Ben Jones, the actor best known for portraying the character Cooter Davenport on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard and later as a two-term U.S. Representative from Georgia, died on Sunday at his home in Washington, Virginia. He was 84 years old.
Jones passed away from a massive heart attack, according to a statement shared by his wife, Alma Viator, on Facebook. In her post, Viator described Jones as resting in his favorite chair when he died, shortly before the Atlanta Braves were scheduled to play the New York Yankees.
"I lost the love of my life today," Viator wrote. "Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I love him so so much."
Jones’ death was also confirmed by Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton.
A Career in Acting and Politics
Born on August 30, 1941, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, Jones began his career in theater before transitioning to film and television in the early 1970s. His early roles included appearances in Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and Moonrunners (1975), the latter serving as inspiration for The Dukes of Hazzard.
Jones joined the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979, playing the character Cooter Davenport, the county mechanic and close ally of the Duke family. He appeared in 141 episodes of the series, which ran until 1985, and later reprised his role in reunion specials, including The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000). His final television appearance was in the 2005 series Surface, and his last film role was in Joe Gould’s Secret (2000).
Following his acting career, Jones entered politics as a Democrat and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988, representing Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. He served two terms in Congress, from 1989 to 1993, before losing his seat in the 1994 midterm elections amid redistricting changes that favored Republican Newt Gingrich.
Tributes and Legacy
News of Jones’ death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans. Tom Wopat, Jones’ co-star on The Dukes of Hazzard, shared a message on Instagram, calling Jones a "fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business."
Jones’ career spanned over four decades, during which he became a beloved figure in both entertainment and public service. His portrayal of Cooter Davenport remains one of the most recognizable roles in American television history, while his time in Congress was marked by his advocacy for his district and his party’s priorities at the time.
Jones is survived by his wife, Alma Viator, whom he married in 1992. No further details about funeral arrangements have been announced as of this report.