Sudden and Heartbreaking News<\/h3>\n
Hurst\u2019s wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed his death to\u00a0TMZ<\/em>. He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, just days before a scheduled fan appearance at Cooter\u2019s Place\u2014a\u00a0Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>-themed museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.<\/p>\n Originally, the museum postponed the event due to \u201cunforeseen circumstances.\u201d However, the Nashville location later posted a touching tribute to Hurst. His wife noted that the cause of death remains unknown.<\/p>\n Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Rick Hurst pursued education passionately. He earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Tulane University in 1968, followed by a M<\/p>\n Hurst joined\u00a0The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0in 1979 and quickly won over fans. As Deputy Cletus Hogg\u2014cousin to the infamous Boss Hogg\u2014he brought comic relief and heart to Hazzard County.<\/p>\n Initially a recurring character, Hurst stepped into a lead role during Season 3 after Sonny Shroyer left to star in the spin-off\u00a0Enos<\/em>. When Shroyer returned in 1982, Hurst shifted back to guest appearances before ultimately leaving the show.<\/p>\n Despite cast changes, the\u00a0Dukes<\/em>\u00a0team stayed close. \u201cWe\u2019re a family still, after all these years, which is very unusual,\u201d co-star John Schneider shared in a 2014 interview. \u201cThe Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0hasn\u2019t ended for the fans\u2014or for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Hurst\u2019s role grew from a sidekick to a fan favorite. He later reprised his character in\u00a0The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!<\/em>\u00a0(1997) and\u00a0Hazzard in Hollywood<\/em>\u00a0(2000), cementing his legacy in the franchise.<\/p>\n His career extended far beyond Hazzard. He appeared in classic shows like\u00a0Happy Days<\/em>,\u00a0Little House on the Prairie<\/em>,\u00a0Sanford and Son<\/em>,\u00a0MASH<\/em>, and\u00a0The Blue Knight<\/em>. He also starred in\u00a0Amanda\u2019s<\/em>, Bea Arthur\u2019s short-lived sitcom before\u00a0The Golden Girls<\/em>.<\/p>\n Hurst\u2019s film career included roles in\u00a0Executive Action<\/em>\u00a0(1973),\u00a0The Cat From Outer Space<\/em>\u00a0(1978),\u00a0The Karate Kid<\/em>\u00a0trilogy,\u00a0Steel Magnolias<\/em>\u00a0(1989), and\u00a0In The Line Of Fire<\/em>\u00a0(1993). His mix of warmth and comic timing made him a standout on both TV and film.<\/p>\n Arts from Temple University in 1970.<\/p>\n Even recently,\u00a0The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0made headlines. Co-star John Schneider criticized Warner Bros. for removing the show and its merchandise due to Confederate imagery. Yet, to fans, the series has always been about fun, family, and mischief\u2014not politics.<\/p>\n Rick is survived by his wife Candace and their son, actor Ryan Hurst. Ryan is known for major roles in\u00a0Remember the Titans<\/em>,\u00a0Sons of Anarchy<\/em>,\u00a0Bates Motel<\/em>,\u00a0Bosch<\/em>, and\u00a0The Walking Dead<\/em>.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Dukes<\/em>\u00a0family continues to mourn, joining previous losses like Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane).<\/p>\n Rick Hurst wasn\u2019t just a cast member\u2014he was part of something timeless. His charm, humor, and heart made him unforgettable.<\/p>\n Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. Hazzard County\u2014and your fans\u2014will never forget you.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Humble Beginnings and Rising Stardom<\/h3>\n
A Memorable Role in a Legendary Series<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111710\/GettyImages-452138024.jpg\")
Cletus\u2019s Legacy and Beyond<\/h3>\n
Big Screen Appearances<\/h3>\n
A Show That Still Resonates<\/h3>\n
A Family and Fan Favorite Remembered<\/h3>\n
Farewell to a Legend<\/h3>\n