Actor Rick Hurst, known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 79. His family confirmed that he passed away on June 26 in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been made public.
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst studied at Tulane University and Temple University before pursuing a career in acting. He appeared in various television shows from the 1970s onward, including Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, and The Wonder Years. His film credits include Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and In the Line of Fire.
Hurst played Deputy Cletus Hogg in over 50 episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1983. He later reprised the role in two reunion television films released in 1997 and 2000. In recent years, he remained involved in fan events related to the series.
At the time of his death, Hurst had been scheduled to attend a fan gathering at Cooter’s Place, a venue dedicated to the Dukes of Hazzard franchise. Fellow cast members and former colleagues acknowledged his passing through public statements.
He is survived by two sons, including actor Ryan Hurst, who is known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Memorial details have not yet been announced.
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