‘Dukes of Hazzard' Star Makes Emotional Tribute to Rick Hurst
Rick Hurst, the actor best known for portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg on CBS's hit sitcom The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79, as reported by his ex-wife, Candace Kaniecki.
While the cause of death has yet to be made clear, tributes to the late actor have continued to pour on across social media, with fans, critics and past cast members of The Dukes of Hazzard sharing their thoughts on Hurst's unexpected passing.
Taking to social media to pen an emotional tribute to Hurst, Ben Jones -- best known for portraying The Dukes of Hazzard's unkempt mechanic Cooter Davenport -- shared a Facebook post highlighting his former co-star's rich personality and numerous achievements in the world of entertainment.
"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," the 83-year-old actor wrote. "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. 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 former U.S. House of Representatives member went on to say. "I don't know about y'all but I believe in an afterlife, and I can see Rick up there in Heaven with [deceased Dukes of Hazzard cast members] Jimmy Best and Sorrell Booke and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates."
Similarly, Dukes of Hazzard fan pages across social media have echoed Jones' sentiment, mourning the loss of Hurst for both his charming wit and extraordinary comedic timing.
"To fans, he was more than a character-he was family," one Dukes of Hazzard fan page wrote on Instagram. "His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing, and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter. Off-screen, Rick was known for his generosity, humility, and love for connecting with fans at events across the country. Whether it was a reunion special or a meet-and-greet at Cooter's, he never stopped sharing his joy with the people who adored him."
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