A Quiet Loss Felt Loudly
In a world that often moves too fast to stop and grieve, every once in a while, a passing comes that gives people reason to pause. The world of television, fans of nostalgia, and generations who grew up watching reruns of small-town hijinks and Southern charm found themselves stunned this week. A beloved character actor—whose recognizable face may not have always been front and center, but whose presence left an indelible mark—has departed.
Though the news came quietly, the ripple effect has been anything but. What appeared to be another routine summer week turned somber as tributes began pouring in, memories resurfaced online, and a once-familiar name found its way back into headlines.
For those who might not immediately recognize the name Rick Hurst, his portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg on the wildly popular ‘80s sitcom The Dukes of Hazzard brings instant clarity. And now, at the age of 79, the actor who brought that role to life is gone.
An Unforeseen Goodbye
Rick Hurst passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles, a fact confirmed by his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, in a statement to TMZ. She shared that his death was unexpected and that the cause remains unknown. Plans had been in place for him to appear at Cooter’s Place, a museum dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on July 3. Just hours before his passing, the museum had issued a brief Facebook post citing “unforeseen circumstances” that would prevent his attendance, yet also suggested he hoped to reschedule.
No one could have anticipated that he would never return.
(Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
From Houston to Hollywood: The Early Years
Born January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Richard Douglas Hurst entered the world at the start of a new year—a symbolism not lost on those who would later admire his fresh take on comedic character acting. He didn’t come from a Hollywood dynasty, nor did he skyrocket to fame as a child prodigy. Instead, Hurst took the more measured path, climbing through the ranks of television and film one guest spot at a time.
Hurst made his on-screen debut in 1972 with minor appearances in some of the era’s most recognizable television series: Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, and The New Temperatures Rising Show. These were often blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roles, but they built a resume, built experience, and most importantly, built a reputation.
By the mid-70s, he landed his first major break as Cleaver in the ABC sitcom On the Rocks, set in a minimum-security prison. While the show lasted just one season, it gave Hurst his first taste of being part of a central ensemble, a skill he would later bring fully to life in his most iconic role.
The Dukes of Hazzard: An Iconic Role
Rick Hurst’s big break came in 1979 when he joined The Dukes of Hazzard as the bumbling yet loveable Deputy Cletus Hogg. Introduced in the show’s early seasons, Cletus was the cousin of the infamous Boss Hogg, played by Sorrell Booke, and served as a comedic foil to the law-dodging Duke cousins.
His portrayal of Cletus struck a chord. He embodied the Southern small-town lawman with equal parts slapstick and sincerity, never crossing the line into cartoonish parody. Hurst initially recurred in the first two seasons before becoming a series regular in Season 3. Though he would reduce his appearances later on and ultimately not be featured in the series’ final seasons, his character was memorable enough to warrant returns in reunion movies Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000).
For many fans, it was impossible to think of The Dukes of Hazzard without Cletus’s sheepish grin and well-meaning (if not always successful) law enforcement blunders.
Portrait of cast members, left to right: Rick Hurst (as Deputy Cletus Hogg); Sonny Shroyer (as Enos Strate). Image dated October 19, 1999. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Beyond Hazzard County: A Career in Character Acting
While Cletus Hogg was his most iconic role, Rick Hurst’s career spanned decades and included a remarkable breadth of characters. His filmography is a time capsule of classic American television: Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, Little House on the Prairie, Kojak, Love, American Style, Murder, She Wrote, The Wonder Years, and Melrose Place all featured his talents in some form.
He also had roles in major films, including Steel Magnolias, In the Line of Fire, and The Karate Kid Part III. Whether delivering a single punchline or grounding a scene with an earnest supporting role, Hurst brought something sincere and endearing to each appearance.
His last credited film role came in 2016 with the short B My Guest, although before that, he made a memorable appearance in the 2012 indie horror-comedy Return of the Killer Shrews. These roles may not have captured the same national attention as The Dukes of Hazzard, but they were a testament to an actor who never stopped working, never lost the passion.
Family, Legacy, and a Life Well Lived
Outside of his professional life, Rick Hurst was known to be a family man. He was previously married to Shelley Weir and fathered two sons: Colin and Ryan Hurst. The latter has built a successful acting career in his own right, with prominent roles in Remember the Titans and Sons of Anarchy.
Rick’s influence on his son’s career is evident, not just in the work ethic but in the deep emotional resonance both men brought to their roles. While Ryan carved out his own niche in gritty dramas, Rick specialized in light-heartedness, proving that storytelling in any genre has the power to connect.
The Power of Nostalgia and the Cost of Its Loss
When a beloved figure like Rick Hurst passes away, the grief goes beyond personal connections. It taps into a deeper, more communal sense of loss. For fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, his death feels like a piece of childhood slipping away. For those who remember him from other roles, it’s a quiet reminder of how certain faces—familiar, comforting, enduring—help shape entire decades of entertainment.
In a culture often focused on marquee names and blockbuster credits, actors like Rick Hurst serve as the connective tissue in the greater body of American entertainment. They’re not always the names on the posters, but they’re the ones we remember.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his death, tributes flooded social media from former co-stars, fans, and even museums dedicated to the legacy of The Dukes of Hazzard. Cooter’s Place issued a formal statement expressing their condolences and recalling the actor’s warmth and generosity.
Fellow cast members described Hurst as “a gentle giant of comedy” and “one of the kindest souls in the business.” Some recalled moments on set where his humor lightened long shoot days; others shared stories of his continued connection to fans through appearances and autograph signings even years after the show ended.
His passing has reignited interest in his work, with many fans and newcomers revisiting episodes, clips, and tributes online.
In Memory: A Final Curtain Call
Rick Hurst leaves behind more than a filmography. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, a history of humble professionalism, and a deep well of affection from fans and peers alike. As the television landscape continues to evolve, it’s important to remember figures like Hurst—actors who brought joy without ego, who made scenes memorable without stealing the spotlight.
He may have played a deputy on screen, often chasing after cars with flashing lights, but in real life, Rick Hurst was a steady force. A character actor who became a character in the hearts of millions.
And for that, he won’t be forgotten.
