‘Dukes of Hazzard’ star Richard Hurst dies at 79

Richard Hurst, best-known for his character as Deputy Cletus Hogg on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has died. He was 79 years old, TMZ reported. 

The actor’s first wife, Candace Kaniecki, told the entertainment media outlet that Hurst died Thursday in Los Angeles adding that his death was unexpected and the cause of death is unknown at this time. 

Ben Jones, who was a co-star with Hurston on the popular television show, wrote a message on Facebook Thursday that 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.”

Who was Richard Hurst?

The backstory:

Richard Hurst was born in Houston, Texas and he played the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on “The Dukes of Hazzard” in the late 1970s and later reprised his role throughout the 1980s. He also appeared in several films including “Steel Magnolias” and “In the Line of Fire.”

Hurst has multiple television show appearances, including “Sanford and Son,” “The Partridge Family,” “MASH*,” “Gunsmoke,” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”