Latest news with #RickHurst
Fox News
34 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
‘The Dukes of Hazzard' actor Rick Hurst dead at 79
Richard (Rick) Hurst, an actor known for his role as the endearing Deputy Cletus Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard" is dead. He was 79. News of Hurst's death was confirmed to Fox News Digital by his co-star Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport in the popular series. Hurst died on Thursday afternoon. "Rick was a great guy," Jones shared in his statement. "Our show has been an ongoing success for 40 years or so, and Rick was a big part of that … it was very shocking and hurtful to hear his passing. He was just with us last week, and it was unexpected." 'DUKES OF HAZZARD' ACTOR PROTECTED CO-STAR CATHERINE BACH ON RISE TO FAMEJones continued, "He was a great human being … good-hearted… generous … always a friend I would stick up for… he was in the business of making people happy. He was a wonderful comic and comic actor." The cause of death is unknown at this time. He also shared a statement on Cooter's Pigeon Forge Facebook page – a "Dukes of Hazzard" themed museum owned by Jones. "It doesn't seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something so unexpected happens, it is 'harder to process', as the current expression goes," Jones wrote."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. Sure, he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas," his heartfelt tribute continued. The statement continued in part, "We have always thought of our Cooter's friends as 'Hazzard Nation', Well, Hazzard Nation is sure going to miss Rick Hurst down here around 'Cooters', but his presence will always be near us. Rest in Peace, old friend!" "The Dukes of Hazzard" actor's death comes one week before he was set to make an appearance at a fan event in Tennessee, Fox News Digital has learned. Tributes continue to pour in, including from Hurst's "Dukes of Hazzard" co-star John Schneider. "I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg. You were remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We'll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you," he wrote about his dear friend on Facebook. Hurst was born in Houston, Texas, and played the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard" in the late 1970s. He later reprised his role throughout the 1980s. His other film credits include "Steel Magnolias" and "In the Line of Fire." Hurst has several television show appearances, including "Sanford and Son," "The Partridge Family," "M*A*S*H," "Gunsmoke" and "The Bob Newhart Show." The actor was married to Katherine Shelley Weir from 1981 until 1991, and his first wife, Catherine Kaniecki, from 1969 until 1979. Hurst is survived by two sons, Ryan and Collin. Ryan was born in June 1976 and is the son of Hurst and Kaniecki. Hurst welcomed Collin later with his second wife, Weir. Both sons followed in their father's acting footsteps, as Ryan appeared in "Sons of Anarchy" and Collin reprised his role in "Dukes" in 1997 and 2000.
Mint
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Rick Hurst Net Worth: Dukes of Hazzard actor dies at 79 — a look at his finances and legacy
Veteran actor Rick Hurst, widely remembered for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on June 26 at the age of 79. His death was announced by Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to the Dukes franchise, where he was scheduled to attend a fan event just days later. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Known for his warm demeanour and comedic charm, Hurst had built a loyal fan base both on and off the screen. Following his death, interest has surged around his life and career, especially regarding his financial legacy. At the time of his passing, Rick Hurst's net worth was estimated at $500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Though not as high as some of today's TV stars, Hurst earned steadily over decades through guest roles, commercials, and regular appearances at fan conventions-particularly those linked to The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst began his television journey in the early 1970s, making guest appearances on shows like The Doris Day Show, Sanford and Son, and The Partridge Family. His big break came in 1975 with the sitcom On the Rocks, where he played Cleaver. But it was his casting in 1979 as Cletus Hogg that brought him widespread recognition. He remained on The Dukes of Hazzard until 1983 and returned for reunion specials in 1997 and 2000. At the time, the show was a ratings juggernaut, though television salaries had yet to reach today's blockbuster levels. Beyond Dukes, Hurst was seen in several popular shows, including Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Wonder Years. On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and Earth Girls Are Easy. In 1983, Hurst played Earl Nash in the short-lived ABC version of Fawlty Towers. Though the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes, it marked another chapter in his diverse career. Hurst is survived by his son, Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Tributes from fans and peers continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a man whose charm and talent made him a beloved figure in American television. Rick Hurst had an estimated net worth of $500,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Rick Hurst, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard' star, dead at 79
