• Catherine Bach is an American actress best known for her role as Daisy Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard”.
• She grew up in Faith, South Dakota and matriculated from Stevens High School in 1970.
• She brought her own homemade Daisy Duke outfit to the audition which later became iconic.
• She has been married twice, first to David Shaw and then to entertainment lawyer Peter Lopez who died by suicide in 2010.
• She has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of February 2020.
Known for movies
The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985)
as Daisy Duke
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
as Melody
African Skies (1992-1994)
as Margo Dutton
The Dukes (1983)
as Daisy Duke
Short Info
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Date Of Birth | March 1, 1954 |
| Spouse | Peter Lopez (m. 1990–2010), David Shaw (m. 1976–1981) |
| Mark | Voluptuous figure |
| Fact | Studied arts at UCLA where she supplemented her income by making clothes. |
Contents
Introduction
If you grew up in the ‘80s, you have probably seen her face. Or at least her legs, with nothing but ripped jean shorts and high heels. Yes, we are talking about Daisy Duke, or rather about Catherine Bach, as is her real-life name. You recognize her for her famous, sexy role in the action-filled series “The Dukes of Hazzard”, but how much do you really know about this hot brunette?
Early life and Education
Catherine Bachman was born on 1 March 1954, in Warren, Ohio USA. Her mother was an acupuncturist, Norma Jean Kucera, and her father was a rancher Bernard Bachman. She is of German-Mexican descent, and her mother comes from one of the earliest families that landed in California, the famous Verdugo family.
#ThrowbackThursday I still have my piggybank, do you have yours? #tbt #piggybank
Posted by Catherine Bach on Thursday, August 8, 2013
Her parents met in Europe, but divorced a couple of years after Catherine was born. Catherine mostly grew up in Faith, South Dakota, USA, on her grandparents’ ranch. She matriculated from Stevens High School in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1970, and enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), choosing drama as her major. Because her allowance wasn’t enough to pay her tuition, she made clothes for theatre groups for money, and that was her way of survival at the time, indicating that her family had a very low income, despite once being notable and famous.
Starting Her Career
She debuted her acting career at a very young age, as one of the children in a production of “The Sound of Music”.
However, her first appearance on television screens was in “The Midnight Man”, Burt Lancaster’s murder mystery that was shot in upstate South Carolina in 1973 – Bach played the small role of Natalie Claiburn, the murder victim. In the next year she landed the role of Melody in Michael Cimino’s “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot”, next to Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.
Daisy Duke
The role that skyrocketed her career was that of Daisy Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard”, that aired from 1979 to 1985. She first heard of the audition for the main role in this action-comedy TV show through her then husband, David Shaw; the producers were looking for a woman who resembled Dolly Parton, which sounded nothing like her, but she decided to try due to her love of motorcycles.
As it turned out, she charmed the casting crew and was hired instantly. She also brought numerous changes to the character’s original draft, for example, Daisy Duke was supposed to wear a white turtleneck, poodle skirt and go-go boots. Bach had other ideas, so she brought her own homemade outfit, which was a T-shirt, a pair of cut-off denim shorts and high heels – a style which later became iconic.
The poster of her posing as a Daisy Duke that she designed later sold over five million copies. In fact, her Daisy Duke character got her so much recognition, especially due to Bach’s good figure, that she decided to insure her legs for $1 million! All in all, Catherine appeared in a total of 145 episodes and stole the hearts of many, becoming the face many will remember for the age to come.
“The Dukes of Hazzard” Aftermath
Bach’s acting career continued featuring in a number of smaller films and TV shows, such as “You Again”, “Chapman”, “Hawaii Five-0” “African Skies” and “Monk”. She also did the voice acting for Daisy Duke in the 2004 video game “The Dukes of Hazzard: Return of the General Lee”, but when she was asked to cameo in the 2005 film remake of “The Dukes of Hazard” that starred Jessica Simson, she refused the offer for reasons unknown.
