Ben Jones, the actor best known for his role as the mechanic Cooter Davenport in the hit series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at age 84. His wife, Alma Viator, confirmed that Jones passed away on August 9 following a massive heart attack while at home in Virginia.
Jones portrayed the character Cooter in nearly every episode of the show from 1979 to 1985. His career began in his mid-20s after a childhood spent in Portsmouth, Virginia. Beyond his work on the sitcom, he appeared in films such as The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings and the action comedy Moonrunners, which served as a precursor to his most famous role.
His interests extended beyond the entertainment industry. Jones served as a Democratic member of Congress representing Georgia from 1989 to 1993. During his tenure and subsequent political efforts, he maintained a public presence, notably filing an ethics complaint against then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich after their race in 1994. Although the investigation later exonerated Gingrich, the incident marked a significant moment in Jones's transition from the public stage of television to the halls of government.
In his later years, Jones and his wife established Cooter’s Place, a series of museums and shops dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard. These locations in Nashville, Pigeon Forge, and Luray kept the memory of the show alive for fans for decades. He continued to work on occasional projects, including a role in the 1998 film Primary Colors, while living on a farm in Rappahannock County. He leaves behind his wife and two children.