SB. Rick Hurst, Known for The Dukes of Hazzard, Passes Away at 79

Rick Hurst, the veteran character actor known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the popular television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 79. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Candace Kaniecki, in a statement to TMZ. According to reports, Hurst died unexpectedly on Thursday, just days before he was scheduled to appear at a fan event at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—a museum dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard (TMZ, 2024).

Born January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Richard Douglas Hurst pursued education with determination, earning a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1968, and later a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University in 1970. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career in acting that would span television, film, and stage (Temple University, Alumni Records).

Rise to Fame on “The Dukes of Hazzard”

The Dukes of Hazzard premiered on CBS in 1979 and quickly became one of the network’s top-rated programs. The show centered on the Duke cousins in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, known for their good-natured troublemaking, high-speed car chases, and clashes with the corrupt local authorities.

Rick Hurst joined the cast early in the show’s run as Deputy Cletus Hogg, cousin to the main villain Boss Hogg. Initially introduced as a recurring character, Hurst became a series regular in Season 3 when fellow actor Sonny Shroyer left to headline the spin-off series Enos (IMDb, The Dukes of Hazzard series credits).

Cletus Hogg was known for being well-meaning but often bumbling, bringing comic relief and heart to the show’s adventures. His interactions with other characters, including Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and Boss Hogg, were a staple of the series’ humor.

When Shroyer returned to the main show in 1982, Hurst’s role was reduced to guest appearances. Despite the casting changes, the camaraderie among the actors remained strong. Co-star John Schneider noted in interviews that the cast maintained close bonds over the years, with The Dukes of Hazzard enduring in popularity thanks to loyal fans (Nashville Tennessean, 2014).

Television Career Beyond Hazzard County

Rick Hurst’s television work extended well beyond The Dukes of Hazzard. He guest-starred on many popular series of the 1970s and 1980s, including:

• Happy Days

• Little House on the Prairie

• Sanford and Son

• MASH*

• The Blue Knight (IMDb, Rick Hurst credits)

He also had a starring role in Amanda’s, a short-lived ABC sitcom from 1983 featuring Bea Arthur. Hurst played Earl Nash, a well-intentioned but clumsy chef, showcasing his knack for lighthearted comedy (TV Guide Archives).

Film Roles

Rick Hurst’s film career included appearances in a wide variety of genres. Notable credits include:

• Executive Action (1973)

• The Cat from Outer Space (1978), a Disney science fiction comedy

• The Karate Kid series, where he had small roles contributing to the beloved martial arts franchise

• Steel Magnolias (1989), the acclaimed Southern drama featuring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts

• In the Line of Fire (1993), starring Clint Eastwood as a Secret Service agent (IMDb, Rick Hurst filmography)

These diverse roles highlighted Hurst’s versatility as an actor, equally at home in family comedies, serious dramas, and action thrillers.

Later Career and Fan Events

Even after The Dukes of Hazzard left the air in 1985, its popularity endured through reruns, merchandise, and reunion projects. Hurst reprised his role as Cletus Hogg in the TV movies The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000), which brought many original cast members back together (IMDb).

Hurst was also active in fan conventions and special events, including appearances at Cooter’s Place in Tennessee and Virginia. These museums, founded by his co-star Ben Jones (who played Cooter Davenport), celebrate the show’s legacy and offer fans a chance to meet cast members, view memorabilia, and share memories (Cooter’s Place Official Site).

According to multiple local media reports, the event in Pigeon Forge was initially postponed due to what was described as “unforeseen circumstances.” After news of Hurst’s passing was confirmed, tributes began to appear from fans and colleagues alike (Knox News, 2024).

Legacy of “The Dukes of Hazzard”

The Dukes of Hazzard remains one of television’s most enduring cult classics, known for its car chases featuring the General Lee, slapstick humor, and strong sense of family among its characters. The show’s original run on CBS drew high ratings, and its syndication has kept it popular with multiple generations (Smithsonian Magazine, 2015).

Rick Hurst’s portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg contributed significantly to the show’s appeal. Though the character was often played for laughs, his good-hearted nature made him a fan favorite. His return for reunion specials demonstrated the affection both cast and audience held for the role.

The show has also faced controversy in recent years due to the Confederate flag imagery on the General Lee. Warner Bros. stopped licensing certain merchandise featuring the flag, acknowledging its offensive symbolism (New York Times, 2015). Despite these debates, many fans remember The Dukes of Hazzard primarily for its humor, action, and themes of loyalty and community.

Remembering Rick Hurst

Rick Hurst is survived by his wife, Candace Kaniecki, and their son, actor Ryan Hurst. Ryan has had a highly successful career in his own right, with acclaimed roles in Remember the Titans (2000), Sons of Anarchy (2008–2012), Bates Motel, Bosch, and The Walking Dead (AMC, Actor Biographies).

The passing of Rick Hurst marks the loss of another cherished member of the Dukes of Hazzard family. Previous cast members who have died include Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane). Their performances helped define a show that continues to entertain audiences more than four decades after its debut.

Fans remember Rick Hurst not only for the laughter he inspired as Deputy Cletus Hogg but also for his wider body of work and the warmth he brought to every role. His legacy endures in reruns, reunion specials, and the memories of those who grew up watching him on screen.

References

• TMZ (2024). Rick Hurst Dead at 79.

• IMDb. Rick Hurst Filmography.

• Temple University Alumni Records.

• Cooter’s Place Official Website.

• Smithsonian Magazine (2015). The General Lee and Its Controversy.

• The New York Times (2015). Warner Bros. Halts General Lee Merchandise.

• AMC Actor Biographies.