However, she still happily talks about her Daisy Duke days, as she once declared: ‘Sure it was a lot of fun, couldn’t you tell? It was great to come to work every day. I’m friends with everyone to this day. John Schneider is probably my best friend of all.
He’s like my brother.’ Still, she claims that she’s never seen the “Dukes of Hazzard” movie from 2005. Bach finally found her place in the acting world again when she joined the cast of “The Young and the Restless”, the CBS daytime soap opera, in the 2012. She plays the recurring role of Anita Lawson to the present day. Bach also launched her own independent diamond jewelry line at Debenhams in 2002.
Marriages
In 1976 Bach married David Shaw, who is the step-son of the actress and singer Angela Lansbury. The marriage lasted until 1981, when the couple filed for divorce for unknown reasons, but apparently there was never any drama involved.
In 1990 Bach remarried, and her new spouse was entertainment lawyer Peter Lopez, the founder of the law firm “Kleinberg Lopez Lange Cuddy and Klein”. Lopez worked with many famous names, most notably pop star Michael Jackson, even saving Jackson from bankruptcy at one point! His other clients included Julio Iglesias, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli and The Eagles.
The marriage seemed to be a happy one, and the couple had two daughters, Sophia and Laura. However, everything changed on 30th of April 2010, when the 60-year-old Lopez was found shot dead. His death was proclaimed suicide, which shocked everyone in and out of the family, as Lopez never even hinted towards depression.
In an interview, Bach said that ‘Peter was happy to the very last second. Something terrible happened to him – I just know him so well. He did this to protect my daughters and myself. There must have been some bad business, and he saw this as his only way out of my life and the daughters that we created together.’ To this day, Bach holds the same belief about her late husband and misses him dearly, often going to church to pray for him. She had a few relationships after his death, but so far she hasn’t tied the knot again and claims she doesn’t plan to.
Personal Life
Bach is fond of hot rods, growing-up with the car culture of South Dakota. She thoroughly enjoys watching car shows, and loves playing with her own motorcycles in the garage during the cold winter days.
She even visits the Midlands often so she could open the Motorhome and Caravan Shows at the NEC. Apparently her models cost somewhere between $350,000 and $500,000. She is best friends with ex-Beatle member Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach (despite the surname, the two are unrelated, as Barbara was born a Goldbach), as well as Barbara’s sister Marjorie, and the trio helped her tremendously after the passing of her husband.
Net worth
It’s said that she makes around $2,000 per episode from “The Young and the Restless”. Bach’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million as of February 2020, a big leap forward from the time when she had to hand-sew clothes to survive and get through college.
Physical characteristics
Bach has a height of 5ft 8ins (1.75m), her weight is around 150lbs (68kgs), and her vital statistics are 38-28-37. Her hair is light brunette and her eyes are brown. She is considered a very beautiful woman, who is rarely seen without a smile on her face.
