Noted TV actor Rick Hurst has reportedly passed away. Hurst had an extensive career predominantly on television, though he did appear in several movies. He is best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in the CBS show The Dukes of Hazzard and other associated projects.
Rick Hurst passes away at 79, claims report
Rick Hurst passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at 79. His first wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed the news to TMZ and told the outlet that the death was unexpected. The cause of his death remains unknown. Hurst is survived by his sons Ryan, who is also an actor, and Colin.
Hurst earlier canceled a scheduled appearance at the Cooter’s Place museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After his passing, the establishment put out a post on Facebook, which reads, “Our hearts are broken!!! You will be missed!!!”
Messages of condolences have poured in for Hurst’s loved one. His former The Dukes of Hazzard co-star, Ben Jones, said in a statement, “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.”
Jones noted that he and Hurst had known each other for 45 years and that “there wasn’t a minute of that time that he didn’t leave me smiling or laughing.” He added, “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.”
Hurst’s portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard received critical acclaim. He also played the role in The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000). His other notable TV credits include Amanda’s, Highway to Heaven, The Wonder Years, and more.
