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The community of the Dukes of Hazzard is in mourning. According to TMZ, Rick Hurst, who portrayed Deputy Cletus Hogg on the venerable CBS series for five seasons, passed away in Los Angeles on June 26. He was seventy-nine.
According to Kaniecki, Hurst's wife from 1969 to 1979, his death was "unexpected," and the cause of his death is still "unclear."
Ben Jones, Hurst's co-star on Dukes of Hazzard, also confirmed his passing in a moving ode posted by Cooter Place, the museum for the show, where he was supposed to make an appearance on July 3.
"It doesn't seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon," wrote Jones. "When something so unexpected happens, it is 'harder to process,' as the current expression goes."
"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 said. He was a professional comedian, to be sure, but his heart was as big as Texas most of the time. He was an excellent comedian, a great actor, and a very encouraging coworker.
"Everything clicked" when Hurst joined Dukes in 1979, the actor continued.
"He fit right in and never stopped making people smile until this afternoon," Jones stated. "And since the Dukes is still playing all over the planet, he will continue to make us laugh!"
Hurst, who is survived by two sons, Ryan Hurst, an actor who starred on Sons of Anarchy during its run, and Collin Hurst, reprised his role in two Dukes TV movies in 1997 and 2000 after serving as Deputy Hogg on the show until 1985. The Doris Day Show, his on-screen debut, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, and The Bob Newhart Show were among his other endeavors.
Additionally, the official Dukes of Hazzard fan page honored Hurst, who was married to Katherine Shelley Weir from 1981 to 1991.
"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," the article started. "Rick died today, leaving a legacy in his wake.
"To fans, he was more than a character—he was family," it continued. "Every scene was brightened by his kindhearted spirit, flawless comedic timing, and gentle smile. Rick was well-known off-screen for his kindness, modesty, and passion for interacting with fans at events all over the nation. He never ceased spreading his happiness to those who loved him, whether it was during a reunion special or a meet-and-greet at Cooter's.
According to the fan page's conclusion, "Rick's passing is a great loss, but those who grew up watching him, laughing with him, and loving him will always carry his memory with them. Don't worry, Rick. You added a little brightness to the world.
