In a sad moment for fans of classic American television, Richard “Rick” Hurst—best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the iconic *The Dukes of Hazzard*—passed away unexpectedly Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 79.
The news was confirmed by his longtime friend and co-star Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport on the beloved series. Jones made the announcement through the Facebook page for *Cooter’s Place*, a *Dukes of Hazzard*-themed museum and fan destination in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
While no cause of death has yet been released, the shock of Hurst’s passing has reverberated through what Jones fondly referred to as “Hazzard Nation”—a patriotic community of Americans who still cherish the values of faith, family, friendship, and freedom that *The Dukes of Hazzard* embodied.
“I have known Rick for over 45 years,” Jones wrote in a heartfelt post, “and there wasn’t a minute of that time that he didn’t leave me smiling or laughing.” He called Hurst “a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,” adding, “His presence will always be near us. Rest in Peace, old friend.”
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst was a son of the Lone Star State—a fitting start for a man who would come to represent the best of Southern charm and humor on American television.
After cutting his teeth in smaller guest roles in the 1970s—appearing in shows like *Gunsmoke* and *Happy Days*—Hurst’s big break came when he joined the cast of *The Dukes of Hazzard* in 1979 as the lovable, bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg. His performance struck a chord with viewers who appreciated the show’s down-home spirit, its celebration of rural America, and its unapologetic patriotism.
While today’s Hollywood elites turn their noses up at traditional values and cancel anything that doesn’t fit their woke narrative, *The Dukes of Hazzard* stood for something real: small-town honor, law and order, faith in family, and the right to stand up against corrupt bureaucrats. Rick Hurst was a proud part of that legacy.
Over the years, Hurst continued to entertain America with guest roles in *Steel Magnolias*, *Melrose Place*, and *Family Matters*, and reprised his role as Cletus Hogg in *The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!* (1997) and *Hazzard in Hollywood* (2000). He reunited with fellow Duke Boy John Schneider for his final film appearance in the 2016 horror comedy *Return of the Killer Shrews*.
Hurst was a rare breed in Hollywood—patriotic, funny, down-to-earth, and beloved by generations of fans. In an industry increasingly overrun by anti-American sentiment and virtue-signaling, Rick Hurst remained a symbol of heartland decency.
He is survived by his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, and his sons, Collin Hurst and actor Ryan Hurst (*Remember the Titans*).
As we say goodbye to Rick Hurst, we tip our hats to a man who reminded us—week after week—that laughter, loyalty, and love for your country never go out of style. Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. Hazzard County won’t be the same without you.
