Fans of Sons of Anarchy are mourning a significant loss. On June 26, Ryan Hurst, known for his role as Opie, announced the passing of his father, Richard Hurst. The elder Hurst was not just a father; he was a beloved actor in his own right, famously portraying Deputy Cletus Hogg on the classic show The Dukes of Hazzard from 1980 to 1983.
News of Richard Hurst’s death broke via TMZ and was further confirmed by the official Facebook page of Cooter’s Place museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Richard had been scheduled to appear there just days later, from July 3-7, along with his fellow cast members.
Cooter’s Place, founded by actor Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, serves as both a museum and a themed retail space. It has become a cherished destination for fans, with three locations across Tennessee and Virginia.
On Ryan Hurst’s Instagram, emotional tributes have started pouring in. Fans are expressing their sorrow and offering condolences in the comments. One fan shared, “Condolences Ryan… your dad was a great guy,†highlighting the affection many felt for Richard. Another added, “He was a great actor; I hope he’s patrolling with ol’ Roscoe in that beautiful county in the sky â¤ï¸Â.”
Messages of support continued to fill the post, with another follower stating, “Condolences on the loss of your dad. I hope and pray you have peace in these coming hours, days, months, and years!” The shared sentiment from fans shows just how much Richard impacted their lives, as one emotional commenter reflected, “He was such a huge part of my childhood, as you have been a large part of my adulthood. May he rest in peace.”
Richard Hurst’s career didn’t end with The Dukes of Hazzard. He also made appearances on shows like 227, Murder She Wrote, Perfect Strangers, The Wonder Years, Evening Shade, and The John Larroquette Show, among others. His legacy in television is cherished by many, and he will be remembered fondly in the hearts of those who knew him and those who admired his work.
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