Ben Jones, an actor known for his role as Cooter Davenport on the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard” and a former two-term U.S. Representative from Georgia, died Sunday. He was 84.
Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, announced his death on Facebook, stating that he died of a massive heart attack while at home. "He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees," Viator wrote in her post. "Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much."
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Jones was most recognized for his portrayal of mechanic Cooter Davenport on all seven seasons of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which aired from 1979 to 1985. He also appeared in other television and film projects, including “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Moonrunners."
Following his acting career, Jones entered politics. In 1988, he was elected to represent Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1990 but lost his bid for a third term in 1994 to Newt Gingrich.
Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” paid tribute to Jones on Facebook, calling him “a fine friend and a fierce advocate.” Wopat added, “The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. He will be sorely missed… I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today.”
The original “Dukes of Hazzard” series ran for seven seasons on CBS and achieved high ratings. The show was later rebooted as an action-comedy film in 2005.