In a business known for its decidedly ephemeral nature, John Schneider has staying power. After nearly 30 years on stage, screen and studio, he still performs regularly in all mediums.
The consummate good guy surprised audiences in F/X’s acclaimed “Nip/Tuck,” with a recurring role as porn producer Ram Peters, a mystery man from Kimber’s past. He also co-starred in the Hallmark Channel Movie Event “Shark Swarm,” opposite F. Murray Abraham and Daryl Hannah, and played one of Catherine Zeta Jones’ loves interests in the comedy feature film “Rebound.”
Schneider wrote, directed and starred in the action-adventure film “Collier & Company” which was released theatrically in 2007 by his own distribution company A Grass Roots Effort and just released on DVD. He is passionate about the art of filmmaking and was involved in every aspect of the movie. A seasoned director, he also helmed episodes of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Smallville” and the telefilm “Mary Christmas,” which aired on PAX TV. He continues to direct and recently finished starring in and directing much of the new mini-series “26 Miles” which filmed on Catalina Island and allowed him to showcase his musical talents.
The busy actor was a series regular for five seasons on the acclaimed drama “Smallville” as ‘Jonathan Kent,’ the father of teenage ‘Clark Kent.’ He was also a series regular as ‘Daniel,’ the sheriff on the popular CBS television series “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.”
Schneider is also an accomplished singer, guitar player and song writer. He has released 11 solo albums, four of which he co-produced with music legend Jimmy Bowen, and has performed in numerous Broadway shows, such as the award-winning musical Grand Hotel, The Will Rogers Follies, Brigadoon, Music Man, and Civil War. He continues to perform on stage and appeared last summer at the Hollywood Bowl in Mame, in the role of yet another smooth Southerner, ‘Beauregard.’ He starred on Broadway once again in Chicago as ‘Billy Flynn.’
On the big screen, Schneider has appeared in over 15 features including “Snow Day” with Chevy Chase, Garry Marshall’s “Exit to Eden” and “Eddie Macon’s Run,” opposite Kirk Douglas.
Recognizing a need for better healthcare for children, he co-founded the Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization dedicated to helping children by raising funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals throughout North America. Each year, these hospitals treat more than 17 million children. Since its inception, the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration has raised more than $3.5 billion and is the only telethon that gives 100% of the money raised directly to the beneficiary.
Schneider was born in upstate New York and began performing in local theater by the age of eight. When he was 18, he heard about a casting call for a new series called “The Dukes of Hazzard.” His agent tried to dissuade him from auditioning since they were looking for actors far older and from the South, so Schneider showed up to the audition with a six pack of beer and a torn shirt and convinced the producers he was a 24-year-old farmer from “Snailville” GA. Not bad for an 18-year-old from Westchester County, New York! The producers were sold on the young actor, and for six seasons he starred as ‘Bo Duke’ on the hugely popular 80’s comedy-adventure series that became a part of the national zeitgeist.
To this day, Schneider has a love of cars and has an impressive collection of classic automobiles he works on. He likes poker, golf and gardening, and he reportedly makes a mean cappuccino!
