'The Dukes of Hazzard' actor Rick Hurst breathes his last at 79

Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on the long-running CBS action comedy The Dukes of Hazzard, has passed away at the age of 79.

On Thursday, the actor’s first wife, Candace Kanieck, confirmed his death to TMZ.

“To fans, he was more than a character — he was family,” read a Dukes of Hazzard post on Instagram.

“His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter,” the statement continued. “Offscreen, Rick was known for his generosity, humility and love for connecting with fans at events across the country.”

“Whether it was a reunion special or a meet-and-greet at Cooter’s, he never stopped sharing his joy with the people who adored him,” the statement concluded.

Before starring in The Dukes of Hazzard, Rick played a prisoner named Cleaver in the ABC sitcom On the Rocks.

Rick also made guest appearances on many TV programs, including The Bob Newhart Show, Happy Days, Highway to Heaven, Little House on the Prairie, M*A*S*H, and Evening Shade.