Latest news with #DukesofHazzard
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
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!". Article continues below 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." Article continues below 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".
Miami Herald
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘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." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Who is Rick Hurst's son Ryan?
DUKES of Hazard star Rick Hurst passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79 on Thursday, June 26, 2025 — just days before he was set to appear at a fan event. Here we get to know his son Ryan Hurst, who 3 Rick Hurst has passed away Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Rick with his son Ryan Hurst at the We Were Soldiers (2002) premiere in Westwood, California Credit: Getty On July 3, 2025, Rick Hurst was scheduled to make an appearance at Cooter's Place — a museum that houses an array of Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia — for a fan event. Prior to his passing, the venue had announced his appearance had been canceled. Paying tribute to Rick, Cooter's proprietor Ben Jones wrote on Facebook: "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." read more on Rick Hurst Ben added: "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 wonderful supportive colleague." Rick died unexpectedly in Los Angeles on June 26, 2025, his wife Candace Kaniecki told He played the cop Cletus Hogg in Dukes of Hazzard — brother of villain Boss Hogg — between 1979 and 1982. Most read in Celebrity The Dukes of Hazzard aired seven seasons between 1979 and 1985. Rick also appeared in the 1997 movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, and the 2000 flick The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood. Luke and Bo run from the cops in their iconic car in from Dukes of Hazzard During a film and TV career spanning decades, Texas-born Rick also appeared in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias (1989), In the Line of Fire (1993) and Runaway Car (1997). During the 1980s, he also featured in shows including Amanda's and Murder, She Wrote. Rick is survived by his son, Ryan, who is an actor in his own right. Who is Ryan Hurst? Ryan Douglas Hurst was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of Rick Hurst and Candace Kaniecki, who is an acting coach. Growing up in a Hollywood family, Ryan was immersed in the entertainment industry from an early age. He attended Santa Monica High School and made his first appearances on TV as a teenager. His upbringing was shaped by his parents' involvement in acting and the performing arts. 3 Ryan Hurst is also a professional actor Credit: Getty His mother Candace runs an acting school, while his father Rick was a famous character actor — leading to Ryan's early start in the business. Acting career Ryan began his professional acting career in the early 1990s, landing a recurring role in the NBC series Saved by the Bell: The New Class. His most notable roles include: Remember the Titans (2000): Ryan's portrayal of American football player Gerry Bertier in this Disney sports drama earned him widespread recognition. Sons of Anarchy (2008–2012): Perhaps his most iconic role, Ryan played Opie Winston — a central character in the FX crime drama, earning him a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. The Walking Dead (2019–2020): Ryan joined the AMC horror series as the formidable Beta, further cementing his versatility as an actor. Other significant credits include roles in Saving Private Ryan (1998), We Were Soldiers (2002), The Ladykillers (2004), Outsiders (2016–2017) and Bates Motel (2015–2017). Family Ryan met his wife, Molly Cookson, in 1994. The couple married in May 2005 and together founded the production company Fast Shoes. Per IMDb, in April 2013, Ryan and Molly bought a 3,400 square-foot home in Woodland Hills, California for $1.71 million Ryan has also embarked on a his spiritual journey — he converted to Sikhism and adopted the name Gobind Seva Singh.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Who is Rick Hurst's son Ryan?
DUKES of Hazard star Rick Hurst passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79 on Thursday, June 26, 2025 — just days before he was set to appear at a fan event. Here we get to know his son Ryan Hurst, who followed in his father's footsteps to pursue an acting career. Advertisement 3 Rick Hurst has passed away Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Rick with his son Ryan Hurst at the We Were Soldiers (2002) premiere in Westwood, California Credit: Getty On July 3, 2025, Rick Hurst was scheduled to make an appearance at Cooter's Place — a museum that houses an array of Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia — for a fan event. Prior to his passing, the venue had announced his appearance had been canceled. Paying tribute to Rick, Cooter's proprietor Ben Jones wrote on Facebook: "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." Advertisement read more on Rick Hurst SUDDEN LOSS The Dukes of Hazzard star dies at 79 days before fan event appearance Ben added: "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 wonderful supportive colleague." Rick died unexpectedly in Los Angeles on June 26, 2025, his wife Candace Kaniecki told TMZ. He played the cop Cletus Hogg in Dukes of Hazzard — brother of villain Boss Hogg — between 1979 and 1982. Advertisement The Dukes of Hazzard aired seven seasons between 1979 and 1985. Rick also appeared in the 1997 movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, and the 2000 flick The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood. Luke and Bo run from the cops in their iconic car in from Dukes of Hazzard During a film and TV career spanning decades, Texas-born Rick also appeared in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias (1989), In the Line of Fire (1993) and Runaway Car (1997). During the 1980s, he also featured in shows including Amanda's and Murder, She Wrote. Advertisement Rick is survived by his son, Ryan, who is an actor in his own right. Who is Ryan Hurst? Ryan Douglas Hurst was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of Rick Hurst and Candace Kaniecki, who is an acting coach. Growing up in a Hollywood family, Ryan was immersed in the entertainment industry from an early age. Advertisement He attended Santa Monica High School and made his first appearances on TV as a teenager. His upbringing was shaped by his parents' involvement in acting and the performing arts. 3 Ryan Hurst is also a professional actor Credit: Getty His mother Candace runs an acting school, while his father Rick was a famous character actor — leading to Ryan's early start in the business. Advertisement Acting career Ryan began his professional acting career in the early 1990s, landing a recurring role in the NBC series Saved by the Bell: The New Class. His most notable roles include: Remember the Titans (2000): Ryan's portrayal of American football player Gerry Bertier in this Disney sports drama earned him widespread recognition. Sons of Anarchy (2008–2012): Perhaps his most iconic role, Ryan played Opie Winston — a central character in the FX crime drama, earning him a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. The Walking Dead (2019–2020): Ryan joined the AMC horror series as the formidable Beta, further cementing his versatility as an actor. Other significant credits include roles in Saving Private Ryan (1998), We Were Soldiers (2002), The Ladykillers (2004), Outsiders (2016–2017) and Bates Motel (2015–2017). Family Ryan met his wife, Molly Cookson, in 1994. Advertisement The couple married in May 2005 and together founded the production company Fast Shoes. Per IMDb, in April 2013, Ryan and Molly bought a 3,400 square-foot home in Woodland Hills, California for $1.71 million Ryan has also embarked on a his spiritual journey — he converted to Sikhism and adopted the name Gobind Seva Singh.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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. View this post on Instagram 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.
