Rick Hurst, better known as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, passed away Thursday at the age of 79. His death was announced by Cooter's Pigeon Forge via a Facebook post. Prior to his passing, he was scheduled to make an appearance at the venue.
Hurst's death marks the end of a long and celebrated television career that included a wide range of roles. Among his standout qualities were his impeccable comedic timing and his kind-hearted nature, which endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.
He died in Los Angeles, with the cause of death unclear at the time of writing. According to TMZ, Candace Kaniecki, his first wife, described his passing as unexpected.
Hurst will be remembered for a legacy that extends far beyond Hazzard County. Here's a look back at his life, unforgettable roles, and what he did in the years leading up to his death.
Background and Notable Roles
Richard Douglas Hurst was born in Houston on 1 January 1946. In 1968, he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and theatre from Tulane University, later obtaining a master's degree in fine arts from Temple University in 1970.
He was mentored by Cecil Pickett, a drama teacher at the University of Houston and father of Cindy Pickett, who starred in the 1980s television drama St. Elsewhere.
Hurst made his on-screen debut in The Doris Day Show in 1971, followed by roles in Sanford and Son and The Partridge Family in 1972. Of course, his most iconic role was as Cletus in The Dukes of Hazzard.
Cletus, second cousin of Boss Hogg was a beloved character that debuted on the 11th episode of the show in 1979. The series made waves on television, cementing it as a hit for Friday nights on CBS.
Aside from television, Hurst also had exposure in a number of films. This included The Unholy Rollers (1972), Tunnel Vision (1976), and The Karate Kid Part III (1989). He also played roles in The Cat From Outer Space (1978), Steel Magnolias (1989), and In the Line of Fire (1993).
Life Before Death
In 1969, Hurst married Candace Kaniecki, an acting coach who ran her own school and worked with clients such as Rosie O'Donnell and Patrick Swayze. .
The couple had a son, Ryan Hurst, born on 19 June 1976 in Santa Monica, California. Ryan followed in his father's footsteps, becoming known for his role as Opie Winston on Sons of Anarchy.
However, Rick and Candace divorced on September 28, 1979. After two years, Rick married Katherine Shelley Weir and also had a son named Collin. That marriage also ended in divorce in 1991.
Rick Hurst's final screen appearance was in a TV short called B My Guest in 2016, capping a career that spanned decades in both television and film.
'His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing, and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter', reads an Instagram post from the official account of The Dukes of Hazzard. 'To fans, he was more than a character — he was family.'
