4 Things You Never Knew About ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Rick Hurst
Rick Hurst, best known for his lovable role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, passed away on June 26, 2025 in Los Angeles at the age of 79. Fans were saddened by the loss as the Texas-born actor brought warmth and wit to everything he touched, whether it was a sitcom set or a fan meet-and-greet in a small southern town. With a career that spanned decades, Hurst also appeared in films like Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III and In the Line of Fire. Off-screen, he was a devoted father and a frequent guest at nostalgic fan conventions.
To honor his legacy, here are a few things you may not have known about the man behind Cletus:
1 He had an academic and theater background before Dukes
Everett Collection
Before his Hollywood days, Hurst earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and theatre from Tulane University in 1968, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in acting from Temple University in 1970. Those who knew him well said his early training gave him a foundation that allowed him to step into everything from broad comedy to serious dramatic roles.
2 He showed his love for his fans at nostalgia events
Everett Collection
Long after The Dukes of Hazzard wrapped, Hurst remained close to the fans who adored him. He frequently appeared at Cooter’s Place in Nashville and Gatlinburg, the go-to destination for Dukes fans, where he signed autographs and shared stories about life on set. He also made appearances at events like The World of Wheels in Birmingham, Alabama, proving that he genuinely enjoyed connecting with people who loved the show.
3 He had an impressive television career before and after Dukes
Viacom Productions/Everett Collection
Even before his breakout role, Hurst made memorable guest appearances on classic series like Gunsmoke, Sanford and Son, Kojak and The Six Million Dollar Man. He also had recurring parts in sitcoms such as Amanda’s with Bea Arthur and played characters in shows including Family Matters, The Wonder Years, Melrose Place, The Partridge Family, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, The Bob Newhart Show and Murder, She Wrote. His versatility allowed him to shift easily between genres and generations of television. Hurst reprised his role as Cletus in The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! in 1997 and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000. His film appearances ranged from comedic roles in Earth Girls Are Easy to dramatic turns in In the Line of Fire.
4 One of his sons followed in his footsteps
Eric Liebowitz/WGN America/Everett Collection
Hurst passed on his acting genes to his son, Ryan Hurst, who went on to have a successful career of his own. Ryan is best known for roles in Remember the Titans, Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, often playing rugged, emotionally complex characters. Hurst also had another son, Collin Hurst, with his wife Shelly Weir.
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1970s Fall TV
September 2023
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