{"id":1178,"date":"2025-06-28T11:31:40","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T11:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=1178"},"modified":"2025-06-28T11:31:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T11:31:40","slug":"dukes-of-hazzard-star-rick-hurst-passes-away-at-79","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=1178","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Dukes of Hazzard\u2019 star Rick Hurst passes away at 79"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"show-inline-featured-image wp-caption alignnone\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-main-thumbnail size-main-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce-664x350.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce-664x350.jpg 664w, https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce-400x210.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce-412x216.jpg 412w\" alt=\"\" width=\"664\" height=\"350\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fans of\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0are grieving the unexpected loss of another beloved cast member. Rick Hurst, who famously portrayed the lovable Deputy Cletus Hogg on the hit series, has died at the age of 79.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2\"><\/div>\n<p>Rick\u2019s wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed the heartbreaking news to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmz.com\/2025\/06\/26\/dukes-of-hazzard-actor-richard-hurst-dead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">TMZ<\/a>, sharing that Hurst passed away suddenly on Thursday. His death comes just one week before he was scheduled to appear at a fan event at Cooter\u2019s Place, the\u00a0<em>Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>-themed museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-56adb90f7d22737cc6a5d3e175306081\" class=\"newsner-56adb90f7d22737cc6a5d3e175306081 newsner-bluebillywig_instream\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-0\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DLYoG9_Oi_f\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=640&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Fnews%2Fdukes-of-hazzard-star-rick-hurst-passes-away-at-79%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1248.1999999284744%7D\" height=\"1357\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The museum initially posted that the event had been postponed due to \u201cunforeseen circumstances,\u201d but that post has since been taken down. Later in the day, the Nashville-based branch of Cooter\u2019s Place posted a touching tribute to Hurst.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3\"><\/div>\n<p>According to his wife, the exact cause of Rick\u2019s death remains unknown.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-4e35cf9a060d44099d2ec6fb0e5b7c87\" class=\"newsner-4e35cf9a060d44099d2ec6fb0e5b7c87 newsner-incide_content_once\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"h-we-re-a-family-still\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cWe\u2019re a family still\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>Rick Hurst was born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas. He pursued higher education with passion, graduating with a bachelor\u2019s degree from Tulane University in 1968. Just two years later, in 1970, he went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts degree at Temple University.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-4\"><\/div>\n<p>He joined\u00a0<em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.newsner.com\/tag\/the-dukes-of-hazzard\/\">The Dukes of Hazzard<\/a><\/em>\u00a0during its early run in 1979 and quickly became a fan favorite. As Deputy Cletus Hogg, cousin to the bumbling villain Boss Hogg, he brought heart and humor to the small-town antics of Hazzard County.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-172376\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111710\/GettyImages-452138024.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111710\/GettyImages-452138024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111710\/GettyImages-452138024-768x508.jpg 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"677\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">W Actor Ryan Hurst, girlfriend Molly Cookson, Rick Hurst attend the \u201cWe Were Soldiers\u201d premiere in 2002 \/ Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While he began as a recurring character, he was promoted to a lead role in Season 3 when fellow deputy Sonny Shroyer (Enos Strate) left to star in his own spinoff,\u00a0<em>Enos<\/em>. When Shroyer returned in 1982, Hurst was demoted to guest appearances, eventually stepping away from the series before its final two seasons.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the ups and downs of casting changes, the bond between the show\u2019s stars remained ironclad.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-207972307\" class=\"newsner-article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"newsner-8c976ba6a20387d81538f2f3d437fb02\" class=\"newsner-8c976ba6a20387d81538f2f3d437fb02 newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re a family still, after all these years, which is very unusual,\u201d said co-star John Schneider in a 2014 interview. \u201cShows have a tendency to end when they\u2019re over.