Famed ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Deputy, Rick Hurst, Dead at 79

For nearly 50 years, Rick Hurst appeared in numerous television shows and films like The Doris Day Show, Gunsmoke, Happy Days, It’s Good to Be Alive, and even The Karate Kid. But for most, they will always remember the actor as the deputy of the iconic show The Dukes of Hazzard. Portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg, the actor spent a great deal of time chasing down Bo and Luke Duke as they tried to run moonshine illegally. Appearing on the show for several years, Hurst eventually left to explore other roles. And sadly, on June 26th, the actor passed away. 

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Although Hurst only spent a few years on the show, which featured the theme “Good Ol’ Boys” by country star Waylon Jennings, the actor constantly returned for reunion shows and even films surrounding The Dukes of Hazzard. 

Sharing the news of his passing, actor Ben Jones, who played Cooter on the show, posted a tribute to Hurst on Facebook. Showing a picture of them together, the caption read, “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. 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 was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”

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Waylon Jennings Did More Than Record “The Good Ol’ Boys”

Fans also added their love for Hurst with comments reading, “RIP Deputy Cletus Hogg. I had the honor of being arrested by him at the 40th anniversary celebration in Nashville in 2019. I wanted to meet Cooter too, but he had the Flu and was unable to do the meet and greet that day.” 

While the original Dukes of Hazzard ended after 147 episodes, the show continued to capture fans who couldn’t get enough of the famous Dodge Charger named the General Lee. But outside of the car chases and one-liners, Jennings played a significant role in the series. Not only did Jennings perform the iconic theme song, but he also offered his voice as the narrator. 

With both Jennings and Hurst passing away, fans are sure to take a trip to Hazzard County to remember the legacy they helped create.

(Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)