'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor Visits Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Actor John Schneider is best known to the parents of today’s North Springs Charter High School students as Bo Dukes from the classic TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard."

This same actor, most likely known by today’s Spartans as Judge Jim Carey in Tyler Perry’s "The Haves and The Have Nots," visited North Springs Charter High School on Tuesday and gave an inspiring talk to students who may be considering careers in the entertainment industry.

Schneider graduated from North Springs in 1977, “as the long-haired kid with the guitar on this back” who famously played Tevye in the school’s production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Since then, Schneider has gone on to a multi-faceted career in the entertainment industry as a TV, film and Broadway actor, musician, director and producer.

His latest venture, an independent Cinemax Film Festival that opened Oct. 24 in Roswell, brought Schneider to Sandy Springs from his home in Louisiana.

“If you’d told me 38 years ago I’d be in a beautiful theater talking to aspiring film writers, directors, musicians and actors I would never have believed it, but here you are,” Schneider enthusiastically told his audience of nearly 300 performing arts students. “Whatever your dream is today, double it. I’m here to tell you, you can do it."

Schneider proceeded to share candid practical advice from his years of experience. His self-described best advice to these youngsters?

“Do everything you can, do every audition, learn little pieces of dialogue well (because) that’s likely how you’ll get started," he added. "Be eager and ready when anybody needs something done. The more tools you have in your bag, the more likely you’ll be ready when someone needs help.”

Working in the industry boils down to "being irreplaceable" and with Georgia’s growing film industry, “there are lots of opportunities if you are willing to go for it," Schneider stated.

“What we all took away today was his genuine realness and his passion for his craft," said North Springs department chair and arts magnet co-coordinator James Landreau. "It was truly inspiring to learn from a fellow Spartan that above all else- never let anyone tell you that you can’t."

He introduced Schneider and facilitated questions and countless photos between students and Schneider, as well as faculty members who were also fans.

“In the end, he said it best," Landreau said. "Dream big and never give up."

Photo 1: Performing Arts Spartans Dottie Sandoz, Amelia Muly and Maggie Thomas with fellow Spartan actor John Schneider.
Photo 2: FCS Board member and former Spartan parent Julia Bernath with John Schneider, producer Alicia Allain and Principal Scott Hanson.
Photo 3: Drama students Zachary Maycumber, Brian Galladrdo-Martinez and Myron Parker have picture taken with John Schneider by department chair James Landreau while professional photographer Doug T. Mills looks on, along with producer and CineFlix partner Alicia Allain.
Photo 4: Graphic Design teacher Cam Lupiani had his General Lee model Dodge Charger autographed by the Spartan who made it famous, Bo Duke, aka John Schneider!
Photo 5: Reunited Spartans: photographer Doug T. Mills '75, co--PTO president Julie Abes '86, John Schneider '77 and former NSCHS volleyball coach and athletic director, Lynne Malloy '74.
Photo credits: North Springs Charter High School