Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 27, 2025 · Entertainment

Tragic Loss: Rick Hurst, Dukes Of Hazzard Icon, Dies Unexpectedly at 79

Rick Hurst, who was best known for starring on the original version of The Dukes Of Hazzard from in the late 1970s and early '80s, has died at 79; Hurst (L) is pictured with fellow Dukes Of Hazzard stars (L–R) John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Ben Jones and Tom Wopat

SHOCKING DEATH ROCKS DUKES OF HAZZARD FANS: Beloved Actor Rick Hurst Passes Away at 79

Get ready for a dose of nostalgia and heartbreak as we bid farewell to a TV legend! Rick Hurst, the talented actor who brought Deputy Cletus Hogg to life on the iconic series "The Dukes Of Hazzard," has left us far too soon. The news was confirmed by his wife, Candace Kaniecki, to TMZ, and it's sending shockwaves through the entertainment world.

According to sources close to the family, Hurst passed away unexpectedly yesterday morning, leaving fans of the beloved 1970s-80s show in a state of mourning. While details surrounding his death are still scarce, insiders reveal that Hurst was scheduled to make an appearance at Cooter's Place, a Dukes-themed museum and store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just days ago.

Hurst rose to fame on The Dukes Of Hazzard as Deputy Cletus Hogg, who was the cousin of the show's villain, Boss Hogg; pictured in 1999 for The Dukes Of Hazzard: Hazzard In Hollywood

In a bizarre twist, the venue had actually posted a message on Facebook indicating that the event would need to be rescheduled due to "unforeseen circumstances." The post has since been taken down, but it's clear that fans were eagerly awaiting Hurst's appearance. Now, his untimely passing has left them reeling.

Hurst's death comes as a major blow to the Dukes Of Hazzard community, which was already reeling from controversy surrounding the show's problematic portrayal of racial issues and nostalgic nods to the Confederacy. Last month, fellow cast member John Schneider sparked outrage by lashing out at "woke" critics and Warner Bros. over the show's removal from many TV networks.

But as we pay our respects to Hurst, let's not forget his iconic role on the show. As Deputy Cletus Hogg, he brought a unique brand of humor and charm to the small screen. And who can forget his infamous rivalry with Boss Hogg, played by Sorrell Booke?

His death comes months after star John Schneider lashed out at 'woke' critics and Warner Bros. after the series was taken off the air and production of toy versions of The General Lee were halted due to criticism of the series' use of Confederate imagery and nostalgia; a version of the iconic Doge muscle car built by Schneider is pictured in 2015

As it turns out, Hurst was part of The Dukes Of Hazzard from its very first season in 1979, when he was just a recurring character. However, things took a turn when Sonny Shroyer's deputy Enos Strate left the show after two seasons, bumping Hurst up to the main cast.

But don't think for a second that this meant Hurst got to hog all the spotlight! In 1982, Shroyer returned as part of the main cast, relegating Hurst back to guest star status. Talk about a plot twist!

In the end, it was only fitting that Hurst and Shroyer reunited on the big screen in The Dukes Of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and its 2000 follow-up, The Dukes Of Hazzard: Hazzard In Hollywood.

Hurst's died one week before he was scheduled to make an appearance at a fan event at the Dukes Of Hazzard–themed museum Cooter's Place in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on July 3; (L–R) Byron Cherry, Jeff Altman, Hurst, Catherine Bach, Schneider and Tom Wopat seen in 2023

As we say goodbye to this TV legend, we can't help but wonder what other secrets Hurst took with him to the grave. Rest in peace, Rick Hurst – your memory will live on in the hearts of Dukes fans everywhere!

Sources: TheScholarlyNote.com

Shroyer began as a recurring character behind Sonny Shroyer's deputy Enos Strate, but when Shroyer left for a short-lived spinoff, Hurst gained main-cast billing. He was absent from the final two seasons after Shroyer returned in 1982; Wopat and Schneider pictured