1. He Got His Start in Theater Before Ever Hitting TV

Before landing roles in hit TV shows, Hurst cut his teeth in live theater. He studied acting seriously and performed in stage productions in both New York and Los Angeles. That theatrical background helped shape the expressive and comedic physicality that became his signature style.

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2. He Was Almost Cast in a Major 1970s Sitcom Lead

During the mid-70s, Rick Hurst was on the shortlist for a lead role in a now-iconic sitcom. While the exact show remains under wraps, insiders at the time hinted it was Barney Miller. Ultimately, the producers went in another direction, but his screen test left an impression that helped secure future roles.

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3. He Played Multiple Characters in the Dukes of Hazzard Universe

Most fans remember him only as Deputy Cletus, but Hurst actually played two different characters across the Dukes franchise. He appeared in the original pilot episode as a completely unrelated background character before being recast as Cletus in Season 2.

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4. He Was Close Friends with Don Knotts

Off-screen, Rick Hurst maintained a quiet but lasting friendship with comedic legend Don Knotts (The Andy Griffith Show). The two shared similar acting roots and bonded over their love for physical comedy and old-school performance.

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5. He Had a Strong Passion for Visual Arts

Beyond acting, Hurst was a talented visual artist. He enjoyed sketching and painting in his downtime, even gifting some of his artwork to fellow cast members. It was a private passion he rarely discussed publicly, but it meant a lot to those closest to him.

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6. He Once Turned Down a Hollywood Blockbuster Cameo

In the late 1990s, Rick Hurst was offered a cameo in a major comedy film that spoofed Southern stereotypes — but he politely declined, reportedly uncomfortable with how the film portrayed small-town culture. It showed a lot about his character and the respect he had for his roots.

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The Man Behind the Laughs

Rick Hurst may have been known for his easy-going, lovable screen presence, but off-camera he was thoughtful, artistic, and deeply principled. These lesser-known stories offer a fuller picture of a man who gave everything to his craft — and never needed the spotlight to feel fulfilled.

So the next time you see Deputy Cletus on a rerun, remember — behind the laughs was a quiet legend with much more to his story.