When you think about The Dukes of Hazzard, your brain probably goes straight to that orange 1969 Dodge Charger flying over a creek. Or maybe Boss Hogg’s white suit and Rosco’s high-pitched giggle. But then there’s Cletus. If you watched the show during the early '80s, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Cletus Hogg, played by the late Rick Hurst, wasn't just a backup character. He was the guy who filled some pretty big boots when the show hit a major crossroads.
Rick Hurst, who sadly passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79, brought something to Hazzard County that most people overlook. He wasn't just another "bumbling deputy." Honestly, he was the emotional bridge of the show's middle years.
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Why Cletus Hogg Was More Than Just a Replacement
Let’s set the scene. It’s 1980. Sonny Shroyer, who played the lovable, "positively" obsessed Enos Strate, leaves for his own spin-off show. The producers had a massive hole to fill. You can't have Rosco P. Coltrane chasing the Duke boys alone; he needs a foil. He needs someone to bark orders at.
Enter Cletus.
He wasn't just a random hire. Within the show’s lore, Cletus was Boss Hogg’s second cousin twice removed. This gave the dynamic a weird, familial tension. While Enos was often portrayed as the "good" deputy who secretly loved the Dukes, Cletus was a bit more complicated. He had a job to do. He was dim-witted, sure—the guy believed in Santa Claus well into adulthood—but he had a streak of loyalty to his family (the Hoggs) that made him a fascinating character to watch.
The Rick Hurst Magic
Rick Hurst didn't just play a caricature. He was a classically trained actor with a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University. You might recognize his son, Ryan Hurst, who played Opie in Sons of Anarchy. Talent clearly runs in the family.
On screen, Cletus was 6-foot-5 of pure, clumsy energy. He brought a specific brand of physical comedy that Rosco (James Best) could play off of perfectly. Think about those "speed traps." Rosco would be hiding in the bushes, and Cletus would inevitably say something so thick-headed it would blow their cover.
- The Hogg Connection: Cletus often mentioned he only had "one-eighth Hogg blood." He used this as an excuse whenever he did something decent or whenever Boss Hogg treated him like dirt.
- The Food Obsession: If you’re a real fan, you remember his favorite meal. Country Fried Spaghetti. Yes, it sounds as chaotic as a Hazzard County car chase.
- The Conscience: Unlike Rosco, who was often genuinely mean-spirited under Boss Hogg’s thumb, Cletus frequently admitted he only went along with the schemes because he was broke. He needed the paycheck. It made him relatable.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
There is a common misconception that fans hated the "Cletus years." That’s just not true. While Enos was a fan favorite, Cletus appeared in 55 episodes from 1979 to 1982. He became a staple. When Sonny Shroyer eventually returned to the show after his spin-off Enos flopped, the writers didn't just fire Cletus.
For a brief, glorious period, we had both of them.
Boss Hogg, being the cheapskate he was, forced Enos and Cletus to share a single patrol car and even share a paycheck because of "county budget problems." This led to some of the funniest dialogue in the series. Cletus was older than Enos, and the two of them together were like a comedy duo that never quite got enough credit.
The Legacy of the "Bumbling" Deputy
Rick Hurst played Cletus with a warmth that stayed with him his whole life. Even decades later, he was a fixture at "DukesFest" and Cooter’s Place in Tennessee. He loved the fans. He understood that Cletus Hogg represented the everyman—the guy caught between a corrupt boss and his own moral compass, usually failing at both but trying his best anyway.
Hurst's career didn't start or end in Hazzard. He was in MASH*, Sanford and Son, and even The Karate Kid Part III. But to millions of us, he’ll always be the guy in the tan uniform trying to keep up with the General Lee.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive back into the Hazzard nostalgia or want to honor the memory of the actors who made the show great, here is what you should do:
Revisit the "Cletus Peak": Watch Season 3, Episode 1, "Enos Strate to the Top." It’s the official handoff where Cletus takes over as the primary deputy. It’s a masterclass in how to introduce a new character into a tight-knit ensemble.
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Visit the Real Hazzard: Cooter’s Place in Pigeon Forge and Nashville remains the hub for this stuff. Ben Jones (Cooter) was incredibly close with Rick Hurst, and the museums often display original props and costumes that remind you just how much work went into that "simple" show.
Support the Family Legacy: Keep an eye out for Ryan Hurst’s work. Seeing the "Cletus" spark in a gritty show like Sons of Anarchy or The Walking Dead is a fun way to see how that acting pedigree evolved over generations.
Cletus Hogg wasn't just a placeholder. He was a vital part of the Hazzard County ecosystem. Without his specific brand of "Hogg-ish" charm, the show might have lost its steam during those middle years. He proved that even in a world of high-flying stunts, it’s the characters on the ground that keep us coming back.