Bio by Lisa Philbrick. With info from the Dukes of Hazzard Unofficial Companion
Born January 1, 1946, Rick was raised in Houston, Texas. In high school, he discovered acting and went on to Tulane University and then graduated with a masters degree in drama from Temple University. He started out with a recurring role on “The Doris Day Show” from 1968 to 1970 and appeared in several movies during the 1970’s.
In 1979, he was asked to audition for the role of Cletus Hogg for the Dukes of Hazzard episode “Money to Burn.” Having a talent for physical comedy, his success with this episode led to his return later in the series when Enos was spun off into his own show in 1980. For two seasons, Cletus was the dipstick deputy of choice.
After the end of the Dukes series, Rick continued to act in television and movies, including “Steel Magnolias” and “In the Line of Fire.”