Actor Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in the hit sitcom 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' has died at age 79. His death was confirmed by Ben Jones, his co-star on the show, who posted a message on the Facebook page of the Cooter's Place museum, which is dedicated to the show, on Thursday. 'It doesn't seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something so unexpected happens, it is 'harder to process,' as the current expression goes,' wrote Jones. '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. Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas,' he added. 'He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,' said Jones, who recalled how 'everything clicked' when Hurst joined the 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast. '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!' he wrote. '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,' he said, referring to other 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast members who have died. 'Rest in Peace, old friend!' added Jones. Hurst had some success early in his acting career, including appearing in 24 episodes of TV series 'On the Rocks' from 1975 to 1976, but it was 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' which follows the fast-driving Duke brothers as they attempt to outrun the authorities in the fictional Hazzard County, that made him a household name. 'The Dukes of Hazzard' cast "The Dukes of Hazzard "stars, left to right, Byron Cherry, Jeff Altman, Rick Hurst, Catherine Bach, John Schneider, and Tom Wopat, pictured in November 2023 (AFF-USA/Shutterstock via CNN Newsource) Hurst appeared in 55 episodes of the CBS series from 1979 to 1982, before leaving to appear in 'Amanda's,' a US remake of the popular British TV series 'Fawlty Towers.' In the decades that followed, he appeared in various TV shows and movies, making his last appearance in a TV short called 'B My Guest' in 2016. By Jack Guy, CNN
Mint
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Rick Hurst dies at 79: Dukes of Hazzard actor's net worth and legacy explored
Veteran actor Rick Hurst, widely remembered for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on June 26 at the age of 79. His death was announced by Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to the Dukes franchise, where he was scheduled to attend a fan event just days later. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Known for his warm demeanour and comedic charm, Hurst had built a loyal fan base both on and off the screen. Following his death, interest has surged around his life and career, especially regarding his financial legacy. At the time of his passing, Rick Hurst's net worth was estimated at $500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Though not as high as some of today's TV stars, Hurst earned steadily over decades through guest roles, commercials, and regular appearances at fan conventions-particularly those linked to The Dukes of Hazzard. Hurst began his television journey in the early 1970s, making guest appearances on shows like The Doris Day Show, Sanford and Son, and The Partridge Family. His big break came in 1975 with the sitcom On the Rocks, where he played Cleaver. But it was his casting in 1979 as Cletus Hogg that brought him widespread recognition. He remained on The Dukes of Hazzard until 1983 and returned for reunion specials in 1997 and 2000. At the time, the show was a ratings juggernaut, though television salaries had yet to reach today's blockbuster levels. Beyond Dukes, Hurst was seen in several popular shows, including Happy Days, MASH*, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Wonder Years. On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Steel Magnolias, The Karate Kid Part III, and Earth Girls Are Easy. In 1983, Hurst played Earl Nash in the short-lived ABC version of Fawlty Towers. Though the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes, it marked another chapter in his diverse career. Hurst is survived by his son, Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. Tributes from fans and peers continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a man whose charm and talent made him a beloved figure in American television. Rick Hurst had an estimated net worth of $500,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79. Rick Hurst's son is actor Ryan Hurst, known for Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead.
CNN
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Rick Hurst, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard' star, dead at 79
Actor Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in the hit sitcom 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' has died at age 79. His death was confirmed by Ben Jones, his co-star on the show, who posted a message on the Facebook page of the Cooter's Place museum, which is dedicated to the show, on Thursday. 'It doesn't seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something so unexpected happens, it is 'harder to process,' as the current expression goes,' wrote Jones. '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. Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas,' he added. 'He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague,' said Jones, who recalled how 'everything clicked' when Hurst joined the 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast. '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!' he wrote. '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,' he said, referring to other 'Dukes of Hazzard' cast members who have died. 'Rest in Peace, old friend!' added Jones. Hurst had some success early in his acting career, including appearing in 24 episodes of TV series 'On the Rocks' from 1975 to 1976, but it was 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' which follows the fast-driving Duke brothers as they attempt to outrun the authorities in the fictional Hazzard County, that made him a household name. Hurst appeared in 55 episodes of the CBS series from 1979 to 1982, before leaving to appear in 'Amanda's,' a US remake of the popular British TV series 'Fawlty Towers.' In the decades that followed, he appeared in various TV shows and movies, making his last appearance in a TV short called 'B My Guest' in 2016.
