Houston Actor Rick Hurst, from ‘Dukes of Hazzard’, dies at 79
Rick Hurst, the Houston-born actor who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on June 26 in Los Angeles. He was 79.
Hurst was born on January 1, 1946, in Houston. He studied psychology and theater at Tulane University, then earned an MFA in acting from Temple University. Soon after, he stepped into television, where he became widely recognized for his role on The Dukes of Hazzard. On the show, he played the kind but bumbling deputy who worked for Boss Hogg.
Throughout his career, Hurst made appearances on popular shows including Sanford and Son, MASH*, and Gunsmoke. He also acted in movies such as Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and Earth Girls Are Easy.
In the final days before his death, Hurst had planned to appear at a fan event at Cooter’s Place in Tennessee on July 3. He remained connected to his fans and his most famous role until the end.
- Born January 1, 1946, in Houston
- Died June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles
- Known for The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985)
- Studied at Tulane and Temple
- Appeared in major TV shows and films
- Survived by sons Ryan Hurst and Collin Hurst
Several co-stars shared their tributes. Ben Jones, who played Cooter, said, “Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas.” John Schneider added, “You were a remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it.”
His son Ryan Hurst, also raised in Houston, went on to act in Remember the Titans, Sons of Anarchy, and The Walking Dead.
More…
- https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/rick-hurst-dukes-of-hazzard-20396851.php
- https://www.thedailybeast.com/dukes-of-hazzard-star-rick-hurst-dies-unexpectedly-at-79
- https://extratv.com/2025/06/26/rick-hurst-cletus-on-dukes-of-hazzard-dies-at-79/
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