June 28, 2025

America has lost another bright light from a golden era of television, as beloved actor Rick Hurst — known to millions as the affable Deputy Cletus Hogg from *The Dukes of Hazzard* — has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79. A staple of wholesome, heartland entertainment that celebrated family, faith, and freedom, Hurst’s character brought laughter to living rooms across the nation, capturing the spirit of a time when network TV honored rural values instead of mocking them. His passing was confirmed by fellow *Hazzard* icon Ben Jones (Cooter), who described Hurst as a man with a heart “as big as Texas.” As woke Hollywood continues to ignore the cultural contributions of shows like *The Dukes of Hazzard*, patriotic Americans remember Hurst not just for his comedic brilliance, but for representing the warmth and humor that made small-town America proud. Heaven just got a little funnier — may he rest in peace.

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