Richard “Rick” Hurst, known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” passed away suddenly on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. He was 79 years old.
Hurst’s passing was confirmed by his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, to TMZ. The cause of death is not yet known. Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport on the show, also shared the news on his Facebook page associated with Cooter’s Place museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Jones shared that he had known Rick for over 45 years and that Hurst always left him smiling or laughing.
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst earned a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree in fine arts from Temple University. He began his television career in the early 1970s with guest appearances on programs such as “The Partridge Family,” “Gunsmoke,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Sanford and Son,” and “MASH.”
In 1975, Hurst landed his first major role as Cleaver in the ABC sitcom “On the Rocks,” which was set in a minimum-security prison and aired for 24 episodes from 1975 to 1976.
Hurst’s career took a significant turn in 1979 when he joined “The Dukes of Hazzard” cast. His character, Deputy Cletus Hogg, first appeared in the 1979 11th episode as the inept cousin of Boss Hogg, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Deputy Cletus initially replaced Enos Strate when he departed for a spinoff series. Cletus became a permanent character, transitioning from a junkyard job to the sheriff’s department. When Enos returned, both characters shared deputy responsibilities through the fifth season.
The show focused on cousins Bo and Luke Duke navigating corrupt officials in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. It was a major hit for CBS, especially in its Friday night slot. Hurst appeared in 55 episodes from 1979 to 1982, often involved in car chases with the Duke boys.
Jones remarked on how well Hurst fit into the cast, noting his skills as an actor and comic, and his role as a supportive colleague who consistently made people smile.
In 1982, Hurst left “The Dukes of Hazzard” to star in “Amanda’s,” an American adaptation of the British comedy “Fawlty Towers” with Bea Arthur. The show lasted one season.
Hurst continued to work in television and film for many years. His film credits include “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings” (1975), “The Karate Kid Part III” (1989), “Steel Magnolias” (1989), “In the Line of Fire” (1993), “The Cat from Outer Space” (1978), and “Earth Girls Are Easy” (1988). On television, he appeared in series like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Perfect Strangers,” “The Wonder Years,” “Melrose Place,” and “The Guardian.”
Hurst reprised his role as Deputy Cletus in two reunion TV movies: “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” in 1997 and “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood” in 2000. He frequently attended fan conventions and “Dukes of Hazzard” events across the country.
Hurst was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from July 3–7 for a meet-and-greet. On Thursday, the museum announced a rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances, and hours later, his death was announced.
John Schneider, who played Luke Duke, paid tribute to Hurst on Facebook, calling him a remarkable force for humanity, sanity, and comedy.
The official “Dukes of Hazzard” fan page described Hurst as bringing warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to his role, noting that to fans, he was more than a character — he was family.
Off-screen, Hurst was known for his humility, generosity, and genuine love for connecting with fans. Jones described him as having a heart as big as Texas and noted that while he was a professional comedian, his naturally warm personality defined him.
Hurst is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Collin Hurst, who both pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Rick Hurst was preceded in death by several “Dukes of Hazzard” co-stars, including James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), and Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse).
Jones reflected that he could see Rick up there in heaven with Jimmy Best, Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.
Hurst’s final acting appearance was in a TV short called “B My Guest” in 2016, marking the conclusion of a career spanning over four decades. Throughout his time in Hollywood, he remained dedicated to his craft while maintaining the humble and friendly personality that fans and colleagues cherished.
