Rick Hurst, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Known as Deputy Cletus Hogg, Dies at 79
Rick Hurst, the actor who brought sweet but scatterbrained Deputy Cletus Hogg to life on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at 79.
His death was confirmed on June 26 by his first wife, acting coach Candace Kaniecki, and by his longtime friend and Dukes co-star Ben Jones. No cause of death has been released.
A Sitcom Staple and Fan Favorite
The millions of viewers who grew up watching Friday-night CBS TV knew Hurst as the heart and humor of Hazzard County law enforcement.
Joining The Dukes of Hazzard in 1980 during its third season, Hurst took over the deputy role from Sonny Shroyer’s Enos, who had left for a short-lived spinoff.
Hurst stepped into the role of Boss Hogg’s bumbling nephew, Deputy Cletus Hogg, taking what could have been a throwaway supporting role and made it one of the show’s most lovable characters. His wide-eyed reactions and perfectly timed pratfalls made Cletus the kind of small-town deputy fans rooted for... even when he was hopelessly outwitted by the Duke boys.
Hurst featured in 55 episodes, bringing comedic relief and heart to Hazzard County until the show ended in 1985. He later reprised the role in two reunion movies in the late ’90s and early 2000s, proving that some characters (and actors) are just too good to leave parked in the past.
Hollywood Tributes: “A Joy to Work With”
Ben Jones, who played mechanic and Duke ally Cooter Davenport, described Hurst as “a wonderful actor and even better friend.” On social media, Jones credited Hurst for helping to make The Dukes of Hazzard the “fun, lighthearted show” people remember so fondly.
John Schneider, better known as Bo Duke, called Hurst “a joy to work with” and credited him for keeping the mood light on set. Schneider said Hurst had a gift for making people laugh both on and off camera.
Even after The Dukes of Hazzard wrapped, Hurst stayed connected to his fans. He became a familiar face on the convention circuit, always up for signing autographs, posing for photos, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his days in Hazzard County.
More Than a Deputy: A Career Full of Character Roles
Before and after his time in Hazzard County, Hurst kept his calendar full. He popped up on some of the biggest TV shows of the ’70s and ’80s, with guest spots and recurring roles on classic hits like MASH, Happy Days, and Family Matters.
His film career followed the same pattern. Small roles, sure, but always memorable.
He showed up in fan-favorite movies like Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and even held his own alongside Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire.
For decades, Hurst sculpted the kind of career most character actors hope for: steady, recognizable, and always appreciated by the audience.
A Family of Performers
Acting ran in the Hurst family.
Rick’s son Ryan Hurst found his own fame in projects like Remember the Titans, Sons of Anarchy, and The Walking Dead. Another son, Collin Hurst, also pursued a career in acting.
Rick Hurst was married twice, first to Candace Kaniecki, with whom he had a son named Ryan, and later to Katherine Shelley Weir, Collin’s mother.
Cause of Death Not Released
As of now, Hurst’s family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death. They’ve asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of a father, friend, and fixture in classic TV history.
Saying Goodbye to a TV Original
For many fans, Rick Hurst will forever be Deputy Cletus, chasing the Duke boys around Hazzard County in a dented patrol car, radio squawking, and heart always in the right place.
If the legacy of a performer is measured in laughs, smiles, and reruns that still bring joy decades later— Rick Hurst’s impact is undeniable.
As Ben Jones put it, “He brought joy to millions, and he’ll always be part of the Hazzard family.”
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