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.
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.” However, following his acting career, he took a turn into politics.
In 1988, he ran for Congress in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, and won. He was reelected in 1990, but lost his next race four years later against Newt Gingrich. Tom Wopat, who played who played Luke Duke alongside John Schneider’s Bo Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard” was one of the first to post regarding Jones’ death. “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 wrote on Facebook Sunday.
“He will be sorely missed… Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, “I’m not your Uncle Jesse!” But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today,” the actor said.
“The Dukes of Hazzard” lasted seven season on CBS, and was extremely popular.
In 2005, it was rebooted into an action comedy film starring Jessica Simpson, Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott.