‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star and Former Congressman Ben Jones Dies at 84

Ben Jones, the actor best known for playing the easygoing mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.

Jones died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at his home in Virginia after suffering a heart attack, according to his wife, Alma Viator. His death was also reported by multiple US media outlets.

For millions of television viewers, Jones was synonymous with Cooter, the bearded mechanic and friend of Bo and Luke Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, which ran on CBS from 1979 to 1985.

Jones appeared throughout the show’s seven-season run, becoming one of its most recognisable supporting characters.

Jones’ career extended far beyond television.

Before gaining fame on The Dukes of Hazzard, he worked extensively in theatre and appeared in films and television productions, including Smokey and the Bandit.

After establishing himself as an actor, Jones entered politics and won election to the US House of Representatives as a Democrat from Georgia.

He served from 1989 to 1993, representing Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.

During his political career, Jones became known for his independent streak. He filed an ethics complaint against fellow Georgia congressman Newt Gingrich, a move that eventually contributed to an ethics investigation and reprimand of Gingrich

After leaving Congress, Jones returned to entertainment and maintained a strong connection with The Dukes of Hazzard.

He and his wife established businesses known as Cooter’s Place, including attractions dedicated to the television series, helping keep the show’s legacy alive among fans.

Jones also participated in Dukes of Hazzard reunion productions and fan events over the years.

His character’s garage became one of the show’s familiar settings, while Cooter himself was portrayed as a loyal ally of the Duke family.

News of Jones’ death prompted tributes from former colleagues and fans.

Actor Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, remembered Jones as a friend and passionate advocate for the show and its fans. Other tributes highlighted his transition from entertainment to public service and his distinctive personality.

Jones’ wife announced his death on social media, saying he died peacefully at home following the heart attack.

Born in North Carolina in 1941, Jones developed an interest in acting and writing before moving into professional theatre and television.

His career eventually took him from the stage and screen to the US Capitol and then back into entertainment.

His portrayal of Cooter Davenport remained the role most closely associated with him, while his four years in Congress gave him a second public identity beyond Hollywood.

Jones is survived by his wife, Alma Viator, and children and grandchildren.

His death comes as another loss for the Dukes of Hazzard family. Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on the series, died in June 2025 at age 79.

Ben Jones leaves behind a legacy that crossed television, politics and Southern popular culture, with generations of fans continuing to remember him as the colourful mechanic known simply as Cooter.