Rick Hurst Gamefowl Supplies: From television fame to rural passions and fitness transformations, Rick Hurst and his son Ryan Hurst form one of Hollywood’s lesser-known but fascinating father-son duos. Best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard, Rick Hurst led a long acting career before settling into a quieter life. Meanwhile, his son Ryan Hurst forged his own path through gritty dramas like Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. But beyond Hollywood, their story includes surprising ties to gamefowl supplies, family dynamics, and even public speculation about Rick Hurst’s illness and death.
Rick Hurst & Ryan Hurst: Acting Legacy, Gamefowl Passion, Illness Rumors & Family Bonds
In this in-depth profile, we explore Rick Hurst’s rich career, Ryan’s expected life after acting, and the evolution of his son Ryan—from actor to fitness icon.
Rick Hurst’s Acting Legacy: More Than Just Cletus Hogg
Rick Hurst’s face became familiar to millions during the 1980s thanks to his portrayal of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. With his Southern drawl and comedic timing, Rick added depth to a show that celebrated small-town American charm. But his career extended far beyond Hazzard County.
He appeared in classic shows like Little House on the Prairie and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Rick also had a role in the football film Invincible (2006), where he played a bartender in a small but memorable scene. His versatility as a character actor allowed him to transition from television comedies to serious dramas with ease, building a respectable Hollywood résumé.
Family First: Who Is Rick Hurst’s Son?
Rick Hurst’s only known child is Ryan Hurst, born in 1976. Unlike his father’s comedic on-screen presence, Ryan took a more intense route in Hollywood. He made a breakthrough as Gerry Bertier in Remember the Titans, followed by major roles in Sons of Anarchy, Bates Motel, and The Walking Dead.
Ryan edged—ted his father’s passion for acting but gave it a unique edge—often playing deep, conflicted, and emotionally intense characters. Despite working in different genres, Ryan and Rick Hurst share a deep love for their craft. Ryan has publicly acknowledged his father’s influence and the strong values he instilled from a young age.
Rick Hurst Gamefowl Supplies: A Passion Few Knew About
In a surprising twist, Rick Hurst developed a strong interest in gamefowl breeding and supplies after stepping back from the spotlight. While not widely documented in mainstream media, niche agricultural and rural communities know Rick as a quiet but passionate figure in the gamefowl world.
According to regional forums and rural businesses—siasts, Rick was associated with gamefowl supply businesses—selling feed, fencing, and care materials for breeders and farmers. While never officially confirmed through large press outlets, several local sources have connected him with poultry exhibitions and Southern gamefowl events.
This lesser-known aspect of his life reveals Rick’s deep appreciation for rural America, aligning perfectly with his television lives—it’s yet another dimension to a man who has lived many lives—both on and off screen.
Illness Rumors & Death Hoaxes: Is Rick Hurst Still Alive?
Searches about “Rick Hurst death” and “Rick Hurst illness” actor’s well-being have increased in recent years, prompting fans to wonder about the actor’s well-being. As of 2025, Rick Hurst is still alive, though he has retreated from the public eye due to age and private health concerns.
There have been no credible reports confirming a serious illness or diagnosis. However, due to his absence from recent interviews and appearances, speculation has grown. Fans often confuse Rick with other actors or fall for death hoaxes on social media, which unfortunately affect many celebrities.
Despite these rumors, Rick continues to live a quiet life, reportedly in Southern California or the rural South, possibly engaging in his gamefowl pursuits.
Ryan Hurst’s Weight Loss Journey: Discipline Behind the Beard
Known for his towering frame and iconic long hair and beard, Ryan Hurst underwent a notable physical transformation over the past few years. Once described as burly and imposing, Ryan slimmed down significantly after adopting a clean diet and functional training routine.
The transformation became especially visible during his roles in The Walking Dead and God of War Ragnarök (voice acting). Ryan began working with nutritionists and personal trainers to drop excess weight and improve cardiovascular health. His fans were shocked by the before-and-after photos that circulated across Instagram, sparking a new wave of admiration.
Not only did the transformation improve his health, but it also broadened the types of roles he was able to audition for, showing that Ryan, like his father, continues to evolve in unexpected ways.
Who is Hurst’s father in real life?
Fans of Ryan Simple often ask, Who is Ryan Hurst’s real father? The answer is simple—it’s Rick Hurst, the veteran actor of TV’s golden era. Despite their different on-screen personas, they share a bond rooted in mutual respect and artistic expression.
Rick encouraged Ryan from a young age to pursue acting but allowed him to find his voice. Ryan’s roles have often taken him into darker, grittier terrain, but he has always credited his father for inspiring his work ethic and understanding of character depth.
Rick Hurst in Little House on the Prairie and Invincible
While The Dukes of Hazzard remains his most iconic role, Rick Hurst appeared in several TV classics. One such appearance was on Little House on the Prairie, where he played a brief but impactful role, showing his range beyond slapstick humor.
In the 2006 football drama Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg, Rick portrayed a local bartender. Though the role was small, the actor—a nod to his enduring appeal as a blue-collar character actor—was the kind audiences always recognized, even in brief scenes.
is, Howrst’s Children: How Many Does He Have?
A frequent query is, how many children does Rick Hurst have? Publicly, he has one son, Ryan Hurst. There are no records or interviews suggesting he has other children. The two share a close relationship, though Ryan was raised partly by his mother, acting coach Candace Kaniecki, after Rick’s divorce.
Ryan has sometimes spoken about his parents’ divorce, explaining that both remained supportive throughout his childhood and acting training.
Ryan Hurst on Instagram: Authentic, Low-Key, and Spiritual
With over 500K followers (as of early 2025), Ryan Hurst’s Instagram offers fans a rare glimpse into his life beyond the screen. He shares workout routines, behind-the-scenes set photos, and occasional reflections on spirituality and wellness.
Unlike many celebrities, Ryan keeps his feed authentic and grounded, often interacting with fans and celebrating the work of others. His page has become a safe space for followers who admire not just his acting, but also his dedication to personal growth and inner peace.
Conclusion: A Father-Son Legacy Rooted in Character, Grit & Surprises
Rick Hurst and Ryan Hurst may represent different eras and genres of Hollywood, but they share a dedication to craft, authenticity, and living life on their own terms. Whether it’s Rick’s off-screen passion for gamefowl supplies or Ryan’s intense physical transformations, both men have shown there’s far more to Hazzard—the eye.
Rick’s legacy isn’t just about The Dukes of Hazzard—it’s about raising a son who became a star in his own right. And Ryan’s journey reflects the quiet resilience passed down—a father who mastered his own corner of the entertainment world—and perhaps a bit of the farm, too.
✅ Hurst’s FAQ
Q: What is Rick Hurst’s gamefowl supplies business?
A: While not publicly branded, Rick Hurst has been linked to gamefowl supply ventures in rural communities, offering poultry feed and tools.
Q: Who is Rick Hurst’s son?
A: Rick Hurst’s only known son is actor Ryan Hurst, famous for roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead.
Q: Did Rick Hurst die?
A: No, Rick Hurst is alive as of 2025, although he’s kept a low profile in recent years.
Q: How many children does Rick Hurst have?
A: Rick Hurst has one child—Ryan Hurst.
Q: What illness does Rick Hurst have?
A: There are no verified reports of serious illness, though age-related health privacy has sparked speculation.
Q: What happened to Ryan Hurst’s weight?
A: Ryan underwent a major fitness transformation, shedding weight through a clean diet and training regimen.
Q: Is Ryan Hurst active on Instagram?
A: Yes, he uses Instagram to share wellness tips, spiritual quotes, and behind-the-scenes moments.