A Hazzard County Icon Gone Too Soon
On June 26, 2025, the entertainment world lost a beloved figure: Rick Hurst, best known for his role as the bumbling yet endearing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. Just days before a scheduled fan event at Cooter’s Place in Tennessee, Hurst passed away unexpectedly at 79, leaving fans and colleagues mourning a comedic talent who brought joy to millions. With a net worth estimated at $500,000, Hurst’s financial legacy reflects a steady career built on television, commercials, and fan conventions. This article dives into the Rick Hurst passing, celebrating his contributions to TV, his financial journey, and the heartfelt tributes pouring in from “Hazzard Nation.”
The Life and Career of Rick Hurst
Early Beginnings in Houston
Born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Richard Douglas Hurst discovered his knack for performance early. At age five, he landed his first gig—a commercial for the Houston Public Library, paid with a chocolate soda. This spark ignited a lifelong passion for acting, leading him to earn a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1968 and a master’s in fine arts from Temple University in 1970. His early training under drama coach Cecil Pickett set the stage for a prolific career.
Breaking into Television
Hurst’s television journey began in the early 1970s with guest roles on iconic shows:
- The Doris Day Show (1971): His onscreen debut as a police officer.
- Sanford and Son (1972): Playing a cop, showcasing his knack for authority figures.
- The Partridge Family (1972): A small role that added to his growing resume.
He also appeared in MASH*, Gunsmoke, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, and The Bob Newhart Show, often cast as police officers or soldiers due to his commanding presence and comedic timing. In a 2022 radio interview, Hurst recalled a two-year period where he starred in 146 national commercials, promoting everything from shaving cream to cereal, which provided financial stability while he chased bigger roles.
The Dukes of Hazzard: A Career-Defining Role
Hurst’s big break came in 1975 with the sitcom On the Rocks, where he played Cleaver, a prisoner in a minimum-security facility. But it was his 1979 casting as Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard that made him a household name. As the second cousin (twice removed) of the scheming Boss Hogg, Cletus was a lovable, dim-witted deputy who often ended up in ponds or ditches while chasing the Duke boys. Hurst joined the CBS hit in its second season, becoming a mainstay from 1980 to 1983, and returned for reunion specials in 1997 and 2000.
The show, a Friday night ratings powerhouse, left a cultural mark, popularizing “Daisy Dukes” and the iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, the General Lee. Hurst’s physical comedy and warm presence made Cletus a fan favorite, cementing his place in TV history.
Later Roles and Big-Screen Ventures
After The Dukes, Hurst took on a role as bumbling chef Earl Nash in Amanda’s (1983), a short-lived ABC remake of Fawlty Towers. Though the show flopped, his versatility shone through in other projects:
- Films: Steel Magnolias (1989), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), In the Line of Fire (1993), and Earth Girls Are Easy (1988).
- TV Shows: Guest spots on Murder, She Wrote, The Wonder Years, Family Matters, and Melrose Place.
His final acting role was in a 2016 TV short, but Hurst remained active at fan conventions, particularly Dukes-themed events, where he connected with fans who adored his warm, approachable demeanor.
Rick Hurst’s Net Worth: A Modest Fortune
Estimated at $500,000
At the time of his passing, Rick Hurst’s net worth was estimated at $500,000. While modest compared to modern TV stars, this figure reflects a steady income from a decades-long career. His earnings came from:
- Television Roles: Guest appearances and his Dukes tenure provided consistent paychecks, though 1970s and 1980s TV salaries were far lower than today’s.
- Commercials: His 146 national ads in the 1970s were a significant income source, offering financial security during lean acting years.
- Fan Conventions: Regular appearances at Dukes of Hazzard events, like those at Cooter’s Place, supplemented his income, with fans eager to meet the man behind Cletus.
Hurst’s financial legacy underscores a working actor’s life—reliable but not extravagant, built on hustle and charm.
Comparison to Peers
Unlike today’s A-listers, who command millions per project, Hurst’s era saw more modest pay for TV actors. His $500,000 net worth aligns with other character actors of his time, reflecting the industry’s shift toward blockbuster salaries in later decades.
The Unexpected Passing: A Shock to Fans
Days Before a Fan Event
Hurst’s death on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles was confirmed by his ex-wife, Candace Kaniecki, who noted it was “unexpected” with no clear cause disclosed. The timing was poignant: Hurst was set to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from July 3 to 7, 2025, for a fan meet-and-greet. The museum, dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard, announced his passing with a now-deleted post, citing unforeseen circumstances before sharing heartfelt tributes.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Fans
The Rick Hurst passing prompted an outpouring of grief:
- Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport): “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. He had a heart as big as Texas.” Jones imagined Hurst in heaven with co-stars Jimmy Best, Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle, “putting on the funniest show inside those Pearly Gates.”
- John Schneider (Bo Duke): “You were a remarkable force for humanity, sanity, and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it.”
- Fans: On social media, fans called Cletus a “good guy” who “made the seasons fun,” with some expressing shock that Hurst was still alive until his passing, given the show’s age. Others shared nostalgic memories of watching Dukes as kids.
A Lasting Legacy
Impact on Hazzard Nation
The Dukes of Hazzard remains a global phenomenon, airing in reruns worldwide and keeping Cletus Hogg’s antics alive. Hurst’s ability to blend physical comedy with genuine warmth made him a standout, and his convention appearances kept him close to fans. The show’s cultural footprint, from the General Lee to “Daisy Dukes,” owes much to its colorful cast, including Hurst.
Family and Personal Life
Hurst is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Collin, both actors. Ryan, known for Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, followed in his father’s footsteps, while Collin appeared in Dukes reunion films. Hurst was married to Candace Kaniecki (1969–1979) and Katherine Shelley Weir (1981–1991), maintaining a private life despite his public persona.
FAQ: Key Questions Answered
What was Rick Hurst’s most famous role?
He was best known as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, appearing from 1980 to 1983 and in reunion specials in 1997 and 2000.
What was Rick Hurst’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated at $500,000, earned through TV roles, commercials, and fan convention appearances.
How did Rick Hurst die?
Hurst passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles. The cause of death remains unclear.
Who survives Rick Hurst?
He is survived by his sons, Ryan and Collin Hurst, both actors, and his ex-wives, Candace Kaniecki and Katherine Shelley Weir.
A Heart as Big as Texas
The Rick Hurst passing marks the end of an era for Dukes of Hazzard fans, but his legacy as Deputy Cletus Hogg endures. With a net worth of $500,000, Hurst built a solid career through television, commercials, and fan events, all while winning hearts with his humor and kindness. His unexpected death, just days before a fan event, has left “Hazzard Nation” grieving, but tributes from co-stars like Ben Jones and John Schneider highlight his lasting impact. As The Dukes of Hazzard continues to entertain globally, Hurst’s comedic spirit will keep fans smiling, proving that his heart—big as Texas—lives on.
