The sudden passing of Rick Hurst, best known as the lovably bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg from The Dukes of Hazzard, has left fans heartbroken. At 79, the actor’s death came as a shock, especially since he was gearing up for a public appearance just days later. But while his on-screen antics brought laughter to millions, his real-life role as a husband and father was just as meaningful. Let’s dive into the personal side: his marriages, his kids, and the family that carries on his legacy.
Rick Hurst’s Marriages: Love, Laughter, and Hollywood
Rick Hurst’s love life was a mix of Hollywood romance and enduring connections. He was married twice, and though both marriages ended in divorce, they left a lasting impact on his life. His first wife, Candace Kaniecki, wasn’t just a spouse; she was an acting coach, which meant their relationship was deeply intertwined with the entertainment world. Together, they welcomed their son Ryan in 1976, and even after their split, they remained on good terms. In fact, Candace was the one who confirmed Rick’s unexpected passing to TMZ, calling it a “complete shock.”
His second marriage was to Katherine Shelley Weir, lasting from 1981 to 1991. Though details about his relationship with his second wife are scarce, they had a son together, Collin Hurst. Unlike Ryan, Collin has stayed out of the spotlight, leading a more private life. Rick’s ex-wives and children remained a constant in his world, even as his career took him from Dukes of Hazzard to cult films like Steel Magnolias and The Karate Kid Part III.
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What’s clear is that Rick valued family, even when Hollywood kept him busy. He wasn’t the type to let fame get in the way of fatherhood. Whether it was supporting Ryan’s acting dreams or keeping up with Collin, he made sure his kids knew they came first.
The Hurst Kids: Ryan, Collin, and a Legacy in Acting
If Rick Hurst’s career was impressive, his son Ryan Hurst has taken the family talent to new heights. Born in 1976, Ryan grew up surrounded by Hollywood, thanks to his dad’s career and his mom’s work as an acting coach. He didn’t just follow in his father’s footsteps; he sprinted past them. From Remember the Titans to Sons of Anarchy (where he played the unforgettable Opie Winston) and The Walking Dead (as the terrifying Beta), Ryan has carved out his own legendary status.
Rick Hurst known as Cleatus Hogg in The Dukes Of Hazzard TV Show and father to Actor Ryan Hurst has Passed Away pic.twitter.com/XC16s0VMd6
— Shaun Deanne Strasser 🇺🇸👩✝️ (@ShaunDeStrasser) June 27, 2025
But Ryan’s life isn’t just about acting. He’s also known for his spiritual journey, converting to Sikhism and adopting the name Gobind Seva Singh. He’s married to Molly Cookson, and together they run a production company called Fast Shoes. It’s a full-circle moment — Rick raised a son who not only inherited his passion for performance but also built a life blending creativity, faith, and family.
Then there’s Collin Hurst, Rick’s second son. Unlike Ryan, Collin has stayed far from the limelight. There’s little public information about him, which suggests he’s chosen a quieter path. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t close to his dad. In fact, Rick’s ability to balance two very different sons, one a famous actor, the other a private individual, speaks volumes about the kind of father he was.
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Final Thoughts: A Family That Keeps His Spirit Alive
Rick Hurst may be gone, but his legacy lives on, not just through reruns of The Dukes of Hazzard, but through his children. Ryan’s booming career ensures the Hurst name stays in Hollywood, while Collin’s low-key life reminds us that family isn’t always about fame. And then there are the ex-wives who remained part of Rick’s story long after their marriages ended, proving that some bonds outlast even divorce.
As fans mourn the loss of a TV legend, it’s comforting to know that his loved ones, his real-life supporting cast, are still here, keeping his memory alive. Whether through Ryan’s next big role or the quiet strength of Collin, Rick’s influence endures. And if there’s one thing we can take from his life, it’s that laughter, love, and family are the real markers of a legacy.
