Hollywood is mourning the loss of Rick Hurst, the actor who brought smiles to millions as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic series The Dukes of Hazzard. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his wife, Candace Kaniecki. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
A Legacy of Laughter and Heart
Rick Hurst was more than just a talented actor—he was a cherished friend, a gifted comedian, and a beloved figure in the world of television. His long-time Dukes of Hazzard co-star, Ben Jones (who played Cooter Davenport), shared an emotional tribute on Facebook.
“I have known Rick for over 45 years and there wasn’t a minute that he didn’t leave me smiling or laughing,” Jones wrote. “He had a heart as big as Texas… a splendid comic and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”
Hurst was set to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee next month, an event now shadowed by the loss of a beloved star.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Rick Hurst made his mark with memorable roles on hit TV shows like Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, MASH*, and Gunsmoke. However, it was his portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg, cousin to the notorious Boss Hogg, that earned him a permanent place in pop culture history.
Hurst also made notable appearances in films like Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), and Steel Magnolias (1989), and in popular shows like Murder, She Wrote, Family Matters, The Wonder Years, and Melrose Place.
A Star Who Will Keep Us Smiling
Ben Jones captured the sentiment of fans everywhere:
“Since The Dukes is still playing all over the planet, Rick will continue to make us laugh… I can see him up in Heaven with Jimmy Best, Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.”
Rick Hurst’s contributions to television and his warm-hearted spirit will continue to inspire joy for generations. Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
