Fans of The Dukes of Hazzard are mourning the sudden loss of another cherished cast member. Rick Hurst, beloved for his role as the endearing Deputy Cletus Hogg, has passed away at the age of 79.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Rick’s wife, Candace Kaniecki, who shared with TMZ that he died unexpectedly on Thursday. His passing comes just days before he was set to attend a special fan event at Cooter’s Place — the iconic Dukes of Hazzard museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, making the loss even more poignant for fans and friends alike.
The museum initially announced the event’s postponement due to “unforeseen circumstances,” but that message was later removed. In a heartfelt gesture, the Nashville branch of Cooter’s Place shared a moving tribute honoring Rick Hurst’s memory.
Rick’s wife has revealed that the exact cause of his passing remains unknown, leaving fans and loved ones searching for answers.
“We’re a family still.”
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Rick Hurst was a devoted scholar as well as a talented actor. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1968, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University in 1970.
Rick became a beloved fixture on The Dukes of Hazzard shortly after joining the cast in 1979. As Deputy Cletus Hogg — cousin to the infamous Boss Hogg — he brought warmth, humor, and charm to the quirky world of Hazzard County, quickly winning the hearts of fans across the nation.
Initially a recurring character, Rick Hurst stepped into a leading role in Season 3 after fellow deputy Sonny Shroyer (Enos Strate) left to star in the Enos spinoff. When Shroyer returned in 1982, Hurst shifted back to guest appearances and eventually departed the series before its final two seasons.
Through all the casting changes, the camaraderie among the cast remained unbreakable.
“We’re a family still, after all these years, which is very unusual,” co-star John Schneider reflected in a 2014 interview. “Shows often end when they’re over. But The Dukes of Hazzard hasn’t ended for the fans, or for the cast and crew. I’m proud to be part of that.”
This enduring bond made Rick’s passing even more heartbreaking for those who knew him and the devoted fans who continue to treasure the show.
The Karate Kid and Steel Magnolias — A Career Beyond Hazzard
Though Cletus started as a minor henchman in Season 1, by Season 2 he had earned his badge and a lasting place in Dukes history. Rick later reunited with his co-stars for the TV movies The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000), a testament to the show’s timeless appeal.
Beyond The Dukes of Hazzard, Rick Hurst’s career spanned numerous beloved TV classics. He appeared in small but memorable roles on Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, and Sanford and Son, with more prominent parts in MASH* and The Blue Knight. He also portrayed the bumbling chef Earl Nash on Amanda’s, Bea Arthur’s short-lived sitcom before The Golden Girls, showcasing his unique blend of warmth and humor that left a mark on television history.
Rick Hurst’s impact extended beyond television to an impressive film career. His big-screen credits include Executive Action (1973), The Cat From Outer Space (1978), the beloved Karate Kid trilogy, Steel Magnolias (1989), and In the Line of Fire (1993).
In recent months, The Dukes of Hazzard once again found itself in the spotlight when co-star John Schneider criticized Warner Bros. and cultural critics for pulling the show from network lineups and halting production of toys featuring the iconic General Lee car due to its Confederate imagery.
Yet for countless fans, the heart of The Dukes of Hazzard was never about politics—it was about pure joy, playful mischief, and an unbreakable sense of family.
Mourning Another Loss in the Hazzard Family
The show held a timeless charm. With its straightforward storytelling, clean humor, and genuine fun, it captured the hearts of millions across generations.
Now, the Hazzard family mourns the loss of another beloved member.
Rick Hurst leaves behind his wife Candace and their son, Ryan Hurst — a distinguished actor known for roles like Gerry in Remember the Titans and Opie Winston in Sons of Anarchy. Ryan has also starred in acclaimed series including Bates Motel, Bosch, and The Walking Dead.
As the Dukes of Hazzard family grieves yet another loss — joining the late Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane) — fans around the world honor Rick Hurst not only for the laughter and warmth he brought to the screen but for being an enduring part of a legacy cherished across generations.
Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. Hazzard County will never be the same without you.