‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Actor Rick Hurst Dies at 79
Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79. His first wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed his death, which occurred unexpectedly on Thursday in Los Angeles. The official cause has not yet been disclosed.
Hurst had been set to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on July 3. That appearance was canceled abruptly Thursday morning, with the venue announcing it would be rescheduled once possible.
- Hurst joined The Dukes of Hazzard cast in the early 1980s, portraying Boss Hogg’s cousin across the show's seven-season run and two reunion films—Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000).
- His TV credits included guest roles on Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, MAS*H, Gunsmoke, and The Bob Newhart Show. His film work included appearances in The Cat from Outer Space and History of the World: Part I.
Farewell messages poured in from those who knew him best:
John Schneider (Bo Duke) added:
“Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it… We’ll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again.”
Ben Jones, who played Cooter, reflected after 45 years of friendship:
“He didn’t leave a minute without making me smile or laugh… he had a heart as big as Texas.”
Born in Houston in 1946, Rick earned a BA from Tulane and an MFA before beginning his long acting career. He leaves behind two sons, Ryan (from his marriage to Candace) and Collin (with second wife Shelly Weir). Ryan is also an actor, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead.
Rick Hurst brought joy and comic warmth to screens for decades. His sudden passing is a poignant reminder of his enduring spirit and the light he brought to fans and colleagues alike. The Dukes of Hazzard won’t be the same without its Deputy Cletus.
