The Dukes of Hazzard star dies 'unexpectedly' as co-star pays tribute
The Dukes of Hazzard star dies 'unexpectedly' as co-star pays tribute
Death of actor actor confirmed by friend in heartfelt post
Actor Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg (bottom left) has died
(Image: CBS Photo Archive, CBS via Getty Images )
Rick Hurst, famed for his portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has died 'unexpectedly' at the age of 79.
Ben Jones, a fellow cast member, revealed the heartbreaking news with a moving homage posted on Cooter's Place museum's Facebook page last Thursday.
Jones shared his shock: "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," he remarked.
He added: "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,".
Jones noted Hurst's talents and collegial nature: "He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague," while recalling the seamless way in which Hurst integrated into the "Dukes of Hazzard" cast.
Jones highlighted Hurst's capacity to bring joy: "He fit right in and never stopped making people smile until this afternoon. And since the Dukes is still playing all over the planet, he will continue to make us laugh!".
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Actor Rick Hurst was known for his sense of humour
(Image: CBS Photo Archive, CBS via Getty Images )
Reflecting on Hurst's legacy and their shared belief in life beyond, Jones mused: "I don't know about y'all but I believe in an afterlife, and I can see Rick up there in Heaven with Jimmy Best and Sorrell Booke and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates," nodding to his late co-stars from the series.
Jones concluded his tribute with a touching farewell: "Rest in Peace, old friend!".
Hurst's acting journey began with roles in various TV series including "On the Rocks" where he made a lasting impression with 24 episodes under his belt from 1975.
His rise to stardom was fuelled by the adrenaline-pumping adventures of "The Dukes of Hazzard," where he became a household name playing one of the Duke brothers, outwitting law enforcement and cementing his status as a television icon.
A beloved figure on the small screen, Hurst appeared in 55 episodes of the legendary CBS series from 1979 to 1982, before attempting to conquer American audiences with "Amanda's," the stateside counterpart to Britain's hilarious "Fawlty Towers."
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After leaving the Dukes behind, Hurst continued to hop from set to set for years, culminating in his final performance in 2016 with the TV short "B My Guest".
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