Ben Jones, Dukes of Hazzard Actor and Former U.S. Representative, Dies a…

Ben Jones, Dukes of Hazzard Actor and Former U.S. Representative, Dies at 84

Ben Jones, the beloved actor who played Cooter Davenport on the popular TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard" and later served as a U.S. Representative, has died at the age of 84. His wife, Alma Viator, announced his death on Facebook, stating that he passed away from a massive heart attack while at home waiting for a Braves game to start. According to Viator, "I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed 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." Jones' death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his fans and former co-stars, including Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Wopat called Jones a "fine friend" and a "fierce advocate" for the entertainment industry, stating "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 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.” In addition to his acting career, Jones also had a successful career in politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988, representing Georgia's 4th District as a Democrat. He served two terms in Congress, from 1989 to 1993, and was a member of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Jones later ran for Congress again, but lost to Republican Newt Gingrich due to redistricting. Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, and began his acting career in the early 1970s. He appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including "Moonrunners," "Smokey and the Bandit," and "Primary Colors." He also reprised his role as Cooter in the TV movie "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" and voiced the character in several video games. Jones published a memoir, "Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of 'Crazy Cooter,'" in 2007, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at his life and career. Jones is survived by his wife, Alma Viator, and his children, Rachel and Walker. The news of Jones' death has been reported by several outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, TMZ, and Forbes. Jones' legacy will undoubtedly live on through his work on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his contributions to the entertainment industry. His commitment to his craft and his passion for his work inspired countless fans and earned him a place in the hearts of many. As the news of his death continues to spread, it is clear that he will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.