At 72, ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ Star Tom Wopat Looks ‘Handsome As Ever’ Years After Playing Luke Duke

Sep 18, 2023

Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual themes involving minors and sexual assault that may be troubling for some readers.

Tom Wopat turned 72 in 2023, and fans have wondered how he was decades after he portrayed the iconic role of Luke Duke in the famed television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” 

Luckily, there were photos of what he looked like in 2023, thanks to social media, and fans still saw him as someone who looked good despite the big differences between his physical traits from before.

Before we dive into his birthday celebration and the positive comments he received from online users who loved and adored him throughout their childhood, let’s take a look at his personal life.

Born Thomas Steven Wopat in Lodi, Wisconsin, the actor spent his childhood with a big family as he was the fifth of the eight children that his parents raised.

Wopat began his acting journey in the TV show “One Life to Live,” but his biggest role came to be in the show “The Dukes of Hazzard” from 1979 to 1985. Aside from his acting skills on the series, fans also praised him for his charming looks with his thick brunette hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. In total, he appeared in over 128 episodes of the show. 

The role of Luke Duke was later portrayed by other actors, Johnny Knoxville in 2005 and Randy Wayne in 2007.

Other acting credits of Wopat include “Christmas Comes to Willow Creek,” “A Peaceable Kingdom,” “Fantasy Island,” and many more.

In addition to his professional work as an actor, Wopat was also able to enter the world of music as he had several albums, and his genre revolved around country music and rock and roll. He later mixed acting and singing when he starred in the Broadway production of “I Love My Wife.” 

Unfortunately, Tom Wopat also faced legal troubles later in life. TMZ reported in September 2017 that there were charges filed against him after he allegedly inappropriately touched a minor on the set of the play “42nd Street.”

In addition, the actor allegedly also said a few inappropriate words to the 16-year-old girl at the time, and even though she ignored him, he told police during an interview that the situation made her uncomfortable.

The following year, Wopat pleaded guilty to his wrongdoings as he touched two women inappropriately during the run of the musical production. He hoped his "good name" would be restored.

In 2023, the actor found his way back and brought fresh sounds through his album “Simple Man,” which featured songs like “Leave It Like It Is,” “Frozen Man,” and more.

In an interview with Forbes published in March 2023, Wopat described his record as “an Americana album” because it contained a few ballads, blues, and tracks that were appropriate for Broadway. Aside from original music, there were also cover songs included in the project.

“I have a couple of ballads, some blues, some Broadway tunes. There’s a couple of James Taylor songs, a Shawn Colvin song, and a couple of originals,” he told the outlet. 

He also revealed in the interview that his love for music and acting started early on in his life as he began doing musicals when he was still in school.

By the age of 13, he started playing the guitar and sang his heart out because it was around the same era when the Beatles started becoming popular. Wopat later studied voice at the University of Wisconsin.

“Between theater and recording, live performing, television and film, it certainly keeps my interest,” Wopat said of his years of career. 

In September 2023, many fans were able to go down memory lane as the actor took to his official Instagram account to celebrate his birthday.

The greeting included three photos of him. The first one was an old colored image of himself, and it appeared that it was a look for his “The Dukes of Hazzard” character, Luke Duke. The last two photos were more updated as they featured him rocking white hair, a mustache and a goatee. 

Fans gathered around the comment section to wish him a happy birthday.

“Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the memories!” one wrote.

“Happy Birthday Tom Wopat!! Enjoy your day!! Thank you and the cast for my favorite show The Dukes of Hazzard!❤️❤️❤️” another one wrote.

“Have a geat day Tom! unforgettable and loved Luke Duke!” one commented.

“Happy birthday, Tom!! Wishing you all the best today and all the days to come!! 🎈🎁🎉🎂” another one greeted.

In another photo posted months prior to his birthday, the actor came to The North Alabama Market, where he met up with some of his fans. He was celebrated by online users for what he looked like in 2023. Despite the massive change in his facial features due to aging, fans continued to praise him for his good looks.

“Looking great brother!!” one wrote.

“Still handsome as ever!” one commented.

“Great to see you at your age that you are not slowing down!!! All the best to you Tom.” another one wrote.

What do you think of Tom Wopat’s look in 2023? Did he give you an amazing childhood after he starred as Luke Duke in the series “The Dukes of Hazzard?” Let us know your thoughts, and don't forget to share this with everyone you know.

If you or anybody you know is affected by sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org. The Hotline provides 24/7, confidential support for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals.