The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Rick Hurst, beloved for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the iconic TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his ex-wife Candace Kaniecki and co-star Ben Jones. The cause of death remains undisclosed, leaving fans and colleagues reflecting on his enduring contributions to television. The Dukes of Hazzard star’s passing, just days before a scheduled fan event, has sparked an outpouring of tributes celebrating his comedic talent and warmth.

A Fixture in Hazzard County

Rick Hurst, born January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, became a household name through his portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired from 1979 to 1985. As the cousin of the show’s antagonist, Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke), Hurst’s character brought humor and heart to the action-packed series, which followed the adventures of the Duke brothers in fictional Hazzard County. Hurst joined the cast during a period when actor Sonny Shroyer was filming Enos, seamlessly fitting into the ensemble with his comedic timing. “He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,” said co-star Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport, in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Hurst’s career extended beyond The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in shows like MASH*, *Sanford and Son*, *Happy Days*, and *The Partridge Family*, and played a prisoner named Cleaver in the 1975-76 sitcom *On the Rocks*. He also reprised his Cletus role in two TV movies, *The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!* (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000). His versatility and charm made him a familiar face at fan conventions, including a planned appearance at Cooter’s Place, a Dukes-themed museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on July 3, 2025.

Tributes Pour In

The news of Hurst’s passing, confirmed on June 26, 2025, prompted emotional responses from fans and colleagues. Ben Jones, in a post shared by Cooter’s Place, wrote, “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. I can see Rick up there in Heaven with Jimmy Best, Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.” John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, expressed his grief on social media, stating, “You were a remarkable force for humanity, sanity, and comedy, my friend.” Fans on X echoed these sentiments, with one user noting, “Regardless of the nasty stuff spewed about the Dukes, it will always be a good family show that taught me good values. And Rick was a part of that.”

Hurst’s impact extended to his family, including his son Ryan Hurst, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy and Remember the Titans, and his son Collin Hurst. His ex-wife Candace Kaniecki, married to Hurst from 1969 to 1979, described his passing as “unexpected” to TMZ, underscoring the shock felt by those close to him.

A Lasting Legacy

The Dukes of Hazzard remains a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its Southern charm and action-comedy blend, though not without controversy over its depiction of Confederate symbols. Hurst’s role as Cletus contributed to the show’s enduring appeal, with fans on X noting that “Hazzard Nation” will continue to cherish his work as the series airs globally. “Since the Dukes is still playing all over the planet, he will continue to make us laugh,” Jones wrote, capturing Hurst’s timeless influence.

What This Means for Readers

The passing of Rick Hurst marks the loss of another cherished figure from The Dukes of Hazzard, following the deaths of cast members like James Best (2015), Sorrell Booke (1994), and Peggy Rea (2011). For fans, Hurst’s death is a reminder of the show’s lasting impact on pop culture and the joy it brought to millions. As tributes continue to flow, his legacy as Deputy Cletus Hogg endures, ensuring that his humor and warmth remain a part of Hazzard Nation forever.

Sources: TMZ, E! Online, Zee News, CNN, Cooter’s Place Facebook

Note: Some sources refer to the actor as Richard Hurst, but most confirm his name as Rick Hurst. This article uses Rick Hurst for consistency with primary sources.