General Info
| Full Name | Catherine Bach |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Date Of Birth | March 1, 1954 |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Profession | Pin-up model, Actor |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Nationality | American |
Family
| Spouse | Peter Lopez (m. 1990–2010), David Shaw (m. 1976–1981) |
| Children | Sophia Isabella Lopez, Laura Esmeralda Lopez |
| Parents | Bernard Bachman, Norma Jean Kucera Verdugo |
| Siblings | Philip Bachman |
Accomplishments
| Movies | Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Cannonball Run II, The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, Rage and Honor, The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood!, Masters of Menace, The Nutt House, You Again, Strange New World, The Midnight Man, Criminal Act, The Breakup Girl, Murder in Peyton Place, Hustle, Driving Force,... |
| TV Shows | African Skies, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Dukes |
Social profile links
Marks
| # | Marks / Signs |
|---|---|
| 1 | Deep sultry voice |
| 2 | Voluptuous figure |
| 3 | Natural brunette hair |
Quotes
| # | Quote |
|---|---|
| 1 | I was at a party in London when I met Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. She introduced herself, and I didn't believe her name. So I just replied: "Yeah, and I'm Cathy Carrot." I think maybe I got off on the wrong foot! |
| 2 | A perfect dinner for me is being with people I really want to be with. It starts and stops with my company and my family. |
Facts
| # | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revealed that she had a wonderful working relationship with James Best on The Dukes of Hazzard (1979). |
| 2 | Remains close to James Best. She even visits his website dedicated to Best's painting. |
| 3 | Has two daughters: Sophia Isabella (born January 1996) and Laura Esmeralda (born October 1998). |
| 4 | Best known by the public for her role as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard (1979). |
| 5 | Acting protégée of James Best. |
| 6 | Studied arts at UCLA where she supplemented her income by making clothes. |
| 7 | Attended and graduated from Stevens High School in Rapid City, South Dakota (1970). |
| 8 | Parents are Bernard Bachman and Norma Jean Kucera; has one brother, Philip Bachman. |
| 9 | Handmade many of the costumes she wore as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard (1979), particularly those seen in early episodes, including tops; the red bikini seen during the first episode, "One-Armed Bandits", that was immortalized in the opening credits; and her famous "Daisy Duke" cut-off jeans. |
| 10 | Her father had German ancestry and her mother had Mexican ancestry. |
| 11 | Descended from the Verdugo family, one of California's earliest landed families. |
| 12 | Her first husband is Angela Lansbury's stepson David Shaw. |
| 13 | Cut-off denim shorts are sometimes referred to as "Daisy Dukes" as often worn by her character Daisy Duke on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979). |
Pictures
Movies
Actress
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Best Friend | 2016 | TV Movie | Pearl |
| The Young and the Restless | 2012-2015 | TV Series | Anita Lawson / Anita |
| Book of Fire | 2015 | Bibiana | |
| The Breakup Girl | 2015 | Ellen | |
| Hawaii Five-0 | 2015 | TV Series | Amy Harlan |
| Chapman | 2013 | Mother | |
| You Again | 2010 | Daisy | |
| Monk | 2006 | TV Series | Sara Jo |
| The Dukes of Hazzard: Return of the General Lee | 2004 | Video Game | Daisy Duke (voice) |
| The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood | 2000 | TV Movie | Daisy Duke |
| The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! | 1997 | TV Movie | Daisy Duke |
| African Skies | 1992-1994 | TV Series | Margo Dutton |
| Rage and Honor | 1992 | Capt. Murdock | |
| The Nutt House | 1992 | Benefit Reporter | |
| Masters of Menace | 1990 | Kitty Wheeler | |
| Driving Force | 1989 | Harry | |
| Criminal Act | 1989 | Pam Weiss | |
| Trying Times | 1987 | TV Series | Actress |
| Street Justice | 1987 | Tamarra | |
| The Dukes of Hazzard | 1979-1985 | TV Series | Daisy Duke |
| Cannonball Run II | 1984 | Marcie, Lamborghini Babe | |
| The Dukes | 1983 | TV Series | Daisy Duke |
| The Love Boat | 1980-1983 | TV Series | Pamela Hodgekins / Pat Bigelow |
| White Water Rebels | 1983 | TV Movie | Trisha Parker |
