Dukes of Hazzard star Rick Hurst dies ‘unexpectedly’ aged 79 as wife speaks out on actor’s death
Rick Hurst, the American actor best known for portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg on the CBS television series The Dukes of Hazzard, died unexpectedly on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 79.
His death was confirmed by Cooter’s Place museum in Virginia, run by his former co-star Ben Jones. Hurst’s first wife, Candace Kaniecki, told TMZ that his passing was unexpected and the cause of death remains unknown.
Hurst brought the bumbling yet good-hearted deputy to life during the show’s run from 1979 to 1985, becoming a beloved character in the action-comedy series that was a Friday night ratings success for CBS.
Hurst first appeared as Cletus in the 11th episode of The Dukes of Hazzard’s first season in 1979.
He recurred in the first two seasons before being promoted to series regular for season three when Sonny Shroyer departed for his spinoff series Enos.
The Texas native, born on New Year’s Day 1946, earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1968 and his master’s in fine arts from Temple University in 1970. His television career began with a 1971 appearance on The Doris Day Show.
Beyond Hazzard County, Hurst’s credits included Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and the Bea Arthur sitcom Amanda’s.
He reprised his role as Cletus in two reunion films, The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! in 1997 and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000.
We’re heartbroken to announce that Rick Hurst, Cletus, has passed away. He was so kind to me when I visited the reunion sets and whenever we saw him at events. Please share your memories and keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/RjPEKbtEka
â HazzardNet.com – A Dukes of Hazzard Fan Site (@hazzardnet) June 27, 2025
Ben Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport, expressed his shock in a Facebook statement: “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon.
“When something so unexpected happens, it is ‘harder to process,’ as the current expression goes.”
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Jones praised his colleague of 45 years: “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,” he said.
“Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas.”
John Schneider, who portrayed Bo Duke, wrote on Facebook: “You were (a) remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend.”
Hurst had been scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from 3-7 July.
Actor Rick Hurst has passed away. Best known to classic TV fans as the lovable Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, Hurst brought warmth & humor to every scene. He also made appearances on shows like Sanford & Son, MASH, & Alice. He will be missed.
Rick Hurst (1946â2025) pic.twitter.com/oQRaXFRdit
â TV Yesteryear – Classic TVđş (@tvyesteryear) June 27, 2025
The museum announced on Thursday morning that due to “unforeseen circumstances” he would be unable to attend, though the post noted that “Rick looks forward to rescheduling for a later date.”
The actor had attended Jones’s retirement celebration at Cooter’s Place in Luray, Virginia, earlier in June.
Hurst is survived by his sons Ryan and Collin Hurst.
Ryan followed his father into acting, becoming known for his role as Opie Winston on the FX drama Sons of Anarchy. Hurst was also married to Shelly Weir.