The iconic Hollywood actress was left “devastated” by the unexpected passing of her children’s father. More than ten years after the loss, she has reinvented herself, showcasing a look distinct from her early days in the spotlight.
This star rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a household name thanks to her role in the beloved action series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Despite portraying one of television’s most iconic characters, she nearly missed out on her role in the popular series.
The actress on the set of the television show, “The Dukes of Hazzard,” 1980 | Source: Getty Images
In a candid interview, the public figure shared, “It was a complete fluke that I was Daisy Duke! I’m half Mexican and half German, and my agency said, ‘You’re way too exotic and just not television material’ — and they fired me!”
John Schneider, the actress and Tom Wopat pictured in a promotional portrait for “The Dukes of Hazzard,” on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
However, she was determined to prove her critics wrong. The actress revealed that her first husband, David Shaw, had connections with Bob Clark, who was collaborating with Gy Waldron, the creator of the show.
Tom Wopat, the actress, and John Schneider pictured on the set of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Bob suggested they meet her, as the character was partly inspired by her. Initially, she was reluctant, telling a friend that they had been searching for over a year for someone who fit the mold of a blonde like Dolly Parton.
John Schneider, the actress, and Tom Wopat on the set of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” 1982 | Source: Getty Images
However, her friend convinced her to go, and just two weeks later, she was cast. She even designed the iconic Daisy Duke outfit herself, proudly noting that she’s now seen as the All-American girl.
The actress attends the Warner Brothers Press Party for “The Dukes of Hazzard” on February 2, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
As the star captivated audiences on-screen, her spouse worked behind the scenes as a production manager and producer. Shaw gained recognition for his work on films such as “Murder, She Wrote” (1984) and “The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax” (1999).
The actress and David Shaw during Look Magazine party on February 14, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The television star and her first husband were married from 1976 to 1981 and did not have any children together. She later wed music attorney Peter Lopez, a co-founder of the law firm Kleinberg Lopez Lange Cuddy & Klein. Lopez had represented well-known artists, including Michael Jackson and Michael Bublé.
The actress and Peter Lopez pictured on January 1, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
The pair married in 1990 and welcomed two daughters together. They had their first child Sophia in January 1996 and their second daughter, Laura, was born in October 1998.
The family woman reflected on her married life with Lopez in an interview. She often thought to herself, feeling immense happiness and gratitude. The celebrity felt blessed with her family and the man she deeply loved. In her eyes, there were no problems; everything seemed perfect.
The actress during Jane Wooster Scott Exhibit on during Jane Wooster Scott Exhibit on December 7, 1982 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“‘I’m able to stay home with our kids. He makes a good living, he was a lawyer. This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.’ And then all of a sudden it was just gone,” she said.
Peter Lopez and the actress attend the 15th Annual American Music Awards on January 25, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
The Ohio native’s life was shattered in April 2010 when her husband of 20 years took his own life at their home. She shared her memories of that tragic day during an interview. While preparing breakfast, her husband came up behind her at the stove and asked, “Hey, aren’t you forgetting something?”
The actress and Peter Lopez at The Weinstein Company’s 2007 Golden Globes After Party on January 15, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Initially, she was confused, thinking she had everything in order, but then she realized and turned to embrace him, giving him a big kiss and saying, “I love you.” This was a daily ritual for them whenever he was home—a way to affirm their love.
Peter Lopez and the actress during A Family Celebration Second Annual Gala on April 1, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She then asked him if he could take the kids to school because she was running late for her meetings. He agreed, and as he walked away, she watched him, admiring him as she always did, noting how he paused, shrugged his shoulders, and turned slightly before leaving.
The mother of two recalled how, at that moment, it seemed like he wanted to say something, but the morning was so busy that he chose not to and continued walking down the hallway. She believed he had something on his mind, but there just wasn’t time for them to talk.
He took their daughters to school, and as they got out of the car, he told them, “Bye, I love you.” They responded, “Bye, dad,” and that was the last time they saw him. The family woman confirmed that her husband took his own life with a gun. He was on their property, which spanned a few acres behind gates, and had walked to the top of the property before the incident occurred.
