‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Rick Hurst Passes Away at 79 — Fans Mourn the Loss of Deputy Cletus
Rick Hurst, the actor best known for his beloved role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the iconic TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79. His wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Hurst died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 18, 2025, just days before he was set to appear at a fan event at Cooter’s Place, the Dukes of Hazzard-themed museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The event was quietly canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” A tribute posted by the museum shortly after confirmed fans’ fears.
A Career Built on Heart and Humor
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst earned a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University before launching a diverse career in stage, television, and film.
He joined The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979, playing the affable cousin of Boss Hogg. Initially a recurring role, Deputy Cletus stepped into a leading role during Season 3 and quickly became a fan favorite for his comedic timing and warm presence.
A Legacy Beyond Hazzard County
Though best remembered for The Dukes, Hurst had a rich acting résumé. He appeared in television classics like Happy Days, M*A*S*H, Sanford and Son, and Little House on the Prairie. His film credits include The Cat From Outer Space, Executive Action, Steel Magnolias, and In The Line of Fire.
Hurst reprised the role of Cletus in the reunion specials The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000), reinforcing his special place in fans’ hearts.
Remembered by Family and Co-Stars
Rick is survived by his wife Candace and son Ryan Hurst, an acclaimed actor known for his work in Remember the Titans, Sons of Anarchy, Bates Motel, and The Walking Dead.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, including longtime co-star John Schneider, who once said of the cast: “We’re a family still, after all these years.”
He brought “unforgettable charm” to his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg.
“The beloved actor who brought warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard,” the post continued.
“Rick’s passing is a profound loss, but his memory will forever ride shotgun in the hearts of those who grew up watching him, laughing with him, and loving him. Rest easy, Rick. You made the world a little lighter.”
He starred alongside Catherine Bach, who played Daisy Duke, John Schneider who played Bo Duke, Tom Wopat as Luke Duke, and James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.
Hurst was preceded in death amongst the cast members by Best, who starred in all seven seasons of The Dukes of Hazzard, and died in 2015. He was 88.
After The Dukes of Hazzard ended, Hurst reprised his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in two TV movies, 1997’s The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and 2000’s The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.
Outside of Hazzard, Hurst was known for his role on the sitcom On the Rocks from 1975 to 1976, and he also appeared in several movies, including Steel Magnolias, Earth Girls are Easy, The Karate Kid Part III.
He also made one-off appearances on several hit shows, including Little House on the Prairie, M*A*S*H, CHiPs, The Wonder Years and Melrose Place.
Farewell to a Hazzard Legend
Rick Hurst joins a growing list of Dukes stars now gone, including Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco).
Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. Your smile, your humor, and your heart will live forever in Hazzard County—and in the hearts of fans everywhere.