Ben Jones, the American actor widely recognized for playing the easygoing mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit CBS television series «The Dukes of Hazzard», has died at the age of 84, according to his wife, Alma Viator. Jones passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday while preparing to watch a baseball game.
A Sudden Passing at Home
According to Alma Viator, Jones succumbed to a sudden heart attack at his residence. The beloved television actor and former politician passed away in his armchair just as he was getting ready to tune in for a baseball game.
Iconic Role in «The Dukes of Hazzard»
From 1979 to 1985, Jones starred in «The Dukes of Hazzard», appearing alongside co-stars Tom Wopat and John Schneider. As Cooter Davenport—the loyal, wisecracking mechanic who was always ready to repair the famous Dodge Charger known as the General Lee—Jones earned immense international popularity.
Following the show’s conclusion, Wopat paid tribute to his late co-star, remembering him as a precious friend and a fierce champion of entertainment, according to reports of his statements.
Transition to Politics in Georgia
After stepping away from full-time acting, Jones built a successful second career in politics running under the Democratic banner. In 1988, he pulled off a major political upset by winning election as the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 4th congressional district, securing a comfortable 20-point victory.
Jones won re-election in 1990 and served in the United States House of Representatives until 1993. His tenure in Washington D.C. came to a close following a congressional redistricting process that altered the boundaries of his district.
