Catherine Bach: The Iconic Daisy Duke Then and Now
On Friday nights in 1979, I was glued to the TV when The Dukes of Hazzard came on. Like many boys back then, I had a crush on Daisy Duke, played by the stunning Catherine Bach.
Now 68, Catherine Bach remains a cultural icon. Her portrayal of Daisy Duke—with her handmade denim shorts and confident attitude—left a lasting impression on pop culture. Those famous “Daisy Dukes” are still a fashion staple today.
But Catherine was more than a pretty face. When producers wanted her in a poodle skirt and go-go boots, she pushed back and created her own look—an early sign of the independence and vision that would define her career.
Born in Warren, Ohio in 1954, Catherine spent her childhood between her father’s ranch in South Dakota and her mother’s home in California. She fell in love with acting early on and moved to Hollywood right after high school.
After a few small roles, she landed her breakout part on The Dukes of Hazzard, thanks to a tip from her then-husband. The rest is TV history.
And yes—those iconic legs were once insured for a million dollars.