Biography of Tom Wopat

Tom Wopat is one of the most controversial Hollywood actors who is equally popular for his works and controversies. Actor and singer Wopat made his acting debut in One Life to Live in the late 1960s and is most popular for his appearance as Lucas K. ‘Luke’ Duke in the acclaimed television action/comedy series Los dukes of hazardd

Early life and education of Tom Wopat

Tom Wopat was born on September 9, 1951 in Lodi, Wisconsin, United States, under the birth sign of Virgo. He is the son of Albin Carl Wopat (1919-1983) and Ruth Arlene Skarda Wopat (1920-1959). His father was of Czech descent, a devout Catholic, and a dairy farmer.

He was raised on his parents’ dairy farm with two brothers, Rick Wopat and Dave Wopat , and sisters. As for his education, he studied music for two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but dropped out to form a rock band.

Tom Wopat’s career

Tom Wopat began his acting journey in 1968 on the popular ABC television series One Life to Live starring Kristen Alderson , Susan Batten , Kale Browne , and others. But he got the breakthrough from him in The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979.

Additionally, his other popular works include Murder, She Wrote, The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, Longmire, Delight in the Mountain, and Lovestruck: The Musical to name a few.

Wopat was previously married to Kathy Wopat, and the first couple shared five children: two daughters; Taylor Wopat , Lindsey Gary and three children; Joey Cobbs , Walker Wopat , Adam Wopat.

After the separation, he married Vickie Allen in 1984 and divorced in 2000.

Controversy and arrest

In August 2017, Tom Wopat was arrested on indecent assault and drug charges in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he was about to perform at Greater Boston’s Reagle Music Theater. According to a Waltham police report, Tom allegedly assaulted a woman during rehearsal in July when she inappropriately touched his buttocks.

The show’s manager and producer also previously spoke with the actor about various complaints from other cast members about his inappropriate behavior. The artistic director added, he had spoken to Wopat three times but denied being drunk at the rehearsal.

Later during their investigation, police found ‘two bags of white powder believed to be cocaine’ under his car. According to court documents, Tom said, he buys large amounts of drugs and uses them over time.

The day after the indictment, he was released on bail after pleading not guilty at his arraignment. However, in July 2018, he was sentenced to a year’s probation after pleading guilty to two counts of ‘molesting and harassing a person of the opposite sex’.