the thinnest ice. Is Houston REALLY About To Be Bigger Than Chicago?? Wildflowers is a simple, sweet song, but it sends a message that everyone should have love in their lives and be free to love a message that could easily apply to same-sex couples. People that are owned by hundreds of thousands of people have to do what they feel is politically correct, whether its right or not. Oklahoma City University changed its team name from the Chiefs to the Stars in 1999,having actually been nicknamed the Stars prior to 1944. In contrast, Petty appeared to be thrilled when President Barack Obama played the same song in 2012 at the Democratic National Convention. WALTHAM (CBS) - Dukes of Hazzard actor Tom Wopat was arrested Wednesday night in Waltham on drug and assault charges. How much do they cost? He wasnt afraid to wade into emotionally charged controversies. Q: What do you think about the Confederate flag controversy that caused cable networks to stop running Dukes of Hazzard because the car had a Confederate flag on its roof? In 2007, the University of Illinois dropped the Chief Illiniwek logo and mascot following two decades of complaints that the logo and the mascot's ceremonial dance performed during halftime perpetuated stereotypes. He originated the role of Frank Abagnale Sr. in the musical Catch Me If You Can and was featured in the musical revue Sondheim on Sondheim. A: I dont know. That has turned out to be really rewarding.EDGE: I hope this film and your performance is seen. The Met Gala begins! Jailed John Schneider claims conservative values 'hurt him in court' EDGE: And upcoming projects?Tom Wopat: I got a little recurring thing on 'Longmire,' (on TV) so I'll be doing another one of those. I texted my dad the moment I learned Petty was hospitalized for cardiac arrest. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Tom Wopat is a $2 million net-worth American actor and singer. Controversial NHS Tavistock transgender clinic is threatened with court action by watchdog after failing to 'Dukes of Hazzard' Stars John Schneider and Tom Wopat Respond to Controversy Over Car's Confederate Flag | Hollywood Reporter, Do not sell or share my personal information. In 2000, Nebraska Wesleyan University changed its mascot to the Prairie Wolf after representing the schoolas the Plainsmen since 1933. Q: Youve done decades of work, but still most people remember you as Bo Luke from Dukes of Hazzard., A: Of course they do! I'm being halfway facetious. What Is Tom Wopat Doing These Days? - American Profile Photo Source: Facebook John Schneideris trying to keep the Dukes of Hazzard legacy alive. Clevelands baseball team is the latest to bow to public pressure over offensive names and logos. And my agent twisted my arm to do it. Tom Petty was the soundtrack to my childhood. Dukes of Hazzard stars address Confederate flag controversy on car In his recent tour for the 40th anniversary of his band, Petty showed a number of photos of a diverse group of women while he sang the song . And Ill keep this world from draggin me down He claimed being a proud conservative made it difficult for him to find work in Hollywood. Tom Wopat in Catch Me If You Can Mom, grandma, everyone wanted to watch it together. Tom Wopat - Married Celeb Oops, this content can't be loadedbecause you're having connectivity problems, Stay always informed and up to date with our breaking news alerts, By Keith Valcourt Special to The Washington Times, The death of liberal arts in higher education: A special report from The Washington Times. A: That was in part due to a manager who said, The Duke boys will not be cheated, and neither will we. Thats what costs me like $100 million dollars. 'Dukes Of Hazzard' Star Arrested In Waltham - CBS Boston The stories and themes of his music were often vague enough that it could apply to a wide variety of people and experiences. This he garnered over the years through his professional career as an American actor as well as his. or redistributed. All rights reserved. Answer: We need to have more entertainment we can sit and watch together with our entire family. Still, it has had its fans both during its original run and later in repeats. EDGE: What drew you to 'Fair Haven' and wanting to play Richard?Tom Wopat: He's a generational farmer. Schneider was ordered by a judge on Monday to serve the brief prison sentence as well as perform 240 hours of community service. Earlier this year, he was accused in court documents of missing monthly support payments of $18,911 from September 2016 through May 2017. We were obviously playing to the home team there. Tom Wopat Reveals Why 'Dukes Of Hazzard' Was 'A Blessing' I had a [congressional] office right there in the Martin Luther King district. There used to be 15 minutes of fame for everyone. Wopat and Schneider are pictured with co-star Catherine Bach in a publicity still from the show. The difference here is that I did vote [for Trump] and I dont mind people knowing that.. Find where to watch Tom Wopat's latest movies and tv shows . In a massive, moving tribute to Americans taken by gun violence in Orlando, 40 of Broadways biggest stars took over the DNC stage to sing a stirring rendition of the Hal David and Burt Bachrach classic, What the World Needs Now Is Love. