Rick Hurst, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ Star, Dies at 79

Rick Hurst was an American actor born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas. Standing at an impressive 6’5” (1.96 m), he began his career in the 1970s with roles in popular TV shows like:

• Sanford and Son
• The Partridge Family
• MASH
• Gunsmoke
• The Bob Newhart Show

However, his breakout role came in 1979 when he joined The Dukes of Hazzard as Deputy Cletus Hogg, a dim-witted but good-hearted lawman. He appeared in 55 episodes until 1982, becoming a fan favorite.

Later Career & Legacy

After Dukes of Hazzard, Hurst starred in:

• Amanda (a U.S. remake of Fawlty Towers)
• Steel Magnolias (1989)
• In the Line of Fire (1993)
• The Dukes of Hazzard reunion movies (1997, 2000)

His last acting credit was the 2016 short film B My Guest.