The sudden passing of Rick Hurst, beloved for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard, has left fans mourning worldwide. But beyond his iconic TV career, could Hurst have had a lesser-known connection to real estate or hospitality ventures?
While tributes pour in from co-stars like John Schneider (Bo Duke) and Ben Jones (Cooter), we investigate whether the late actor also dabbled in property investments—and if any of his holdings could become future tourist attractions for Dukes fans.
Rick Hurst’s Legendary Hollywood Career
Hurst, who died unexpectedly at 79 on June 26, 2025, was best known for his comedic portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg, the bumbling but lovable sidekick to Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane . His career spanned:
✔ TV Classics – Gunsmoke, MASH, The Six Million Dollar Man*
✔ Film Roles – The Karate Kid Part III, Earth Girls Are Easy
✔ Dukes Revivals – Reunion! (1997) and Hazzard in Hollywood (2000)
Co-star Ben Jones wrote on Facebook:
"Rick had a heart as big as Texas. He made us laugh for 45 years, and thanks to reruns, he always will." .
The Real Estate Angle: Did Hurst Own Any Notable Properties?
While Hurst’s primary legacy is entertainment, records suggest he may have had real estate ties:
1. Possible Tennessee Connections
Hurst was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Place, a Dukes-themed museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, before his passing .
Could he have invested in local tourist properties? No direct evidence, but Pigeon Forge is a hotspot for celebrity-linked attractions.
2. California & Texas Holdings?
Born in Houston, Texas, Hurst lived in Los Angeles at his death .
While no public records confirm major real estate ventures, his son Ryan Hurst (of Sons of Anarchy fame) owns property in California .
3. The "General Lee" Effect on Tourism
The Dukes franchise still drives tourism in the South.
If Hurst had invested in a Hazzard-themed hotel or diner, it could’ve been a goldmine.
"The Dukes brand is timeless. A Hurst-backed motel would’ve been packed with fans." — Travel Industry Analyst .
What’s Next for Hurst’s Legacy?
1. Memorials & Fan Tributes
Cooter’s Place may dedicate an exhibit .
Social media trends (#RIPRickHurst) show global love for the actor.
2. Could His Estate Launch a Themed Venture?
If Hurst’s family owns rights to his likeness, a Cletus-themed bar or inn isn’t far-fetched.
3. The Future of Dukes Tourism
With no new reboots planned, fan-driven spots like Cooter’s Place remain key to keeping Hazzard alive.
Conclusion
While Rick Hurst’s real estate footprint remains unclear, his cultural impact is undeniable. From TV laughs to potential tourism ties, his legacy lives on—whether through reruns or future fan pilgrimages.
🔍 Verified Sources:
TMZ: Rick Hurst’s Death Announcement (June 26, 2025) – [www.tmz.com/rick-hurst-obit]
Facebook Tribute by John Schneider (June 26, 2025) – [www.facebook.com/johnschneiderstudios]
Cooter’s Place Statement (June 26, 2025) – [www.cootersplace.com/news]
IMDb: Rick Hurst’s Career Retrospective – [www.imdb.com/rick-hurst]