What is Catherine Bach's Net Worth?
Catherine Bach is an American actress who has a net worth of $10 million. Catherine Bach is best known for her role as Daisy Duke in the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979-1985). Her portrayal of the character became so iconic that "Daisy Dukes" became a widely used term for very short denim shorts.
Before her breakthrough role, Bach appeared in several films, including "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" (1974) and "The Midnight Man" (1974). After "The Dukes of Hazzard," she continued acting in television movies and series, including "African Skies" (1991-1994).
In 2012, Bach joined the cast of "The Young and the Restless" as Anita Lawson, marking a significant return to regular television work. She has also appeared in various reality TV shows and documentaries discussing her time on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Beyond acting, Bach launched a line of diamond jewelry and leg wear.
Early Life
Catherine Bachman was born on March 1st, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bachman was partially raised in nearby Warren by a rancher and an acupuncturist in a family with German and Mexican heritage. Catherine is descended from the Verdugo family, which has roots all the way back to the earliest European settlement of California. She also spent time in South Dakota during her childhood, where her grandparents lived. After graduating from high school in Rapid City, South Dakota, Catherine attended UCLA and majored in drama. During this period, she made clothing to supplement her income.
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Career
Bachman began her acting career as a young child, appearing in stage productions like "The Sound of Music." Another early role came in 1973 when she appeared in "The Midnight Man" alongside Burt Lancaster. Catherine quickly followed up with another film role in 1974's "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot." Years later, Catherine responded to an audition for "The Dukes of Hazzard," having been informed of the opportunity by her husband.
The producers were looking for someone who looked like Dolly Parton to play the character "Daisy Duke," and the brunette Bach clearly did not fit the bill. However, her audition was so impressive that the producers hired her without hesitation. The producers also had their own ideas about Bach's outfit for the series, including a white turtleneck, go-go boots, and a poodle skirt. However, these ideas were also dismissed when Catherine showed up in her own homemade outfit: a T-shirt, cut-off denim shorts, and high heels. Despite bringing this outfit to the producer's attention, Bach was moderately concerned about whether the cut-off shirts were appropriate. These concerns were soon forgotten.
Daisy Duke was a central character in "The Dukes of Hazzard" alongside her cousins Bo (John Schneider) and Luke (Tom Wopat). Working as a waitress at the Boar's Nest, she helped her cousins fight corruption in Hazzard County. Her signature cut-off jean shorts became known as "Daisy Dukes," and she often used her charm to distract adversaries while Bo and Luke carried out their plans against Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best).
Despite her sex symbol status, Daisy was portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and a skilled driver who could handle herself in dangerous situations. She was proficient with firearms and could drive expertly when needed. The character balanced feminine appeal with tomboy toughness, frequently outsmarting the local authorities, while remaining loyal to her family, including Uncle Jesse (Denver Pyle).
Daisy embodied Southern charm and family loyalty, always standing by her cousins and Uncle Jesse while maintaining her independence. Her character helped advance plots through both clever scheming and physical action, making her more than just a decorative element in the series.
Catherine posed for a poster as Daisy Duke. This poster sold five million copies. The poster even reportedly found its way into the White House. Bach insured her legs for $100,000 while on the show.
After "The Dukes of Hazzard" came to a close in the 80s, Bach appeared in shows like "African Skies," which was a Canadian production. She also appeared in several films that generally did not receive widespread exposure. During the 2000s, she appeared in series like "Monk" and the film "You Again." In 2012, she returned to TV in earnest with a recurring role in the soap opera "The Young and the Restless."
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Relationships
Catherine's first husband was David Shaw, stepson of famed actress Angela Lansbury. They married in 1976 before divorcing five years later in 1981. In 1990, Bach married an entertainment lawyer named Peter Lopez. Over the course of their marriage, Bach and Lopez had two children before Lopez passed away. He died in an apparent suicide in 2010 at the age of 60, having been found fatally wounded by a gunshot.
Real Estate
In 2019, it was reported that Catherine Bach had sold her home in Encino, California. She managed to sell the six-bedroom, 5,582-square-foot residence for $5.395 million. She originally purchased the home in 1992 for $1.8 million. Located in the affluent neighborhood of Royal Oaks, the property was originally constructed in the 1940s. Along with a main home, it also boasts a guesthouse. Highlights include a private terrace and a swimming pool. In addition, Bach owns a home in Sherman Oaks, California, which she purchased many decades ago for just $220,000.
