Byron was raised in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, where he spent his formative years at North Side High School, graduating in the 1970s. His academic achievements earned him a prestigious scholarship to East Tennessee State University, where he pursued his passion for football as a running back, alongside his big brother Nat.
In addition to his athletic endeavors, Byron also achieved a significant milestone by receiving his Black Belt in Karate soon after college.
However, his love for the spotlight soon took precedence, and he decided to pursue a career in acting. He enrolled in film school at Georgia State University, Atlanta, where his path crossed with a casting agent working on a TV commercial. The agent was impressed by Byron's unique look and asked him to audition for the commercial, which he surprisingly landed after simply being asked to sit next to a beautiful blonde and kiss her.
This initial success paved the way for Byron's breakout role as Coy Duke in the hit TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, which became a global phenomenon and still maintains a loyal fan base to this day. Under contract with Warner Brothers for three years, Byron went on to appear in numerous shows, including Murder She Wrote, In The Heat Of The Night, Vietnam WAR stories (a mini-series),and various TV commercials and talk shows. He also served as the spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
Today, Byron resides in California with his loving wife, Krista, and their two children. His son, Christopher, has recently graduated from college and is currently living on the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Byron continues to travel extensively, making appearances at car shows, charity benefits, concerts, and events, all while still owning and driving his iconic General Lee Dodge Charger, just like in Hazzard County.
A true fan favorite, Byron delights in meeting and greeting his Dukes fans, often bringing along his own photos to autograph, as well as his signature "Coy Duke" hats, t-shirts, and tank tops in various sizes for men, women, and children. He has also been known to autograph car parts on fan-owned General Lees, further cementing his connection with the enthusiastic fan base that has followed him throughout his illustrious career.
