Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport in the hit TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.
According to his wife, Alma Viator, the actor and former U.S. Congressman died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack. She shared the sad news on social media, stating that Ben lived a full and happy life.
“I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed away from a massive heart attack. 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,” Alma Viator wrote alongside a photo.
Born on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ben Jones took steps towards a career in the entertainment business in college.
‘Dukes of Hazzard’ actor and former Congressman Ben Jones dead at 84
He majored in radio, television, and motion pictures at the University of North Carolina and acted in theatre.
Jones appeared in several productions, including Together for Days in 1972, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings in 1976, Smokey and the Bandit in 1977, and The Lincoln Conspiracy in 1977.
However, for many fans, Ben Jones will always be remembered as Cooter, the friendly mechanic from The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in 141 episodes of the popular show between 1979 and 1985, and Jones became one of its most familiar faces.
Still, there was more to life than acting for Ben Jones. After leaving Hollywood, he entered politics. Jones, a Democrat, first ran for Congress in 1986. He lost a close race at that time, but later, in 1989, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served two terms as a Congressman.
Later in life, he remained closely connected to The Dukes of Hazzard and the character that made him famous. And now, after his death, his legacy will be forever remembered in Hollywood.
Rest in peace, Ben Jones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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