Rick Hurst, best known as Deputy\u202fCletus Hogg on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ & father to Ryan Hurst, died at 79. Learn more about the actor here. <\/p>\n
Rick\u202fHurst<\/strong>, the affable actor best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>, passed away on June\u202f26,\u202f2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by his Dukes<\/em> co-star Ben Jones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A veteran character actor with a career spanning five decades, Rick made his mark from his TV debut in the early 1970s through his iconic role on The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>. He is survived by his sons<\/a>, including actor Ryan Hurst<\/strong><\/a>, who played Gerry Bertier in Remember the Titans<\/em>.<\/p>\n Find out more about him below.<\/p>\n Rick launched his career in the early 1970s, quickly landing guest roles on popular series like The Doris Day Show<\/em>, Sanford and Son<\/em>, and The Partridge Family<\/em>. His natural comedic chops and everyman presence helped him become a go-to character actor in Hollywood during that decade.<\/p>\n Rick died in Los Angeles on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79. His former wife, Candace Kaniecki<\/strong>, told TMZ<\/a> that his passing was \u201cunexpected,\u201d and no official cause of death has been released.<\/p>\n Ben\u00a0shared a heartfelt message on the Facebook page for Cooter\u2019s Place<\/a>, the museum dedicated to the show. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something so unexpected happens, it is \u2018harder to process,\u2019 as the current expression goes,\u201d Ben wrote.<\/p>\n Rick had been scheduled to appear at a meet-and-greet on July 3 at Cooter\u2019s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but had canceled because he wasn\u2019t feeling well. Alma Viator<\/strong>, who runs the museum with her husband Ben, said in a phone interview on June 27 that Rick\u2019s death was \u201cshocking to all of us, even though we knew he wasn\u2019t feeling well.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick is remembered not only for his comedic timing and beloved performances but also for the kindness and warmth he shared off-screen. Co-stars and fans alike are mourning the loss of a true talent and a man described as having \u201ca heart as big as Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have known Rick for over 45 years, and there wasn\u2019t a minute of that time he didn\u2019t leave me smiling or laughing,\u201d Ben wrote in his tribute. \u201cSure, he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas.\u201d He added, \u201cHe was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,\u201d recalling how \u201ceverything clicked\u201d when Rick joined the Dukes of Hazzard<\/em> cast.<\/p>\n John Schneider<\/strong><\/a>, who played Bo Duke, also shared his heartbreak, writing on Facebook<\/a>, \u201cI just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg. You were a remarkable force for humanity, sanity, and comedy, my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We\u2019ll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you.\u201d<\/p>\n After his success on The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>, Rick continued to work regularly in both television and film. He made memorable guest appearances on shows like Alice<\/em>, Mama\u2019s Family<\/em>, The Golden Girls<\/em>, and Curb Your Enthusiasm<\/em>. His film credits included roles in Steel Magnolias<\/em>, Earth Girls Are Easy<\/em>, The Karate Kid Part III<\/em>, and Tank<\/em>. Rick also performed in regional theater, including at the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre, and wrapped his on-screen career with the 2016 TV short B My Guest<\/em>.<\/p>\nHe Got His Start in the 1970s<\/h2>\n
He Passed Away Unexpectedly<\/h2>\n
He Was Loved by His Co-Stars<\/h2>\n
He Worked Steadily for 50 Years<\/h2>\n
He Was Ryan Hurst\u2019s Father<\/h2>\n