Rick Hurst, the veteran actor best known for playing the lovable Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.
News of his death came as a shock to fans, especially since Hurst was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just a week later on July 3. The museum broke the news on their social media, initially announcing that Rick was unable to attend due to “unforeseen circumstances” and promising to reschedule. Hours later, they confirmed the heartbreaking news.
“With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rick Hurst,” the statement read. “The beloved actor who brought warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. Rick passed away today, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond Hazzard County.”
They added, “To fans, he was more than a character—he was family. His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing, and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter. Off-screen, Rick was known for his generosity, humility, and love for connecting with fans at events across the country.”
View this post on Instagram
His former wife, Candace Kaniecki, also spoke to TMZ, confirming that Rick died in Los Angeles. She described his passing as unexpected, adding that his exact cause of death remains unknown.
Born on New Year’s Day in 1946 in Houston, Hurst grew up with a passion for the stage. After finishing his undergraduate degree at Tulane University in 1968, he went on to earn a master’s in fine arts from Temple University just two years later. During his early years, he trained under drama coach Cecil Pickett at the University of Houston.
Rick got his first taste of television in 1971 with an appearance on The Doris Day Show, and from there, he stayed busy throughout the ‘70s. He showed up in a wide range of popular shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, Gunsmoke, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Girl with Something Extra. But it was in 1975–76 that he landed his first major sitcom role, playing a quirky prisoner named Cleaver on ABC’s On the Rocks.
Of course, it was The Dukes of Hazzard that turned him into a household name. His character, Deputy Cletus Hogg, became a fan favorite, and Rick went on to reprise the role in later spinoffs like The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000). One of his final on-screen appearances came in 2012, when he played Harold Rook in Return of the Killer Shrews.
He is survived by two children, who now carry on his name and memory. Here’s a closer look at his family and what else he left behind.
He Was Married Twice: Know About His First and Second Wives
Rick Hurst was married twice in his lifetime, and both marriages spanned a decade each. His first wife was Candace Kaniecki, whom he married in 1969. Their marriage lasted until 1979 and brought them a son, Ryan Douglas Hurst, born on June 19, 1976. Ryan followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor.
Candace, often referred to as Candy, is now an acting instructor and runs the Candace Kaniecki (Herman) Acting School.
A couple of years after his divorce from Candace, Rick tied the knot with Katherine Shelley Weir in 1981. Their relationship also lasted ten years before they parted ways in 1991. The pair had one son together named Collin Hurst.
Ryan Hurst Is an Actor, Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Ryan, 49, has built a strong acting career of his own, with dozens of credits across both film and television.
He first caught the public’s attention with his role as Gerry Bertier in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans, where he starred alongside Denzel Washington and Will Patton.
His breakout in television came with the role of Opie Winston on FX’s Sons of Anarchy (2008–2012), a performance that made him a fan favorite. Years later, he returned to the spotlight in a much darker role as Beta on The Walking Dead (2019–2020) and its spinoff, Fear the Walking Dead.
What Is Rick Hurst’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death, Hurst was estimated to have a net worth of around $1 million, according to various sources. After decades in the industry with a steady stream of TV and film roles, he built a modest fortune. That wealth is now expected to be passed on to his closest family members.
