Talking With John Schneider

For a generation of television viewers, he will always be known as Bo Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard. For another generation, he's known as Jonathan Kent—young Clark's father—in Smallville. Most recently, he's been known as Marshall Bowman in The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

Now, John Schneider brings his talent, experience, and recognition to the new movie Set Apart, which is available on DVD beginning September 22. John plays the role of Pastor John Gunn, a real-life inner-city minister who reaches out to kids near Detroit.

"We have a tremendous problem in the inner cities with bored-ness," the actor says. "These kids need something positive to do. Instead of sitting around and complaining about things, John Gunn and his wife Michele are providing kids with something to do."

The movie's storyline connects the Power Company Kids Club urban ministry with the Western ministry of GunnPoint, which is directed by Randy and Heidi Gunn. While actors John Schneider and Jennifer O'Neill play John and Michele Gunn, Randy and Heidi Gunn play themselves in the movie.

"They were great; they were terrific," John says. "They had a confidence about them and a willingness to learn and go for it."

In addition to acting, John Schneider has always shown a willingness to go for different things. He's a popular singer, he has directed television programs, and these days, he also is the creative force behind new programs. For fun, one of his favorite pastimes fit right into the heart of this Urban Western.

"I think me getting this role had something to do with the fact I am a Western nut," he says. "The producers saw me doing some fast-draw work on a television show. Of course, in my role, I didn't get to do any fast-drawing. That might have caused a little bit of trouble where we filming in L.A."

With Set Apart arriving in Christian stores on September 22, John is hoping the film touches the hearts of viewers.

"I've done a lot of faith-based projects," he says. "A lot of times, they're the best movies. They should be! It's always a different kind of set. These are people who are trying to change the world … one viewer at a time."