Richard Hurst Death at 79 Shocks Fans – Legendary TV Actor’s Legacy Lives On
🎭 Richard Hurst Death at 79 Shocks Fans – Legendary TV Actor’s Legacy Lives On
The television world is mourning the loss of a beloved performer. Richard Hurst, the actor best known for his portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg in the iconic American TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 79, leaving behind a vast legacy of work and a grieving family, fanbase, and acting community.
Unexpected Demise Leaves Fans in Shock
According to his first wife, Candace Kaniecki, Richard Hurst passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. The cause of his death remains unknown at this time, and the sudden nature of the tragedy has only intensified the emotional outpouring from fans and colleagues alike.
Richard was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on July 3, 2025. However, the museum had announced just hours before the news of his passing that he would not be able to attend due to “unforeseen circumstances.” After the confirmation of his death, they shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, stating, “Our hearts are broken!!! You will be missed!!!”
A Career Spanning Generations
Richard Hurst was born in 1945 and began his acting career in the 1970s. Though he appeared in a range of television shows and films, it was his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg—cousin of Boss Hogg—in The Dukes of Hazzard that solidified his place in TV history. His work on the show spanned from the late 1970s into the 1980s and extended into reunion films such as The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000).
His TV credentials extended far beyond The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in numerous well-loved programs, including:
- Sanford and Son
- The Partridge Family
- MASH*
- Gunsmoke
- The Bob Newhart Show
- Amanda’s
- Highway to Heaven
- The Wonder Years
On the big screen, his filmography included titles such as The Cat from Outer Space and History of the World: Part I.
A Father and Mentor
Richard Hurst is survived by his sons, Ryan Hurst and Colin Hurst. Ryan Hurst is also a celebrated actor known for his standout roles in Sons of Anarchy, Remember the Titans, and The Walking Dead. Ryan’s own success in the industry is a testament to his father’s influence, both as a role model and a mentor.
A Colleague Remembers
Ben Jones, a fellow Dukes of Hazzard cast member and longtime friend, expressed deep sorrow in a moving statement:
“It doesn’t seem right that Richard Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something so unexpected happens, it is ‘harder to process,’ as the current expression goes.”
He added:
“Rick and I knew each other for 45 years. 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.”
Tributes Pour In
Social media platforms are flooded with tributes from fans across generations. Many have taken to posting memorable clips from The Dukes of Hazzard, quoting famous lines and reminiscing about Hurst’s comedic timing and warmth onscreen.
His death also sparked a trend online, with hashtags such as #RichardHurst, #CletusHogg, and #DukesOfHazzardLegend climbing Twitter and Instagram trends shortly after the announcement.
A Legacy That Endures
Richard Hurst’s unexpected passing serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, but his extensive body of work and the joy he brought to millions ensures that his legacy will live on. His performances, particularly in roles that demanded humor and humanity, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
For fans of classic TV and vintage Americana, Richard Hurst will always be Deputy Cletus Hogg—a symbol of laughter, mischief, and heart.
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was Richard Hurst’s cause of death?
A: The cause of Richard Hurst’s death has not yet been confirmed. His death was described as “unexpected.”
Q2: When did Richard Hurst pass away?
A: Richard Hurst passed away on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Q3: What was Richard Hurst best known for?
A: He was best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard.
Q4: Who are Richard Hurst’s children?
A: He is survived by his sons, Ryan Hurst (actor) and Colin Hurst.
Q5: Will there be a memorial or public tribute?
A: As of now, no official memorial service details have been released. Tributes have been shared on social media and from Cooter’s Place Museum.
🔗 External References
- TMZ Report on Richard Hurst
- Cooter’s Place Museum Facebook Page
- IMDb – Richard Hurst
- The Dukes of Hazzard Reunion Info
- Variety News – TV Obituaries
🎙️ 5 Breaking News Headlines
- Richard Hurst Dead at 79
- Dukes of Hazzard Star Dies
- Ryan Hurst’s Father Passes Away
- TV Legend Richard Hurst Dies
- Death of Cletus Hogg Actor
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