Latest news with #RickHurst
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard' and father of actor Ryan Hurst, dies at 79
Actor Rick Hurst, best known as dim-witted Deputy Cletus Hogg on the TV show 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' has died unexpectedly in Los Angeles. He was 79. '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,' actor and politician Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on 'Hazzard,' wrote Thursday evening on the Facebook page for Cooter's Place, a business themed to the show. 'I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg,' co-star John Schneider, who played Bo Duke on 'Hazzard,' wrote Thursday night on Facebook. 'You were [a] remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We'll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you.' Hurst had been scheduled for fan meet-and-greet appearances July 3-7 at the Cooter's in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., according to the website for the store and restaurant, which has three locations. Cooter's called off the visit in a Facebook post early Thursday, saying the visit would be rescheduled due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' Born Jan. 1, 1946, in Houston and raised there, Hurst got started in acting quite early. 'When I was 5 or 6, acting kind of tapped me on the shoulder — literally,' he said on a COVID-era podcast a few years back with pop culture enthusiast Scott Romine. Hurst said he was at a Houston Public Library location with his mom when a man tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he wanted to be in a commercial for the library system. He did the spot, he said, 'and my pay was a chocolate soda.' After high school in Houston, Hurst studied theater at Tulane University in New Orleans, then got a master's in fine arts from Temple University in Philadelphia. All of his experience was on stage until he moved to Los Angeles. His first TV credit was for 'Sanford and Son' in 1972 and his final credit was for 'B My Guest,' a 2016 TV short. In addition to working on the first five seasons of 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' which ran from 1979 to 1985, Hurst appeared on myriad shows including 'The Six Million Dollar Man,' 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'MASH,' 'Baretta' and '227' and the miniseries 'From Here to Eternity.' Hurst said on that podcast that he 'thanked God all the time' for the success of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and its fandom. 'The stunt guys were the heroes of the show,' he said, 'and all of us in the cast knew that the first star on the show was the General Lee,' the orange 1969 Dodge Charger with a Confederate battle flag emblazoned on top, driven by characters Bo and Luke Duke, the latter played by Tom Wopat. Hurst was married twice, first to acting coach Candace Kaniecki, mother of actor Ryan Hurst, and then to Shelly Weir, mother of Collin Hurst. Ryan Hurst is best known for his roles as Opie on 'Sons of Anarchy' and Beta on 'The Walking Dead.'
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rick Hurst Tributes Pour in Following 'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor's Death
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tributes have poured in for Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on the hit series The Dukes of Hazzard, after he died at the age of 79. Hurst's ex-wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed his death in Los Angeles on June 26 to TMZ, calling it "unexpected." The cause of death is not yet known—Newsweek has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) via email for comment. Why It Matters Hurst played an integral role in a television series that remains a cultural touchstone for fans of 1970s and 1980s American television. His character, Deputy Cletus Hogg, was a comedic and endearing fixture of The Dukes of Hazzard, remembered for his hapless attempts to catch Bo and Luke Duke and for the show's signature car chases and stunts. His unexpected passing also highlights the end of an era for a show that, despite its controversies, continues to draw nostalgic viewership around the world. What To Know Born in 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst's acting career gained momentum with roles in sitcoms and dramas throughout the 1970s. He joined The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979 during a time of transition in the cast, fitting in seamlessly and becoming a beloved figure both on-screen and at fan events across the country. Hurst is survived by two sons, including Ryan Hurst, known for his role on Sons of Anarchy. The actor was married twice, most recently to Katherine Shelley Weir, until their divorce in 1991. He had been scheduled to appear at Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard, on July 3. What People Are Saying Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, paid tribute to Hurst in a heartfelt Facebook post shared by Cooter's Place: "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," he added: "He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague." The official Dukes of Hazzard fanpage wrote: "With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rick Hurst, the beloved actor who brought warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. "Rick passed away today, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond Hazzard County." "To fans, he was more than a character—he was family. 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." Duke of Hazzards collector Larry Franks wrote on X: "Very sad news. Our great friend Rick Hurst has passed away. Please pray for his family. We will miss you Cletus!" Very sad news. Our great friend Rick Hurst has passed away. Please pray for his family. We will miss you Cletus! — Larry Franks (@larryafranks) June 27, 2025 Actor and singer John Schneider posted on Facebook: "I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg. You were remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. "Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We'll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again!" What Happens Next It is not yet known what Hurst's cause of death was—Newsweek will update this story when that information is revealed.
