Actor Rick Hurst, Beloved For His Role On The Dukes Of Hazzard, Has Died

Rick Hurst, the man who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on Thursday (June 26) at the age of 79.

Hurst’s co-star, Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, confirmed his death. Jones shared the heartbreaking news in a post on the Facebook page for the Cooter’s Place Museum (themed around the show) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Jones wrote:

“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. 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 was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”

He ended his post by saying:

“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!”

Hurst was supposed to appear at Cooter’s Place from July 3 to July 7. But early on Thursday, before his death was announced, the museum shared he couldn’t visit due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Later, after Hurst’s death was announced, the museum shared a tribute to the beloved actor.

Hurst Brought The Laughs On The Dukes Of Hazzard As Loveable Deputy Cletus Hogg

Rick Hurst started acting in the ’70s, landing minor roles in programs such as Little House on the Prairie and Gunsmoke. Pre-Dukes, one of his biggest roles was in the ABC sitcom On the Rocks, which aired from 1975 to 1976.

Hurst first appeared as Cletus Hogg in Episode 11 of The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired in 1979. Cletus served as a foil to his cousin, Boss Hogg, who was corrupt and greedy while Cletus was kinder, and sometimes a bit clueless.

Hurst played Cletus in a total of 47 episodes across five seasons. While he didn’t appear in Seasons 6 and 7, he reprised his role in the Reunion! and Hazzard in Hollywood TV movies.

Although Dukes was his most memorable performance, Hurst starred in many other projects. Those included Steel Magnolias, the short-lived TV series Amanda’s, and an episode of Family Matters, in which he played Santa.

Hurst’s last performance came in 2012, when he played Harold Rock in the horror film Return of the Killer Shrews, which starred his Dukes co-stars James Best and John Schneider.

Dukes Of Hazzard Stars Pay Tribute To Rick Hurst Following His Death

After learning about Rick Hurst’s death, his Dukes of Hazzard co-stars paid tribute to him on social media. John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, wrote:

“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. John.”

Sonny Shroyer, who played Deputy Enos Strate, wrote, “Our Hearts are saddened by this & very heavy. [Losing] our Dear Friend…RIP Buddy Roe!“

The official Dukes of Hazzard Instagram page also shared a tribute to Hurst, which read:

“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.”

The tribute ended with the words, “Rest easy, Rick. You made the world a little lighter.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick Hurst’s loved ones and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace…