2005 Vs. 1980s: Side-By-Side Pics Of 2 Different Generations' Daisy From Dukes Of Hazzard
In 2005, Jessica Simpson bravely stepped into denim short-shorts to take on the role of Daisy Duke in the movie version of "The Dukes of Hazzard." She was, of course, reprising the role made famous by Catherine Bach in the TV series of the same name that ran from 1979 to 1985. On the show, Bach's sexy outfits became instantly iconic, and denim short-shorts became a popular fashion trend largely thanks to "The Dukes of Hazzard." But it was Daisy's feisty spirit and savvy scheming that helped her keep up with "them Duke Boys" (as foe Sheriff Rosco frequently said on the show) and become a fan favorite.
Of course, once the movie reboot was released in 2005, it's only natural that fans would have strong opinions about which Daisy was better. However, "new Daisy" was happy to simply live up to the role. During her press tour promoting the movie, Simpson seemed to have nothing but respect and reverence for the OG Daisy. "I had to do Catherine Bach proud," she said on "Live With Regis and Kelly" in August 2005 (via Today). In another press interview (via DailyMotion), she revealed that growing up in Texas and watching "The Dukes of Hazzard" reruns, "I always idolized [Daisy]; she was actually a role model for me." Many fans of the original show share Simpson's appreciation for the original, as there are hundreds of comments across social media and blogs that proclaim Bach is the best Daisy.
Catherine Bach and Jessica Simpson made their mark as Daisy Duke
In 2026, Catherine Bach turned 72, and though it's been nearly 50 years since she played Daisy, "Dukes of Hazzard" star Catherine Bach is still a bombshell today. At a 2025 event in Los Angeles, Bach's beaming smile and glamorous long hair were as vibrant as ever. Though her career continued after "Dukes," the role was undoubtedly the actor's most iconic, and with how much of herself Bach put into Daisy, that's no surprise. The iconic Daisy Duke shorts and other sexy outfits are the stuff of wardrobe-department legend, and those costumes were actually Bach's idea. Show producers initially envisioned a baffling style for Daisy (a poodle skirt, white turtleneck, and go-go boots were one outfit example) and Bach had the good sense to push back. She brought from home a simple T-shirt, denim cutoffs, and heels — and the rest is TV history.
Jessica Simpson was 25 when she starred in the 2005 "The Dukes of Hazzard" movie, and there was a lot of pressure for her to nail Daisy Duke's style and physique. The pop star went into overdrive with her exercise routine and worked with the film's costume department to find the shorts. "I tried on over a hundred pair," she confessed on "Live With Regis and Kelly." Watching Jessica Simpson's style transformation in the following years shows that her eye for fashion has only grown sharper since she hunted for the perfect shorts all those years ago, and today, she runs a lucrative fashion brand. A 2025 photo of her wearing a sultry, sparkly black dress with a daring neckline and thigh slit paired with a silver-and-turquoise belt shows that Simpson has held on to the flirty fashion and Southern style of Daisy Duke.