Rick Hurst, beloved for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on CBS’s “The Dukes of Hazzard,” passed away at 79 this past Thursday.
Breitbart reported that the well-known actor died unexpectedly in Los Angeles, California, just days before he was scheduled to appear at a fan event in Tennessee, sending shockwaves through fans and former colleagues alike.
News of Hurst’s death was publicly confirmed by friend and one-time co-star Ben Jones through a heartfelt post on the Cooter’s Place Facebook page, a tribute site for longtime fans of the series.
The post poured out the kind of respect you don’t often see in today’s Hollywood—not just remembering a man’s résumé, but celebrating his character.
Jones, never one to mince words, remembered Hurst warmly, calling him a man who never failed to make others smile. “I have known Rick for over 45 years,” Jones wrote, noting his consistent humor and bigheartedness.
That’s the sort of legacy a man should leave—not a string of political charities or hashtag activism, but laughter, loyalty, and community.
Jones credited Hurst for bringing genuine comedic chops and emotional support during his time on “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Hurst began his iconic run on the show while actor Sonny Shroyer filmed the spin-off “Enos,” a period that could have made anyone feel like a seat-filler. Instead, Hurst made the role of Deputy Cletus his own, because back then, talent still mattered more than publicity stunts.
Hurst’s passing was described as unexpected by his ex-wife, Candace Kaniecki, in a statement to TMZ. Unfortunately, no details have yet emerged surrounding the cause of death.
The sudden loss means fans will never get the chance to see Hurst return to meet them in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where he’d been scheduled to appear next week at the Cooter’s Place Museum—a location that’s become a shrine for wholesome, family-friendly nostalgia.
In a time where modern television appears more focused on lecturing its audience than entertaining them, Cooter’s Place and faces like Hurst’s serve as reminders of what America’s shows used to be: fun, funny, and faithful to their viewers.
Outside the sheriff’s car in “Hazzard County,” Hurst built a diverse acting career that included roles in films like “Steel Magnolias” and “In the Line of Fire.” He also had parts in the lesser-remembered 1970s series “On the Rocks.”
Still, it’s hard to think of Seventies and Eighties television without remembering the thick Southern twang and bumbling but lovable demeanor of Cletus Hogg. Hurst brought him to life in a way you simply don’t see in today’s prestige cable dramas.
His comedic timing stood out to Ben Jones when he first noticed him in the Burt Reynolds flick “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.” Of course, back then, acting in a Southern accent didn’t automatically get you labeled or dismissed—it just got you laughs.
The Hurst family’s connection to Hollywood lives on through Rick’s son, Ryan Hurst, who made his own mark as Opie Winston on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” and as Gerry Bertier in the Disney classic “Remember the Titans.”
It’s no small feat to carry the mantel of showbiz legacy, particularly in an industry that seems more focused these days on social metrics than storytelling. But Ryan’s career suggests that the Hurst talent—and work ethic—runs deep.
Rick Hurst’s absence will be deeply felt in communities that still care about real performances, real laughter, and real Americans who contributed to the cultural fabric with grit, heart, and humor.
Jones imagined a heavenly reunion between Hurst and fellow “Dukes” cast members James Best, Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle, where they’re “putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.” It’s a touching image—one that may seem quaint in an era too jaded to appreciate a simple joke well told.
“Hazzard Nation,” as Ben Jones calls the loyal fan base, has lost one of its brightest stars. You won’t see CNN or the folks over at NPR run wall-to-wall tributes for Rick Hurst, but make no mistake—he mattered.