Ask American Profile

John Schneider, Joe Rogan, Gene Rayburn, Kenny Chesney

I saw the Dukes of Hazzard movie and it can’t compare to the TV series. What is the original Bo Duke, John Schneider, doing now?
—Avery Auerbach, Eurgene, Ore.

Since 2001, Schneider has starred as teenage Superman’s dad on the hit TV series Smallville. He loves the role because of its positive portrayal of parenthood, which reflects some of his own values. "I like the fact that the young man comes to his parents for advice, and he takes it," he says. "It says that parents are important." Schneider and his wife, Elly, raise their three children (two from her previous marriage) in California’s San Fernando Valley. He also can be seen in an upcoming WB network Movie of the Week, Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, which airs Nov. 29.

What did Joe Rogan do before Fear Factor?
—Joan Molzhon, Montrose, Iowa

Rogan was a stand-up comic before becoming a familiar TV face. His credits include a recurring role on NewsRadio, appearances on Chappelle’s Show and Tonight with Jay Leno and a comedy CD, I’m Gonna Be Dead Someday. This fall Rogan provided commentary for the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central, as well as continuing his hosting duties on Fear Factor. Born in New Jersey, he has a black belt in karate and was the Massachusetts tae kwon do champion for four consecutive years. He lives in Los Angeles and still does occasional stand-up comedy when his schedule permits.

What can you tell me about Gene Rayburn, who hosted The Match Game in the 1970s?
—E. McGonigle, Bear, Del.

Rayburn, born Dec. 22, 1917, in Christopher, Ill., knew he wanted to be in front of the cameras at an early age. In the late 1930s, he moved to New York and got his first job as a page for NBC. During that time he met and married Helen Tricknor; their union lasted until her death in 1996. After serving in the Air Force, he got his big break as the announcer for The Tonight Show With Steve Allen. In 1955, he hosted his first game show, Make the Connection, followed by Tic Tac Dough, Dough Re Mi and finally The Match Game in 1962, which aired on and off for 20 years. Rayburn died in 1999 of congestive heart failure.

Kenny Chesney Comes Of Age

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney wrote the title track of his new release, The Road & The Radio, for anyone who’s found wisdom in tunes and travel. "That idea of not talking about it, just getting in the car and letting the white lines and the songs coming out of the speakers show you the answers," Chesney explains. "You’d be surprised the truth you can find in those things." Chesney’s 11th album marks a bit of a coming of age, especially in a song such as "Like Me," sung from the perspective of a dreamer who made it against all odds, and the clearly autobiographical "In A Small Town." "I moved away from that small town ’cause I hated it, ’cause I was after bigger dreams—and you don’t realize who you really are or where you’re from ’til you leave," he confesses.

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