‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Actor Rick Hurst Dies at 79, Fondly Remembered for Humor and Heart
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‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Actor Rick Hurst Dies at 79, Fondly Remembered for Humor and HeartRick Hurst, the actor cherished for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed Thursday by his longtime friend and co-star Ben Jones, who played “Cooter” on the show.
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Jones shared the news on Facebook through Cooter’s Place, the official page of the Dukes of Hazzard museum, writing, “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. 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.”
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1945, Hurst began acting in the 1970s and gained early notice in the sitcom On the Rocks. But it was his run as the earnest and often overwhelmed Deputy Cletus on The Dukes of Hazzard—from 1979 to 1982—that cemented his status as a fan favorite. He appeared in 55 episodes, often seen chasing the Duke boys in Hazzard County alongside more famous castmates—and, of course, the show's legendary car, the 1969 Dodge Charger known as the General Lee.
Beyond the laughs, Hurst was known among colleagues for his generosity and professionalism. “He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,” Jones said.
After Dukes, Hurst starred in Amanda’s, the short-lived U.S. remake of Fawlty Towers, and made guest appearances on a range of popular shows. His final screen role came in 2016.
Jones closed his tribute by imagining a celestial reunion: “I can see Rick up there in Heaven with Jimmy Best and Sorrell Booke and Denver Pyle, putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.”
No cause of death was immediately given.
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