Ben Jones, the actor and former Georgia congressman best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at age 84.
Jones died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at his home in Virginia, according to his longtime wife, Alma Viator, who announced his death on Facebook. She said he died from a massive heart attack while resting in his favorite chair and waiting for an Atlanta Braves game.
Viator described Jones as having lived an “amazing rich life” and said she had lost the love of her life.
Cooter Made Jones a Television Favorite
Jones became widely known as Cooter Davenport, the scruffy mechanic and friend of the Duke family on CBS’ The Dukes of Hazzard.
The series ran from 1979 through 1985, and Jones appeared as Cooter throughout the show’s original run. He also returned for later Dukes of Hazzard television projects.
Before landing his signature role, Jones appeared in films and television productions including Moonrunners, Smokey and the Bandit and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. Moonrunners was an earlier project that helped inspire The Dukes of Hazzard.
From Hollywood to Congress
Jones later moved into politics, winning election to the U.S. House as a Democrat from Georgia.
He served two terms in Congress, from 1989 through 1993, before unsuccessfully challenging Republican Newt Gingrich in the 1994 election.
After losing that race, Jones filed ethics complaints concerning Gingrich. Congressional records show that Jones filed a complaint in 1994 alleging, among other things, that Gingrich had improperly used congressional resources in connection with his course, “Renewing American Civilization.”
The House ethics process later examined multiple allegations. Congressional records show that some allegations were dismissed, while other matters involving Gingrich’s conduct proceeded through further inquiry.
Life After ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
Jones continued acting after leaving Congress, including a role in the 1998 political comedy-drama Primary Colors, which starred John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates.
He and Viator later built businesses around the legacy of The Dukes of Hazzard, including Cooter’s Place, a themed attraction and museum with locations associated with the show’s memorabilia and characters.
Jones remained closely connected to the show’s fan community in the years that followed.
A Career That Crossed Entertainment and Politics
Jones’ career was unusual in that it connected two very different worlds: television entertainment and national politics.
For millions of viewers, he remained associated with Cooter, the friendly mechanic from The Dukes of Hazzard. His later years in public service gave him a second career far removed from the fictional Hazzard County garage.
His death marks the loss of one of the most recognizable performers from the original series.
What Happens Next
Jones’ family and representatives are expected to provide additional information about memorial or funeral arrangements.
For now, tributes are beginning to focus on his work as an actor, his years in Congress and the relationships he maintained with fans and colleagues.
Conclusion
Ben Jones spent his career moving between entertainment and public service, but his portrayal of Cooter Davenport remained the role that made him a household name.
He was 84.
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