Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport on the popular television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.
Jones died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after suffering a heart attack at his home, according to a statement from his wife, Alma Viator.
His death brings an end to a career that crossed television, film and American politics. For many fans, Jones will always be remembered as Cooter, the friendly mechanic and longtime friend of the Duke family.
Ben Jones Dies at 84
Jones was at his home when he suffered a massive heart attack, according to reports. His wife later shared the news of his death and remembered him as someone who lived a full life surrounded by love.
The actor was 84 years old.
News of Jones’ death quickly brought tributes from people who worked with him during his long career. Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, was among those who remembered Jones and their friendship.
Cooter Made Ben Jones a Television Favorite
Jones became widely known after joining The Dukes of Hazzard, which premiered in 1979.
He played Cooter Davenport, the owner of Cooter’s Garage and a trusted friend of Bo and Luke Duke. The character became one of the show’s most recognizable supporting roles.
The CBS series ran for seven seasons before ending in 1985. Jones appeared throughout the show’s original run and became closely associated with the character.
His acting work went beyond The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones appeared in projects including Smokey and the Bandit, Moonrunners and As the World Turns.
Ben Jones Had a Career in Politics
Jones later moved from Hollywood into politics.
Born Benjamin Lewis Jones on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before building his career as an actor and entertainer.
His first attempt to enter Congress in 1986 was unsuccessful. He later won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988.
Jones represented Georgia’s 4th Congressional District as a Democrat. He began his first term in January 1989 and served two terms in Congress.
During his time in Washington, Jones served on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.
He left Congress in January 1993 after losing his Democratic primary race in 1992.
Life After Congress
After leaving Washington, Jones returned to entertainment and continued working on projects connected to his television career.
He remained closely associated with The Dukes of Hazzard and its fan community. Jones later became involved with Cooter’s Place, a destination featuring memorabilia and items connected to the series.
He also wrote a memoir titled Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of Crazy Cooter, sharing stories from his life and career.
Jones made another attempt at a political career in 2002, running for Congress in Virginia, but was not elected.
Remembering Ben Jones
Ben Jones had a career that was unusual in both Hollywood and politics. He went from playing a beloved television mechanic to serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Still, his role as Cooter Davenport remained the part of his career most closely connected to his fans.
For viewers who grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones was a familiar presence on television for years. His work as Cooter helped make him a lasting part of the show’s history.
Ben Jones died at 84, leaving behind a career that spanned television, film, politics and writing. His legacy will remain closely tied to Cooter Davenport and the millions of viewers who knew him through The Dukes of Hazzard.
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