| Enos | 1981 | TV Series | Daisy Duke |
| Nicole | 1978 | Sue (as Kathy Bach) | |
| Police Woman | 1977-1978 | TV Series | |
| Murder in Peyton Place | 1977 | TV Movie | Linda |
| Hustle | 1975 | Peggy Summers | |
| Strange New World | 1975 | TV Movie | Lara - the Guide |
| Matt Helm | 1975 | TV Series | Alice |
| Thunderbolt and Lightfoot | 1974 | Melody | |
| The Midnight Man | 1974 | Natalie |
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voices that Care | 1991 | TV Movie documentary performer: "Voices that Care" | |
| The Dukes of Hazzard | 1983 | TV Series performer - 1 episode |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens Wanna Know | 2014 | TV Series | Herself - Guest |
| Marie | 2013 | TV Series documentary | |
| The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | 2013 | TV Special | Herself |
| The 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | 2012 | TV Special | Herself |
| The Graham Norton Show | 2007 | TV Series | Herself - Guest |
| My First Time | 2006 | TV Series | Herself |
| CMT Insider | 2006 | TV Series | Herself |
| TV Land's Top Ten | 2005 | TV Series documentary | Herself |
| Bo, Luke & Daisy: Just Good Ole Friends | 2005 | Video documentary short | Herself |
| The CMT Music Awards | 2005 | TV Special | Herself |
| Inside Fame | 2005 | TV Series documentary | Herself |
| The 20th Anniversary Hazzard County BBQ | 2004 | Video documentary short | Herself |
| TV Road Trip | 2002 | TV Movie documentary | Herself (The Dukes of Hazzard) |
| Entertainment Tonight Presents: The Dukes of Hazzard - The Untold Story | 1999 | TV Movie documentary | Herself |
| Top Ten | 1998 | TV Series documentary | Herself - Host |
| Space Ghost Coast to Coast | 1995 | TV Series | Herself |
| 15th Annual Tejano Music Awards | 1995 | Video | Herself - Host |
| The 9th Annual Genesis Awards | 1995 | TV Special | Herself - Presenter |
| The 16th Annual CableACE Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Herself - Winner |
| Voices that Care | 1991 | TV Movie documentary | Herself - Choir Member |
| The 19th Annual Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards | 1989 | TV Special | Herself |
| Stand-up Comics Take a Stand | 1988 | TV Special documentary | Herself |
| The18th Annual Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards | 1988 | TV Special | Herself |
| The 5th Annual American Cinema Awards | 1988 | TV Special | Herself |
| Hour Magazine | 1988 | TV Series | Herself |
| Farm Aid '87 | 1987 | TV Special | Herself |
| Star Search | 1984 | TV Series | Herself - Introducer |
| CBS All-American Thanksgiving Day Parade | 1984 | TV Special | Herself |
| The Annual American Image Awards | 1984 | TV Special | Herself - Presenter |
| The 19th Academy of Country Music Awards | 1984 | TV Special | Herself |
| Bob Hope's Merry Christmas Show | 1983 | TV Movie | Herself |
| The 40th Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1983 | TV Special | Herself - Presenter |
| Battle of the Network Stars XII | 1982 | TV Special | Herself - CBS Team |
| Night of 100 Stars | 1982 | TV Special | Herself |
| The Regis Philbin Show | 1981 | TV Series | Herself |
| Circus of the Stars #6 | 1981 | TV Special | Herself |
| The Magic of David Copperfield IV: The Vanishing Airplane | 1981 | TV Special | Herself - Special Guest |
| The Midnight Special | 1981 | TV Series | Herself |
| The Nashville Palace | 1980 | TV Series | Herself |
| Battle of the Network Stars VIII | 1980 | TV Special | Herself - CBS Team |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1979-1980 | TV Series | Herself - Actress |
| Battle of the Network Stars VI | 1979 | TV Special | Herself - CBS Team |
| Look Magazine Gala Party | 1979 | TV Movie | Herself |
| All-Star Family Feud Special | 1979 | TV Series | Herself - Celebrity Contestant |
| Family Feud | 1976 | TV Series | Herself - Contestant / Herself |
| Almost Royal | 2014 | TV Series | Herself - Daisy Duke |
Archive Footage
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saucy 70's Volume 2 | 2010 | Video documentary | |
| CMT: The Greatest - 20 Greatest Country Comedy Shows | 2006 | TV Special | Daisy Duke |
| Joe Bob's Drive-In Theater | 1994 | TV Series | Capt. Murdock |
| Sei un fenomeno | 1991 | TV Mini-Series | Herself |
| Reel Horror | 1985 | Sue | |
| Bob Hope's Unrehearsed Antics of the Stars | 1984 | Documentary | Herself |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