\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0has not ended for the fans, and it has not ended for the cast or the crew, and I\u2019m very proud to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That deep connection made Hurst\u2019s passing all the more painful for those who worked with him and the legions of fans who still treasure the show.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-the-karate-kid-and-steel-magnolias\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Karate Kid and Steel Magnolias<\/h2>\n<p>Hurst\u2019s character Cletus may have started out as a mere henchman to Boss Hogg in Season 1, but he was deputized by Season 2 and cemented his place in\u00a0<em>Dukes<\/em>\u00a0history. He later reunited with his co-stars in the TV movies\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!<\/em>\u00a0(1997) and\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood<\/em>\u00a0(2000), proving the fans\u2019 love for the show \u2014 and its characters \u2014 never faded.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout his long career, Hurst brought warmth and wit to countless television roles. From small parts on\u00a0<em>Happy Days<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Little House on the Prairie<\/em>, and\u00a0<em>Sanford and Son<\/em>, to more substantial appearances in\u00a0<em>M<\/em>A<em>S<\/em>H* and\u00a0<em>The Blue Knight<\/em>, he carved out a unique place in TV history. He also starred as the bumbling chef Earl Nash in\u00a0<em>Amanda\u2019s<\/em>, Bea Arthur\u2019s short-lived return to sitcoms before\u00a0<em>The Golden Girls<\/em>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-172377\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce.jpg 857w, https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111856\/sce-768x676.jpg 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"857\" height=\"754\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the big screen, Hurst\u2019s credits were just as impressive. He appeared in films like\u00a0<em>Executive Action<\/em>\u00a0(1973),\u00a0<em>The Cat From Outer Space<\/em>\u00a0(1978),\u00a0<em>The Karate Kid<\/em>\u00a0trilogy,\u00a0<em>Steel Magnolias<\/em>\u00a0(1989), and In\u00a0<em>The Line Of Fire<\/em>\u00a0(1993).<\/p>\n<p>In recent months,\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0made headlines again when co-star John Schneider slammed Warner Bros. and \u201cwoke\u201d critics for removing the show from network schedules and halting toy production of its iconic car, The General Lee, due to its Confederate imagery.<\/p>\n<p>But for the fans, the essence of\u00a0<em>The Dukes of Hazzard<\/em>\u00a0was never about politics\u2014it was about joy, mischief, and a deep sense of family.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-mourns-yet-another-loss\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mourns yet another loss<\/h2>\n<p>There was something timeless about the series. With its no-nonsense approach, minimal swearing, and pure, unfiltered enjoyment, it became a must-watch show for millions.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-1551124510\" class=\"newsner-article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"newsner-26800ef4e38f2eaffc5ec442ea102bbb\" class=\"newsner-26800ef4e38f2eaffc5ec442ea102bbb newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<p>And now, another member of that tight-knit Hazzard family is gone.<\/p>\n<p>Hurst is survived by his wife Candace and their son, Ryan Hurst \u2014 an acclaimed actor in his own right, best known for playing Gerry in\u00a0<em>Remember the Titans<\/em>\u00a0and Opie Winston in\u00a0<em>Sons of Anarchy<\/em>. Ryan also had major roles in\u00a0<em>Bates Motel<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Bosch<\/em>, and\u00a0<em>The Walking Dead<\/em>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-172375\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111508\/22291224_798087959b_b.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111508\/22291224_798087959b_b.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/06\/27111508\/22291224_798087959b_b-768x576.jpg 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/larryw\/22291224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr \/ Larry Wagner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As the\u00a0<em>Dukes<\/em>\u00a0family mourns yet another loss \u2014 joining the late Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane) \u2014 fans everywhere are remembering Rick Hurst not only for the laughter he brought but for being part of something that has lived on for generations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rest in peace, Deputy Cletus. Hazzard County won\u2019t be the same without you.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fans of\u00a0The Dukes of Hazzard\u00a0are grieving the unexpected loss of another beloved cast member. Rick Hurst, who famously portrayed the lovable Deputy Cletus Hogg on the hit series, has died &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1178"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1179,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions\/1179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}