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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
Rick Hurst Obituary
Rick Hurst, the actor best known for playing Boss Hogg's cousin, Deputy Cletus Hogg, on the 1980s hit "The Dukes of Hazzard," died June 26, 2025 at the age of 79.
Hurst's rubber-faced character on the show made him a fan favorite over the course of five seasons plus multiple reunion movies, including 1997's "The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" He also appeared in shows like "Murder, She Wrote," "Melrose Place," and "The Wonder Years"; older generations may know him best as Cleaver from the 1970s prison comedy "On The Rocks."
"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," actor Ben Jones, who played Cooter alongside Hurst, said on Facebook. "Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas. He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague … He fit right in and never stopped making people smile until this afternoon. And since the Dukes is still playing all over the planet, he will continue to make us laugh! I don't know about y'all but I believe in an afterlife, and 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."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
25 Entries
Jo leischner
August 10, 2025
The dukes of Hazzard will forever be my favorite show.All of you are family to me. Thanks for the wonderful memories/Rick Hurst/ Cletus Hogg
Caroline Honeycutt
July 24, 2025
Our family was fortunate to meet. `Cletus´ Rick during a visit to Pigeon Forge. Our daughter 18. Was a fan, as we taught her of the show. Our daughter has her ` Good ole´ Girl Boots, an her 16th B-day theme, and was thrilled to meet and picture with him. Such a kind and personable man. So very sorry for your family´s loss
Sincerely The Honeycutts (Caroline) sc
Michael Byars
July 20, 2025
I met Rick two times he was so kind and very friendly talking about his career he told stories of when he was in the dukes of Hazzard and other shows he loved working with the cast of dukes of hazzard and really spoke very highly of Michael Landon he said he was the best executive producer he had ever worked with r.i.p.rick and thank you for the great entertainment and the millions of laughs you gave us
RB
July 20, 2025
A great actor that so many loved watching. Truly a favorite. Sincere condolences to the Hurst family. May God be with you in your time of loss.
How you can show support
Tom Berbas
July 19, 2025
Remembering Rick Hurst, whose warmth and humor brought joy to so many. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and all who cherished his presence and talent.
Sincerely,
Tom Berbas
Jimmy Sebastian
July 8, 2025
I was in boy scouts (troop 714) with Rickey in the 50's in Texas. We basically never lost touch. NEVER knew a better person and am very sorry
for everyone's loss. He was so good at returning my calls that when he didn't, I knew something was wrong. Truly a lifelong friend like no other.
Will truly be missed !!!
Marie
July 7, 2025
Condolences to family and friends. Watched Dukes of Hazard in my younger years.
Jenee
July 6, 2025
I am so sorry about the loss of Rick. He was funny and will be missed. The Hurst family has my condolences and I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and everlasting comfort.
Barbara Fay
July 5, 2025
I remember watching "The Dukes of Hazard" with my dad. I remember Rick aka Brutus being on the show. Such a great actor who will be greatly missed. He is now with my dad, Boss Hog, Jesse, and a few others up in Heaven. RIP. Sending my condolences to everyone who knew him and worked with him on the show.
Kathy payne
July 4, 2025
I worked with Rick's dad when Rick was really blossoming. He was so proud of Rick and he kept the whole Houston office In stitches talking about Rick's adventures I followed along Rick's career as much as I could Texas was so proud!
Kathypayne....Ga to TX to Ga
Mr. Jr.
July 4, 2025
My condolences.
Lucía Fernanda Abarza Villalobos
July 4, 2025
Lamento su pérdida
Jason L Gurney
July 3, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Rick was a sweet and wonderful person. He will be missed. 10 4 and goodbye little buddy over and out...
Matthew J. McGuire
July 3, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
T Brooks
July 2, 2025
So sorry to hear about Rick Hurst passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but have seen interviews and footage of him at conventions and such. He just seemed like a very genuine and jolly person who was always happy to meet his fans. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and fellow cast members.
AARON
July 2, 2025
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE OF RICK HURST PASSING
Leslie Redaway
June 30, 2025
James davis
June 29, 2025
Rip rick hurst a kind human being
Gale Beardmore
June 29, 2025
I was blessed that my family lived right next door to the Hurst family through the 1960s. I used to look out the window for Ricks little Hillman car he drove to college. I was 10 years younger and Rick and his younger brother Rusty were two of the best examples I could have ever had growing up. The whole family was thoughtful,kind, caring and extremely intelligent. The bond my parents had with the Hurst family continued until they all passed away. Thank you Rick for the wonderful memories and for being such a kind person. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones
Ryan. Caricofe
June 28, 2025
You. Rick. Good. The. Dukes. Of. Hazzard. You. Be. Miss. Rick. With. Good. Lord. Now. Rick. My. I. Will. Miss. You. From. Ryan. Caricofe. From. Orrville. Ohio
Ryan. Caricofe
June 28, 2025
You. With. Good. Lord. Now. Dukes. Of. Hazzard. I. Will. Miss. You. Rick. I. Was. Big. Fan. Too of. The. Dukes. Of. Hazzard i. Miss. You. Ryan. Caricofe.
Crystal Thompson
June 28, 2025
I've always been a fan but I also had the pleasure of meeting him in person. He was such a super sweet guy n smiled the whole time.. I got to take a picture with him & my head bumped his hat so it was crooked he just laughed n took the picture laughing n left the hat how it was!!
I'm not a star struck type person but I like meeting good people..so it was an Honor to meet him in person
Crystal Samuels Thompson
Rest in Peace
BARBIE FLORENCE
June 28, 2025
Thank you for being a friend . U made my day better by me laughing at your antics I LOVE YOU @WILL.MISS YOU VERY MUCK. THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES, DEPUTY CLETUS HOGG., YORU FRIEND, BARBIE FLORENCE.
Cokie
June 27, 2025
He will be missed as Uncle Shaggy in episode "Digging Up the News" of Perfect Strangers
Pat Ward Jr
June 27, 2025
I loved seeing Rick on Dukes of Hazard. He always had a sweet disposition that made his character likable. You'll always be remembered by this member of the Hazzard Nation my friend. R.I.P Mr. Hurst!
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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