Lucas K. Duke is a fictional character in The Dukes of Hazzard, and the main protagonist in the show, an American comedy television series which ran from 1979 to 1985. Played by Tom Wopat in the original TV series, Luke is the main protagonist of the show. He is the dark-haired, older cousin to the character Bo Duke. He is often the one who comes up with plans to get the Duke family out of trouble.
Luke Duke was later played by Johnny Knoxville in the poorly-received cinematic version. Actor Randy Wayne played Luke in the prequel television film, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.
Casting
In 1978, actor Tom Wopat auditioned for the part of Luke Duke, the last role to be cast. He was invited to read for the part after a CBS casting agent remembered seeing him in an off-Broadway musical, A Bistro Car on the CNR.