Who was Rick Hurst married to? Duke of Hazzard star’s ex-wife Candace Kaniecki confirms actor is dead at 79

Rick Hurst has recently passed away on June 26, 2025. He was 79 years old.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, he is best known for starring in The Dukes of Hazzard in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. He portrayed the character of Deputy Cletus Hogg.

His first wife, Candace Kaniecki, reportedly confirmed his death to TMZ, stating that he died unexpectedly. His cause of death remains unclear. She said in a statement:

“We’re heartbroken to announce that Rick Hurst, Cletus, has passed away. He was so kind to me when I visited the reunion sets and whenever we saw him at events. Please share your memories and keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Hurst’s first marriage was to Kaniecki. They got married in August 1969, but it resulted in a failed marriage, and they eventually divorced on September 28, 1979, per Hurst’s IMDb profile. The former couple share a son, actor Ryan Hurst. After two years, Rick Hurst got married to Katherine Shelley Weir. The couple were married until their divorce in 1991. They also became parents to a son named Collin Hurst.

Here is what we know about his former wife, Candace Kaniecki, and their family.

Delving into details about the personal life of Rick Hurst

Rick Hurst was born on January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas. His real name is Richard Douglas Hurst. According to a report in Mabumbe, he developed an interest in acting at an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theatre in 1968. Later, he obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Acting in 1970.

He began working early in the ‘70s and took up small acting roles in shows such as Sanford and Son, The Partridge Family, The Doris Day Show, Gunsmoke, The Bob Newhart Show, and Happy Days, per a report in The List. His role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard became the breakthrough role of his career.

He married his wife, Candace Kaniecki Herman, in 1969. She was an acting coach and ran her acting school, per TheFactSite. She currently resides in Santa Monica, California, per her X account. As The List reported, she had the experience of working in Hollywood. Some of her clients included Rosie O'Donnell and the late Patrick Swayze. She also directed theatrical performances for many years.

The former couple welcomed their son Ryan Hurst on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. He attended the Santa Monica School. Ryan decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and entered the entertainment industry.

Trending

The List reported that by the time he landed big roles in the industry, he had already built up his resume by working alongside actors like Robin Williams in Patch Adams. He also got a chance to work with Steven Spielberg in Saving Private Ryan and with William Friedkin in Rules of Engagement.

His IMDb profile indicated that he is best known for portraying Gerry Bertier in Disney's Remember the Titans. His work credits include film and TV shows such as, Sons of Anarchy, We Were Soldiers, Bates Model, King & Maxwell and Bosch.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback