Rick Hurst, the actor widely cherished for his portrayal of the affable yet bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away. Hurst died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 79. His death, described as unexpected by those close to him, has brought sadness to fans and former colleagues alike.
Known for bringing warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of the good-natured deputy in Hazzard County, Hurst became a beloved figure for millions who tuned into the popular CBS show.
News of Hurst’s passing was confirmed by multiple sources, including his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, and his longtime friend and Dukes of Hazzard co-star, Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport. Hurst had reportedly not been feeling well and had recently canceled a scheduled appearance at a fan event at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just before his death. The exact cause of death was not immediately announced.
A Staple of Hazzard County
Rick Hurst starred as Deputy Cletus Hogg, the cousin of the notoriously corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg and a frequent sidekick to Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. While often caught up in Boss and Rosco’s schemes, Cletus was generally portrayed as more kind-hearted and less malicious than his superiors. Hurst appeared in 55 episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard between 1979 and 1982, becoming an integral part of the show’s ensemble as the Duke cousins evaded the local authorities in their iconic car, the General Lee.
His connection to Hazzard County didn’t end with the original series run (1979-1985). Hurst reprised his role as Cletus in two successful reunion television movies: The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! in 1997 and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000.
A Prolific Career Beyond the General Lee
Born in Houston, Texas, Rick Hurst’s acting career spanned over seven decades and included appearances in more than 70 film and television productions. Before his breakout role on The Dukes of Hazzard, he starred in the 1975 ABC sitcom On The Rocks and caught the eye of fellow actor Ben Jones in the Burt Reynolds film WW and the Dixie Dancekings, where Jones felt Hurst “stole the show.”
His extensive television résumé reads like a list of classic American series. Hurst made guest or recurring appearances in shows such as MASH, Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, CHiPs, The Wonder Years, Murder She Wrote, Family Matters, and Melrose Place.
On the big screen, his credits included roles in films such as the Walt Disney production The Cat from Outer Space, Mel Brooks’ historical comedy History of the World: Part I, the critically acclaimed Steel Magnolias, Earth Girls are Easy, The Karate Kid Part III, and In the Line of Fire.
Remembered for Kindness and Humor
Tributes from co-stars and the dedicated “Hazzard Nation” fan base highlighted Hurst’s impact both on and off-screen. Ben Jones shared that he had known Hurst for over 45 years, emphasizing that Hurst “never failed to leave [him] smiling or laughing.” Jones praised him not just as a talented actor and comedian, but as a person with “a heart as big as Texas,” describing him as incredibly kind, generous, and a “wonderfully supportive colleague.”
John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, remembered Hurst as a “remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy,” adding with characteristic humor that “Heaven is a safer and more organized place” with his arrival.
Fans cherished his “gentle smile” and “impeccable comedic timing,” often feeling he was “more than a character,” but rather “family.” Hurst was known for his humility and genuine love for connecting with fans at events across the country, maintaining a strong bond with the Dukes of Hazzard community throughout his later years. Ben Jones reflected that Hurst “fit right in” with the cast and crew and “never stopped making people smile,” a joy that continues for audiences today through the show’s enduring popularity. Jones shared a touching vision of Hurst reuniting in Heaven with fellow departed cast members like James Best (Rosco P. Coltrane), Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), and Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), imagining them “putting on a show.”
Survived by Family
Rick Hurst was married twice, first to Candace Kaniecki (1969-1979) and later to Katherine Shelley Weir (1981-1991). He is survived by his two sons, both of whom followed their father into acting. His son Ryan Hurst is a well-known actor recognized for significant roles such as Opie Winston in Sons of Anarchy and Gerry Bertier in Remember the Titans. His son Collin Hurst also pursued an acting career and notably reprised a role in Dukes* productions alongside his father in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Ryan Hurst paid tribute to his father following the news of his passing.
Rick Hurst’s passing marks the loss of a cherished actor whose warmth, humor, and memorable portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg left a lasting impact on television history and the hearts of those who grew up watching him. For many, his memory will forever “ride shotgun.”