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers American Girl is a great example of how relevant Pettys music is today. It's a really good life right now. Tom Wopat on the set of Country Line: No Fear / Instagram Originally, the actor had been married to Vickie Allen for 15 years. The comments below have not been moderated, By Yet, they continue down the road. Wont be turned around My unfriendings on social media have been many from acquaintances and close working associates to good friends including even my best friend. Most of them have no problem with the flag at all, Jones, 78, said. Cancel culture is very short-sighted, and its very much against everything I believe in concerning freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Tom Wopat | Texas Leftist Controversy over Confederate flags has grown in the wake of protests that erupted after the police-related slaying of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. In July 2020, the Washington Redskins announced it would retire its name and logo after FedEx, which has a minority stake in the team and naming rights for its stadium, voiced opposition. The party of tolerance and acceptance is only accepting if you agree with them, he said. This was a family show. For every man of God that lives with hidden Devils. Also Read: Fox's Stock Spikes 7 Percent After AT&T-Time Warner Approval. By birth, his full name is Thomas Steven Wopat. 'There's a group now that somehow feels they're entitled to life or even luxury without work and the judicial system apparently agrees with that.'. Tom Wopat, the former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard," the 1980s TV sitcom about good ol' boys eluding the law, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of "annoying and accosting a person of the. No one even connected the Confederate flag with slavery. That said, Waldron does wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter movement and its quest to address racism around the world, he adds. Also Read: What 'Dead to Me' Taught Linda Cardellini About Grief: 'No Matter How Much You Love, You Will Lose', Dukes of Hazzard was a unifying force. I know this. Singer. Known as Luke Duke from, "The Dukes of Hazzard.". Among their objections was that the two male leads appear to be on the wrong side of the law, that the subject of illegitimate parenthood was treated humorously, and that one of the female regulars is often seen in skimpy costume, according to a Hollywood Reporteraccount. 'Annie Get Your Gun,' on the other had, that was about as much fun as you can have! 'Dukes of Hazzard' Stars John Schneider and Tom Wopat Respond to I wasn't stunned by anything (I saw) on the screen. Davies addedhe feels it is the actors' responsibility to explore other beliefs and to constantly question, which can actually enhance their performances when taking on a variety of roles that are different from their real-life personas. Ive always placed peoples values on what they are for, the Smallville star continued. But who benefits from division? he says. And unlike a plethora of famous men who believe stubbornness is strength, Petty could admit when he was wrong. Before it even premiered on CBS on Jan. 26, 1979, then-CBS programming chief B. Donald Grant squared off with a roomful of TV critics who hated it. , updated We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Kings right-hand man Andy Young is a dear friend of mine. There are 80 million descendants of the Confederacy one out of four people has that heritage. She cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing. Tom Wopat clicked at an event. You can cut your throat by doing a movie with the right message that is poorly written. As Im getting older and older and trying to define what comes out of my soul, I write screenplays that help you be more comfortable with your uncomfortable thoughts. Tom Wopat (@wopatofficial) / Twitter The look of love! 3) During the filming of the pilot episode, 2 directors were eating breakfast in the Covington when they heard a car drive by that played the "Dixie" as the horn. He declared on Twitter that he switched parties because of his disgust with the former president. Despite its success, the show has stopped airing on broadcast TV and currently is only available for on Amazon's Prime streaming platform, which may remove the show in response to the controversy. Police hunt for Brixton killer after woman in her 30s is stabbed to death in broad daylight near O2 Academy. As of 2023, he is 72 years old and his horoscope is Virgo. 