Rick Hurst, Known for His Role in Dukes of Hazzard, Passes Away at 79
Actor Rick Hurst, widely recognized for portraying Deputy Cretus Hogg in the beloved CBS sitcom Dukes of Hazzard, died on Thursday at the age of 79.
His passing was announced by co-star Ben Jones on the Facebook page of Cooter’s Place, a museum celebrating popular shows. Jones expressed disbelief, stating it felt wrong that Hurst had passed away that afternoon.
“The peace of Rick,” Jones reflected, remembering Hurst with deep affection. “I’ve known him for over 45 years, but I can’t help but think how easy it was to share laughter with him.”
Co-stars remembered him as “a great actor, a great comic, a wonderful and supportive colleague.” Jones recalled seeing Hurst’s early work in a Burt Reynolds film, WW and Dixie Dance King, and felt Hurst really shone when he appeared in Hazard County, the fictional setting of Dukes of Hazzard.
“He fit right in and kept bringing smiles to faces up until this afternoon,” Jones said, reflecting on Hurst’s lasting influence through the show, which continues to bring joy around the world even today.
Jones also added, “I don’t know about you all, but I believe in the afterlife, and I can picture Rick up there with Jimmy Best, Sorel Book, and Denver Pyle.”
“We’ve always seen Cooter’s friends as part of ‘Hazzard Nation,’ and we’ll definitely miss Rick while he’s here with us—his spirit remains close,” he continued, offering heartfelt condolences to Hurst’s family and friends.
Hurst’s first wife, Candice Kanyecki, confirmed the news of his death, stating he passed away Thursday in Los Angeles, California. He was also slated to make an appearance at the Cooters Place Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, next week.
The cause of Hurst’s death is currently unknown.
Apart from his iconic role in Dukes of Hazzard, Hurst appeared in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, the 1993 film Fired Up, and the 1970s series On the Rock, among a variety of other credits.
His son, actor Ryan Hurst, is recognized for his role as Opie Winston in the hit FX drama series Sons of Anarchy and for playing Jerry Bertier in Disney’s 2000 film Remember the Titans.
