Actor Rick Hurst’s Death: Celebrating the Life of Deputy Cletus Hogg
Introduction
The entertainment world is mourning the untimely loss of Rick Hurst, the beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in the classic hit The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst passed away unexpectedly in Los Angeles on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79. Beyond his on-screen persona, he was celebrated for his warmth, humor, and deep connection with fans and colleagues alike. This article reflects on his journey, contributions, and lasting legacy.
Early Life & Education
Born Richard Douglas Hurst on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Rick pursued his passion for acting early on:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 1, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas |
| Education | BA from Tulane University (1968) |
| MFA from Temple University (1970) | |
| Acting Debut | 1971 on The Doris Day Show |
| Years Active | 1970–2016 |
Breakthrough Role: Deputy Cletus Hogg
Becoming a Pop-Culture Fixture
In 1979, Hurst became widely recognized for portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg—the bumbling but endearing lawman and cousin to Boss Hogg—on The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in 55 episodes between 1979 and 1982, affectionately capturing the hearts of audiences with his comedic timing and Southern charm
Cooter's Place & Fan Legacy
Hurst never lost touch with his fan base, regularly appearing at reunions and events at Cooter's Place in Tennessee. He was slated to attend a July 3 collector meet-and-greet, cancelled just days before his passing
Expansive Film and TV Career
While he will always be remembered as Cletus, Hurst’s career spanned a range of genres and roles:
| Year | Titles & Roles |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Guest spots in Gunsmoke, Happy Days, M*A*S*H |
| 1989 | Steel Magnolias as Bark Boone |
| 1993 | In the Line of Fire |
| 1989–93 | The Karate Kid Part III as the announcer |
| 1990s–2000s | Appearances in Melrose Place, Family Matters, Return of the Killer Shrews (2012) |
Personal Life & Family
Rick Hurst was married twice:
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First wife: Katherine Shelley Weir; they had a son, Collin
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Second wife: Candace Kaniecki, an acting coach; together they had Ryan Hurst, a well-known actor
Ryan Hurst, born June 19, 1976, became recognized for roles in Sons of Anarchy, Bates Motel, Remember the Titans, and The Walking Dead. He’s now known as Gobind Seva Singh after converting to Sikhism .
Tributes from Friends & Co-Stars
News of Hurst’s death prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans:
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Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport):
“He had a heart as big as Texas… left me smiling or laughing for 45 years.”
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John Schneider (Bo Duke):
“Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it… We’ll keep the race going and people laughing.”
Fans and museums extended condolences and praised his warm personality and comedic legacy.
Legacy: Remembering Rick Hurst
Why Rick Hurst Will Be Remembered
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Deputy Cletus Hogg’s Iconic Charm – A fixture of the series
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Enduring Fan Engagement – Never missed fan events or conventions
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Comedic Versatility – Mastered various roles across TV and film
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Warm On- and Off-Screen – Valued for kindness and generosity
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Mentor to Others – Supported his sons in their acting paths
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A Career Built on Humor & Heart – Never lost humanity in fame
Filmography at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Appearances | Gunsmoke, Happy Days, M*A*S*H, Melrose Place, etc. |
| Iconic Role | The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–85); 55 episodes |
| Reunion Films | Dukes Reunion! (1997); Hazzard in Hollywood (2000) |
| Feature Films | Steel Magnolias, In the Line of Fire, Karate Kid III, Return of the Killer Shrews |
Final Thoughts
Rick Hurst’s untimely passing reminds us that behind every unforgettable character lies a person whose warmth and authenticity shape lasting memories. From the laughter he brought to living rooms as Deputy Cletus Hogg to his real-life generosity, Hurst honored his craft with passion and grace.
Whether you're a Dukes fan, movie enthusiast, or fellow actor, Rick Hurst’s legacy reminds us of the simple power of kindness, humor, and connection. He’ll be deeply missed…and fondly remembered.
Rick Hurst at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1946 – Houston, Texas |
| Died | June 26, 2025 – Los Angeles; unexpected |
| Age | 79 years old |
| Notable Role | Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1982; 55 episodes) |
| Education | BA (Tulane), MFA (Temple University) |
| Other Credits | Steel Magnolias, In the Line of Fire, Karate Kid III, Return of the Killer Shrews |
| Family | Survived by sons Collin and actor Ryan Hurst |
| Legacy | Known for humor, heart, and devotion to fans & fellow performers |
Rick Hurst may have left this world unexpectedly, but his laughter, warmth, and stories endure. He brought joy to Hazzard County and beyond—and for that, he will always be remembered as a light in the entertainment world.
