The entertainment world bids farewell to a truly versatile character actor, Richard Douglas Hurst (January 1, 1946 – June 26, 2025), Richard Hurst who passed away at the age of 79. While perhaps best etched in the public memory as the bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg, cousin to the infamous Boss Hogg, on the iconic CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard (appearing in 47 episodes between 1980-1983 and reprising the role in the 1997 Reunion! and 2000 Hazzard in Hollywood TV movies), Hurst’s career was a rich tapestry woven across decades of American television and film.
Beyond the dusty roads of Hazzard County, Hurst demonstrated impressive range. He brought warmth and humor to the role of Earl, the chef in the charming, albeit short-lived, Bea Arthur series Amanda’s in 1983. His distinctive voice resonated as the Announcer in the popular Karate Kid franchise, notably in Part III (1989), a role he also held in the original 1984 film and Part II (1986). His commitment to his most famous role extended off-screen; he was a beloved presence at numerous Dukes of Hazzard fan events and gatherings at Cooters in Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well as The World Of Wheels in Birmingham, Alabama.
Born in Houston, Hurst honed his craft academically, earning a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1968, followed by a master’s in fine arts from Temple University in 1970. This solid foundation propelled him into a remarkably prolific career starting in the early 1970s. His filmography reads like a roadmap of classic American TV, featuring guest spots on legendary shows including Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, Gunsmoke, Kojak, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, The Six Million Dollar Man, M*A*S*H (appearing twice as Capt. Schaeffer), Baretta, CHiPs, Highway to Heaven, Murder, She Wrote, The Wonder Years, Family Matters, and The Guardian. He graced the big screen in films like Unholy Rollers (1972), Going Ape! (1981), Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), Steel Magnolias (1989), In the Line of Fire (1993), and Venomous (2001).
Hurst’s personal life centered around his family. He was married to Shelly Weir, the mother of his son Collin Hurst. He was also the father of acclaimed actor Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and Remember the Titans.
Richard Hurst leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication, professionalism, and the ability to breathe authentic life into countless characters, large and small. Whether evoking laughs as the hapless Cletus, providing a steady presence as Earl the chef, or lending his voice to the excitement of the All Valley Tournament, his contributions to the landscape of American entertainment were significant and enduring. He will be remembered fondly by colleagues, fans, and especially his family.
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