Rick Hurst, the actor best known as Deputy Cletus Hogg in 'Dukes of Hazzard' and father of actor Ryan Hurst, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon. He was 79.

Actor Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg in the hit sitcom “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has died at age 79.

Ionic actor Rick Hurst, beloved for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard," has passed away at the age of 79. His former co-star Ben Jones confirmed the sad news with an emotional tribute on the Cooter's Place museum Facebook page on Thursday.