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
‘The Dukes of Hazzard' actor Rick Hurst dead at 79
Richard (Rick) Hurst, an actor known for his role as the endearing Deputy Cletus Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard" is dead. He was 79. News of Hurst's death was confirmed to Fox News Digital by his co-star Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport in the popular series. Hurst died on Thursday afternoon. "Rick was a great guy," Jones shared in his statement. "Our show has been an ongoing success for 40 years or so, and Rick was a big part of that … it was very shocking and hurtful to hear his passing. He was just with us last week, and it was unexpected." 'DUKES OF HAZZARD' ACTOR PROTECTED CO-STAR CATHERINE BACH ON RISE TO FAMEJones continued, "He was a great human being … good-hearted… generous … always a friend I would stick up for… he was in the business of making people happy. He was a wonderful comic and comic actor." The cause of death is unknown at this time. He also shared a statement on Cooter's Pigeon Forge Facebook page – a "Dukes of Hazzard" themed museum owned by Jones. "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," Jones 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," his heartfelt tribute continued. The statement continued in part, "We have always thought of our Cooter's friends as 'Hazzard Nation', Well, Hazzard Nation is sure going to miss Rick Hurst down here around 'Cooters', but his presence will always be near us. Rest in Peace, old friend!" "The Dukes of Hazzard" actor's death comes one week before he was set to make an appearance at a fan event in Tennessee, Fox News Digital has learned. Tributes continue to pour in, including from Hurst's "Dukes of Hazzard" co-star John Schneider. "I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg. You were remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We'll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you," he wrote about his dear friend on Facebook. Hurst was born in Houston, Texas, and played the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard" in the late 1970s. He later reprised his role throughout the 1980s. His other film credits include "Steel Magnolias" and "In the Line of Fire." Hurst has several television show appearances, including "Sanford and Son," "The Partridge Family," "M*A*S*H," "Gunsmoke" and "The Bob Newhart Show." The actor was married to Katherine Shelley Weir from 1981 until 1991, and his first wife, Catherine Kaniecki, from 1969 until 1979. Hurst is survived by two sons, Ryan and Collin. Ryan was born in June 1976 and is the son of Hurst and Kaniecki. Hurst welcomed Collin later with his second wife, Weir. Both sons followed in their father's acting footsteps, as Ryan appeared in "Sons of Anarchy" and Collin reprised his role in "Dukes" in 1997 and 2000.
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
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.
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Rick Hurst, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard' star, dead at 79
Actor Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in the hit sitcom 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' has died at age 79. His death was confirmed by Ben Jones, his co-star on the show, who posted a message on the Facebook page of the Cooter's Place museum, which is dedicated to the show, on Thursday. '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,' wrote Jones. '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 added. 'He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,' said Jones, who recalled how 'everything clicked' when Hurst joined the 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast. '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!' he wrote. '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,' he said, referring to other 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast members who have died. 'Rest in Peace, old friend!' added Jones. Hurst had some success early in his acting career, including appearing in 24 episodes of TV series 'On the Rocks' from 1975 to 1976, but it was 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' which follows the fast-driving Duke brothers as they attempt to outrun the authorities in the fictional Hazzard County, that made him a household name. 'The Dukes of Hazzard' cast "The Dukes of Hazzard "stars, left to right, Byron Cherry, Jeff Altman, Rick Hurst, Catherine Bach, John Schneider, and Tom Wopat, pictured in November 2023 (AFF-USA/Shutterstock via CNN Newsource) Hurst appeared in 55 episodes of the CBS series from 1979 to 1982, before leaving to appear in 'Amanda's,' a US remake of the popular British TV series 'Fawlty Towers.' In the decades that followed, he appeared in various TV shows and movies, making his last appearance in a TV short called 'B My Guest' in 2016. By Jack Guy, CNN