'If I had it [money], I would've given it to her just to let this go away but I don't have it,' he said. He also runs a Dukes of Hazzard themed-shop called Cooters Place. Hollywood conservatives like Pat Boone, James Woods and John Schneider say more stars feel like they need to keep their political beliefs to themselves in order to avoid backlash and being blacklisted. A Justification For Black Lives Matter, CONFIRMED: Tidal Music Streaming Counted On Billboard Charts, Ingressive Voices- Episode 19: Post Election Take In, IVP 13: Ingressive Voices Podcast- Full Text. But we had enough. If I win in a squeaker, Pat Boone will have made the difference, he said. That is not say that every movie has to be that, but certainly a measurable percentage of them need to be better. It was so much fun to be hero again after all these years. I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Ben Jones and creator Gy Waldron all spoke their minds to The Hollywood Reporter. We are out among people from coast to coast all year round . That led to NASCAR abandoning its use of the Confederate flag, which had been a staple at the national race car circuit. And I think its because parents save their General Lees and pass them down to another generation. The use of the mascot dated back to 1926. 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The subtext reeks of, "I'm so glad you're no longer a faggot. Its like I live in a bubble. Tom Wopat, 68, struck a more conciliatory tone. So it wasn't like I was in the dark. I know Richard very, very well. Its just awful. Speaking to people sharing stories, a film like 'Fair Haven,' has an urgency right now. Gonna stand my ground. Those fans would introduce their own children to the series when it ran for years in constant syndication. The change was advocated by Dr. Myrtis Powell, who consulted the Oklahoma-based Miami tribe. He is the father of five children. I know there are certain people in Hollywood who would not work with me because I have said things that are not PC, the 74-year-old toldFox News. In June, former Home Improvement child star Zachery Ty Bryan told Fox & Friends that many would be surprised to learn of the amount of anonymous conservative celebrities that dont talk much about their stance. His unique voice, with that nasal quality and a distinctive Florida twang, always sounded like it was searching for something, but that it was also resigned to never finding it. Ive been attacked with obscenities, called a racist, and had one person tell me he hoped I would die.. Q: Why were you not on Dukes of Hazzard for the one season in the middle of the run? This was a family show. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Tom Wopat "Luke Duke" performs 'County Line' (Acoustic) I know this. And all these issues of sexual identity has really come to the fore during my lifetime, not that it wasn't there before but I would have to say a lot of the recognition has come in the last 30-40 years.EDGE: What is your process like?Tom Wopat: I'm more of a reactive actor than somebody who goes in there with a real concrete idea of what I'm going to do. He's relieved and beams, "Your mom would be proud of you." You just leave the door open a crack. We havent missed a generation yet, but we may miss this next one., One logical move to erase the flag digitally is a nonstarter, at least as far as Jones is concerned. YOU'VE REACHED YOUR MONTHLY ARTICLE LIMIT. You belong in a boat out at sea A: Script. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, Fox's Stock Spikes 7 Percent After AT&T-Time Warner Approval, 'This Is America' Director Hiro Murai in Talks for Feature Directorial Debut 'Man Alive' at Fox. He gives me credibility with that demographic.. The Dukes of Hazzard is not currently airing in syndication on TV, but it is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Im looking forward to the day when the wind finally comes out of the sails of all that nonsense, he explained. The car, named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee, has enjoyed its own popularity as much as the actors, becoming a crowd pleaser at fan and collectors conventions, Despite its success, the show has stopped airing on broadcast TV and currently is only available for on Amazon's Prime streaming platform.