a beloved face from America’s classic

television era has passed away richard

Rick Hurst best known for his role as

Deputy Cletus Hog on the Dukes of Hazard

has died at the age of 79 fans will

forever remember Rick Hurst as Boss

Hog’s bumbling cousin Deputy Cletus Hog

a role he brought to life from 1980 to

1983 his comedic timing and warm screen

presence made him a standout in the

Dukes of Hazard universe a legacy he

carried into two reunion specials in

1997 and 2000 beyond Hazard County

Rick’s career spanned decades from guest

roles on Sanford and Sun MASH and the

Partridge Family to appearances in cult

films like The Cat from Outer Space and

History of the World Part One Rick was a

familiar face in American pop culture

rick remained close to fans often

appearing at Dukes of Hazard events and

at Cooter’s Place a museum owned by

co-star Ben Jones he recently attended a

retirement celebration for Jones just

weeks ago he was scheduled to appear

again in early July but cancelled at the

last moment hours later on June 26th

2025 his death was announced his ex-wife

Candace Kanei confirmed the news to TMZ

describing his passing as unexpected the

cause of death is currently unknown fans

and colleagues have poured in tributes

remembering Rick as kind hilarious and

endlessly giving to his community of

fans rick leaves behind his sons actor

Ryan Hurst known for Sons of Anarchy and

Remember the Titans and Colin Hurst he

is also survived by his wife Shelley

from sitcoms to southern sheriffs Rick

Hurst left behind a body of work that

entertained millions and a heartwarming

reputation among those who knew him rest

in peace Deputy Cletus hazard County and

Hollywood won’t be the same without you

Richard Hurst, who starred as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV series, died unexpectedly Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 79.

His death was announced on the Cooter’s Pigeon Forge Facebook page, a “Dukes Of Hazzard” themed museum owned by his former co-star Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport in over 140 episodes of the popular series.

No cause of death has been revealed.

Richard Hurst died unexpectedly Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 79. CBS via Getty Images
Hurst was scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet at Cooter’s Place, located outside Knoxville, Tenn., on July 3rd, but that appearance was delayed Thursday morning due to “unforeseen circumstances,” according to the museum’s page.

“I have known Rick for over 45 years and there wasn’t a minute of that time that he didn’t leave me smiling or laughing,” Jones wrote Thursday night.

“Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas. He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”

The duo worked on the Emmy Award-nominated show during the 1970s and 1980s.

“We have always thought of our Cooter’s friends as ‘Hazzard Nation,’ Well, Hazzard Nation is sure going to miss Rick Hurst down here around ‘Cooters,’ but his presence will always be near us. Rest in Peace, old friend,” Jones added.

Hurst was born in 1946 on New Year’s Day in Houston, Texas.

Hurst starred as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic “The Dukes of Hazzard” series. CBS via Getty Images
Hurst appeared in over 50 episodes of “The Dukes of Hazzard.” CBS via Getty Images
The comedic actor got his start by acting in a series of small guest roles on TV shows in the 70s, appearing in one episode of “Gunsmoke” and playing a cook on “Happy Days.”

Hurst’s career started to take off when he landed a recurring role as Cleaver in the mid-70s sitcom “On The Rocks.”

By 1979, he was cast as Cletus Hogg, a kind-hearted but clumsy deputy, on “The Dukes of Hazzard” and appeared in 55 episodes of the show.

Hurst revived his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in the 1997 television movie “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” CBS via Getty Images
“The Dukes of Hazzard” ran for seven seasons on CBS. Getty Images
Hurst continued to appear as a guest star through the 1980s and 1990s in shows like “Steel Magnolias,” “Melrose Place” and “Family Matters.”

He returned to his role as Hogg in the 1997 television movie “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” and the 2000 TV movie “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazard in Hollywood.”

His most recent project was the 2016 horror flick “Return of the Killer Shrews” alongside John Schneider, his former “Dukes” cast mate.

Hurst is survived by his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, and his sons, Collin Hurst and “Remember the Titans” actor Ryan Hurst.