She heard the gunshot and ran up the hill to find out what had happened. However, a sense of responsibility for her two young daughters stopped her from going further, reminding her to avoid any potential danger.
It was one of the household staff members who eventually discovered him. They immediately called 911, and the police quickly arrived, surrounding their home.
The actress and Peter Lopez at The Alzheimer’s Association’s 11th Annual “A Night at Sardi’s” Awards Dinner on February 26, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
“We were so devastated. When you are part of a happy family unit, you lose part of that… I mean, we were completely insulated and happy with our family,” admitted the veteran star. She and her oldest daughter immersed themselves in numerous books after her husband’s death, searching for answers as to why it happened.
The actress and Sophia Lopez at the premiere of “Trumbo” 2015 | Source: Getty Images
With no issues like drug use, heavy drinking, or financial troubles, she struggled to make sense of it. In an interview, the celebrity revealed she would take a course on suicide to gain a deeper understanding.
The doting parent felt she had no choice but to be strong for her daughters, recognizing them as the legacy of her and Lopez’s love. She knew she couldn’t focus on her own grief, as her priority was keeping the family together.
The actress shared that speaking openly about her tragedy helped her stay strong for her kids. She wasn’t ashamed and focused on taking care of her daughters and herself to stay resilient. The celebrity also emphasized her dedication to her children and that they attended grief therapy together, which she believes is crucial for healing.
In her journey toward healing, she turned to her faith and community for strength. As a devout Catholic, the Hollywood star prayed frequently, attended church often, and relied heavily on the guidance of her trusted priest.
The actress during The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on April 26, 2015, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
She explained that these practices, along with therapy, were what kept her going. She also participated in grief group therapy, surrounded by others who had experienced significant losses, which provided her with additional support.
After stepping away from acting to grieve and heal following her husband’s death, Catherine Bach made her return to television in 2012. Her comeback role was as Anita Lawson on the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” marking her first acting job since the tragedy.
Catherine Bach attends 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 23, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Even years after his passing, Bach continues to honor her late husband’s memory, often reflecting on the wonderful partner and father he was. In June 2023, she shared a touching tribute on Instagram alongside a family photo, writing, “Happy Heavenly Father’s Day honey. What a great dad you were to our girls not to mention a fantastic husband!”
Now at 70, the television icon has embraced growth. She presents a different look compared to her early years on screen, but she has always maintained that she never obsessed over her weight. Instead, she credited her active lifestyle for keeping her fit, including her famously insured legs valued at $1 million.
Catherine Bach pictured on March 25, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She stayed in shape through daily activities like dancing for hours, hiking, and swimming, considering herself an athlete rather than someone who followed diets. Her daughters have also embraced a similar approach to fitness, practicing yoga together as a way to bond and prioritize family time.
The doting mom continues to make public appearances this year. On August 1, Catherine attended the wedding of her former “Dukes of Hazzard” co-star John Schneider and author Dee Sorvino at the Hollywood Museum in California.
Catherine Bach attends a wedding celebration on August 1, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
At the event, Bach embraced her graceful aging, proudly showcasing a look different from the All-American style of her Daisy Duke days. She wore a black shirt paired with a long, striped cardigan in shades of blue, green, and gray, smiling softly as she posed with one hand on her hip.
Catherine Bach attends a wedding celebration on August 1, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Even after more than three decades since her role in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Bach openly accepts her body’s changes, acknowledging that she has gained some weight but remains unconcerned about it.
Catherine Bach in Pacific Palisades, California, on June 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Catherine Bach’s journey reflects resilience, strength, and a deep commitment to family. Despite enduring personal tragedy and significant changes in her life, she has remained grounded, relying on her faith, family, and active lifestyle.
Catherine Bach and her daughters, Laura Esmeralda and Sophia Isabella Lopez, attend the 12th Annual Ed Asner and Friends Celebrity Poker Night in Studio City, California, on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Her return to television and her openness about aging gracefully show that she is not just the beloved star of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” but also an inspiring figure who embraces life’s challenges with grace.
Catherine Ba attends John Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino’s wedding celebration on August 1, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Today, she continues to live life on her own terms, cherishing her role as a mother and a television icon while staying true to the values that have guided her throughout her career and personal life.
