Rick Hurst, ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ actor, dead at 79

Richard (Rick) Hearst, actor known for his role as the loving vice Cretus Hogg “Duke Hazard” He’s dead. He was 79 years old.

News of Hurst’s death was confirmed by Fox News Digital by his co-star Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport in the popular series. Hearst passed away Thursday afternoon.

“Rick was a great guy,” Jones shared in his statement. “Our show has been ongoing success in around 40 years, and Rick was a large part of it. It was so shocking and hurtful to hear that he had passed away. He was with us last week and it was unexpected.”

The Dukes of Hazard actor has made fame and protected his co-star, Catherine Bach

Jones continued, “He was a great person…he was heartfelt… generous…he was always a friend I’d stick with…he was in the business of making people happy. He was a great comic and comic actor.”

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Actor Rick Hurst, loved for his role as Deputy Cretus Hogg in “The Duke of Hazard,” died at the age of 79. (Getty Images)

He also shared a statement about the cooter pigeon forge. Facebook Page – A museum based on the theme of the “Duke of Hazard” owned by Jones.

“It seems incorrect that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. When something very unexpected happens, it is “hard to handle” as the current expression progresses,” Jones writes.

“I’ve known Rick for over 45 years, but he should not leave me laughing or laughing. Sure, he was a professional comedian, but most had a heart as big as Texas,” his heartfelt compliment continued.

Cast members (front row, LR) Rick Hearst Deputy Cretus Hogg and John Schneider include Beau Duke, Katherine Bach, Katherine Bach as Daisy Duke, and Pile as Sheriff P. Jesse Duke as Uncle P. Jesse Duke and Ben Jones as Cooter Davenport. (Getty Images)

Part of the statement said, “We always considered Cooter’s friends as ‘hazardination.’ Well, Hazard Nation will certainly miss Rickhurst around “The Cooters,” but his presence is always close to us.

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The death of the actor in “The Duke of Hazard” comes a week before he appears Fan Event In Tennessee, Fox News Digital learned.

Tributes will continue to be poured in, including co-stars from Hearst’s “Dukes of Hazard” John Schneider.

Fox News Digital, which Fox News Digital learns, will be appearing at a fan event in Tennessee when the “Dukes of Hazzard” actor’s death comes a week before. (CBS via Getty Images)

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“I just heard at this moment about the passage of my dear Rick Hurst, aka Cretus Hogg. You were my friend’s incredible power over humanity, sanity, comedy. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you. on facebook.

Hearst was born in Houston, Texas, and played the role of Deputy Cretus Hogg in “The Duke of Hazard” in the late 1970s. He later recreated his role throughout the 1980s.

“The Duke of Hazard” cast, left to right: Rick Hurst (as Deputy Cretus Hogg); Sonny Shroyer (as Enos Strate) in 1999. (CBS via Getty Images)

His other film credits include Magnolia of Steel and The Line of Fire.

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Hearst has appeared in several television shows, including “Sanford and his Son” and “The Partridge Family.” “mash,” “Gunsmoke” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”

The actor married Katherine Shelley Weir from 1981 to 1991, and his first wife, Katherine Kanyecki, was married from 1969 to 1979.

Hearst was survived by two sons, Ryan and Colin. Ryan was born in June 1976 and is the son of Hearst and Kanyecki. Hearst later welcomed his second wife, Weir and Colin.

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Both sons followed in the footsteps of their father’s acting as Ryan appeared in “The Anarchy of the Son” and recreated his role in “The Dukes” in 1997 and 2000.