Ben Jones, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star and Former Congressman, Dies at 84
Ben Jones, the actor remembered by millions for his role as Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.
Jones died after suffering a massive heart attack, according to his longtime wife, Alma Viator. She announced his death on Facebook on Sunday, August 9, saying that Jones had been at home relaxing in his favorite chair while waiting to watch the Atlanta Braves play the New York Yankees.
Viator described her husband as a man who had lived an extraordinary and fulfilling life and expressed her deep sadness over his passing.
Jones became widely recognized for playing the rough-around-the-edges mechanic Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in most episodes of the popular television series, which originally aired from 1979 through 1985. He also returned for the franchise’s television movies in 1997 and 2000.
The character was portrayed by other actors in later productions, including David Koechner in the 2005 theatrical movie and Joel Moore in the 2007 prequel The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.
From Acting to Politics
Born and raised near Portsmouth, Virginia, Jones grew up in a modest railroad shack. He began pursuing acting in his 20s and gradually built a career in both television and film.
His early credits included appearances in Killer’s Three and Together for Days. He later appeared in projects such as Smokey and the Bandit, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, and Moonrunners, a film that helped inspire the world of The Dukes of Hazzard.
Jones eventually moved beyond entertainment and entered politics. He served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia from 1989 until 1993.
After leaving Congress, Jones challenged Republican politician Newt Gingrich. He later filed an ethics complaint concerning Gingrich’s financial activities. The controversy contributed to Gingrich’s eventual resignation as Speaker of the House and prompted an IRS investigation. Gingrich was ultimately cleared by the IRS.
Life After ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
Jones continued acting after his political career, including a supporting appearance in the 1998 political comedy-drama Primary Colors, which featured John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates.
He and Viator also remained closely connected to the Dukes of Hazzard franchise. Together, they established Cooter’s Place, a museum and tourist attraction dedicated to the series and its characters. Locations were opened in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as well as Luray, Virginia.
Away from the spotlight, Jones and Viator shared a log cabin and farm in Virginia. The couple also had two children.
Following his death, Viator remembered Jones as someone who was deeply loved by family, friends and fans.
His career stretched across entertainment, politics and business, but for generations of television viewers, Ben Jones will remain best remembered as the beloved mechanic Cooter Davenport.
