“Dukes Of Hazzard” Actor Rick Hurst, Who Played Cletus Hogg, Dies At 79

Rick Hurst, the actor best known for portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Ben Jones, Hurst’s longtime friend and co-star who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones announced the sad news on the official Facebook page for Cooter’s Place, the Dukes-themed museum located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

A Beloved Member of “Hazzard Nation”

In his heartfelt tribute, Ben 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.”

Jones described Hurst as a “fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,” adding that his heart was “as big as Texas.”

Hurst was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place from July 3 to July 7, but the museum announced earlier in the day on June 26 that he would not be able to attend due to “unforeseen circumstances.” His death was later confirmed, and a tribute followed on the museum’s social media pages.

The Role of Cletus Hogg: Comedy and Charm

Rick Hurst joined The Dukes of Hazzard in its first season in 1979, appearing in Episode 11 as Deputy Cletus Hogg, the cousin of corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg. While Boss was known for his scheming nature, Cletus was portrayed as a good-hearted but bumbling deputy — a character fans grew to love for his comedic timing and genuine charm.

Hurst appeared in a total of 47 episodes between 1979 and 1985, and reprised his role in the television movies The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and Hazzard in Hollywood. Although he was absent from Seasons 6 and 7, his role left a lasting impact on fans and castmates alike.

A Career Beyond Hazzard County

While The Dukes of Hazzard remains his most iconic role, Rick Hurst had a wide-ranging acting career that began in the early 1970s. He made guest appearances on shows such as:

• Little House on the Prairie

• Gunsmoke

• Family Matters (as Santa Claus)

• Amanda’s, a short-lived sitcom

He also appeared in the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias.

His final screen role was in 2012, in the indie horror-comedy Return of the Killer Shrews, which reunited him with fellow Dukes actors James Best and John Schneider.

Tributes From Cast Members and Fans

After news of Hurst’s death spread, tributes poured in from his Dukes of Hazzard co-stars:

• John Schneider (Bo Duke) wrote:

  “You were a 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!”

• Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate) shared:

  “Our hearts are saddened by this and very heavy… RIP Buddy Roe!”

• The official Dukes of Hazzard Instagram posted:

  “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… To fans, he was more than a character — he was family.”

A Legacy of Laughter and Kindness

Rick Hurst leaves behind a legacy not only of laughter but of kindness, professionalism, and dedication to his craft. Fans who met him at live events and conventions often noted his warm personality and gratitude for the continued support of “Hazzard Nation.”

Although he may be gone, his contributions to television — especially his unforgettable portrayal of Cletus Hogg — will live on for generations of Dukes of Hazzard fans.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von The Dukes of Hazzard (@thedukesofhazzard_)