Dukes of Hazzard fans are in mourning this Sunday.
Actor Ben Jones who was known for his role as “Cooter” in the hit TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard” has died.
Besides being an actor Jones also served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's Fourth Congressional District from 1989 to 1993.
Jones’ death was announced by his wife in a post on social media.
The New York Post reported details on what caused Jones’ death:
Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on the classic TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard" and also served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, died on Sunday, according to a social media post from his wife. He was 84.
"I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack," Alma Viator wrote on Facebook Sunday, accompanied by a picture of the actor with his dog.
"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 loved him so so much," she concluded.
The actor, best known for playing Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard," died of a massive heart attack, according to his wife.
Jones was best known for his role as the friendly mechanic Davenport on all seven seasons of "The Dukes of Hazzard" from 1979 to 1985, but he also had roles in other prominent TV and film projects, including "Smokey and the Bandit," "Moonrunners," and "As the World Turns."
Here’s how users on X reacted to the news:
The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed…Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, “I’m not your Uncle Jesse!” pic.twitter.com/RDbei1F67Z
— Tom Wopat (@wopatofficial) August 9, 2026
RIP Ben Jones. Will see you again. pic.twitter.com/ZH5Xtu35N0
— Jon Harris 🌲 (@jonharris1989) August 10, 2026
#RIP Rep. Ben Jones (D-GA) -- he played Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard" pic.twitter.com/3vf2m9bpiw
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) August 10, 2026
The Hollywood Reporter provided details on Jones’ political career:
Bolstered by the show's popularity — it was No. 2 in the Nielsen ratings in 1979-80, trailing only Dallas, which followed it on Friday nights on CBS — Jones, a Democrat, ran for Congress in 1986 and lost a tight race to incumbent Pat Swindall for the seat in Georgia's 4th congressional district.
Two years later, however, he won in a landslide after Swindall had been accused of lying to a federal grand jury about his dealings with a federal undercover agent posing as a money launderer.
During the nasty campaign, Jones admitted he had "more skeletons in my closet than the Smithsonian," including a problem with alcohol, but noted he hadn't had a drink since September 1977. He was re-elected to another two-year term in 1990.
"People ask me in Washington if I'm doing any acting any more. More than ever," he said with a laugh in a 1989 interview. "The skills I learned on stage and in film are invaluable in politics, because we're talking about communication and being comfortable around a camera, being in front of an audience, finding that bond, that chemistry. And being energized by it."
After redistricting took his seat, Jones was firmly defeated by Newt Gingrich in 1994, but an ethics complaint he filed against his opponent contributed to Gingrich's resignation as House Speaker in 1998.
While living in Virginia in 2002, Jones tried again for Congress but lost to Eric Cantor, future House majority leader. Twelve years later, pundits said a letter Jones wrote to voters blasting his former opponent fueled Cantor's shocking loss in the primaries.
Source link
