Rick Hurst passes away at 79, fans say goodbye to Hazzard County's most loved Deputy
Hollywood has lost a gentle soul. Rick Hurst, beloved by millions for his unforgettable portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg in the hit CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79. His death was announced on Thursday, leaving fans heartbroken and nostalgic for the laughter he brought into their lives.
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The announcement came from Cooter's Place, a museum in Tennessee dedicated to Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia, where Rick was set to appear next month. In a touching tribute, the museum described him not just as a character, but as 'family.' He was remembered for his warm smile, effortless comedic timing, and a spirit that brought joy to every fan he met.
Rick Hurst's acting career stretched far beyond Hazzard County. From guest appearances on classics like Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, and The Wonder Years, to roles in films like The Karate Kid Part III and Steel Magnolias, Hurst made his mark with his versatility and charm.
Born in Houston on January 1, 1946, Richard Douglas Hurst earned degrees from Tulane and Temple University and honed his craft under renowned drama teacher Cecil Pickett. He made his TV debut in 1971 on The Doris Day Show, and never looked back.
But it was in 1979 that he stepped into the shoes of Cletus Hogg, the clumsy but endearing cousin of Boss Hogg, on The Dukes of Hazzard. Cletus became a fan favourite, often found in hilarious car chases that ended in a splash, quite literally. He eventually shared deputy duties with Enos Strate, creating some of the show's most memorable moments.
Hurst continued to honour the legacy of the series, returning for reunion specials in the late '90s and always making time to meet fans at conventions. Offscreen, he was known for his kindness, humility, and generosity, traits echoed by every person who crossed his path.
Rick Hurst is survived by his son, actor Ryan Hurst, known for his role in Sons of Anarchy. As tributes pour in, it is clear that Rick's legacy of laughter, love, and lighthearted mischief will never be forgotten.
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Rick Hurst Net Worth: Dukes of Hazzard actor dies at 79 — a look at his finances and legacy
Veteran actor Rick Hurst, widely remembered for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on June 26 at the age of 79. His death was announced by Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to the Dukes franchise, where he was scheduled to attend a fan event just days later. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Known for his warm demeanour and comedic charm, Hurst had built a loyal fan base both on and off the screen. Following his death, interest has surged around his life and career, especially regarding his financial legacy. At the time of his passing, Rick Hurst's net worth was estimated at $500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Though not as high as some of today's TV stars, Hurst earned steadily over decades through guest roles, commercials, and regular appearances at fan conventions-particularly those linked to The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst began his television journey in the early 1970s, making guest appearances on shows like The Doris Day Show, Sanford and Son, and The Partridge Family. His big break came in 1975 with the sitcom On the Rocks, where he played Cleaver. But it was his casting in 1979 as Cletus Hogg that brought him widespread recognition. He remained on The Dukes of Hazzard until 1983 and returned for reunion specials in 1997 and 2000. At the time, the show was a ratings juggernaut, though television salaries had yet to reach today's blockbuster levels. Beyond Dukes, Hurst was seen in several popular shows, including Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Wonder Years. On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and Earth Girls Are Easy. In 1983, Hurst played Earl Nash in the short-lived ABC version of Fawlty Towers. Though the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes, it marked another chapter in his diverse career. Hurst is survived by his son, Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Tributes from fans and peers continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a man whose charm and talent made him a beloved figure in American television. Rick Hurst had an estimated net worth of $500,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.
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a day ago
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Rick Hurst dies at 79: Dukes of Hazzard actor's net worth and legacy explored
Veteran actor Rick Hurst, widely remembered for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on June 26 at the age of 79. His death was announced by Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to the Dukes franchise, where he was scheduled to attend a fan event just days later. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Known for his warm demeanour and comedic charm, Hurst had built a loyal fan base both on and off the screen. Following his death, interest has surged around his life and career, especially regarding his financial legacy. At the time of his passing, Rick Hurst's net worth was estimated at $500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Though not as high as some of today's TV stars, Hurst earned steadily over decades through guest roles, commercials, and regular appearances at fan conventions-particularly those linked to The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst began his television journey in the early 1970s, making guest appearances on shows like The Doris Day Show, Sanford and Son, and The Partridge Family. His big break came in 1975 with the sitcom On the Rocks, where he played Cleaver. But it was his casting in 1979 as Cletus Hogg that brought him widespread recognition. He remained on The Dukes of Hazzard until 1983 and returned for reunion specials in 1997 and 2000. At the time, the show was a ratings juggernaut, though television salaries had yet to reach today's blockbuster levels. Beyond Dukes, Hurst was seen in several popular shows, including Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Wonder Years. On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and Earth Girls Are Easy. In 1983, Hurst played Earl Nash in the short-lived ABC version of Fawlty Towers. Though the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes, it marked another chapter in his diverse career. Hurst is survived by his son, Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Tributes from fans and peers continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a man whose charm and talent made him a beloved figure in American television. Rick Hurst had an estimated net worth of $500,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79. Rick Hurst's son is actor Ryan Hurst, known for Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead.
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Jun 27, 2025 03:38 PM IST Rick Hurst, the beloved actor best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79. Rick Hurst, famed for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at 79. (IMDB) His death was confirmed by his wife, Candace Kaniecki, who told TMZ that Hurst died unexpectedly on Thursday in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been made public. Hurst's warm and goofy portrayal of Cletus made him a fan favourite in the late 1970s and early '80s. Rick Hurst's family Hurst was married twice. His first marriage was to Katherine Shelley Weir, with whom he had one son. Later, he married acting coach Candace Kaniecki, his second wife, who remained by his side until his passing. He is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Collin Hurst.
