Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' Star and Former Congressman, Dies at 84
Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport on 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday due to a severe heart attack at his residence, as confirmed by his wife, Alma Viator. His role as Cooter spanned from 1979 to 1985. Co-star Tom Wopat honored his memory. In addition to his acting career, Jones was a Democratic U.S. Representative for Georgia's 4th District from 1989 to 1993, where he served as a whip and participated in committees for Public Works and Transportation and Veterans' Affairs. Born Benjamin Lewis Jones on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, he made his film debut in 'Together for Days' (1972) and also appeared in 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Dallas.' His memoir was published in 2007.
Key facts
- Ben Jones died Sunday at age 84 from a massive heart attack.
- He starred as Cooter Davenport on 'The Dukes of Hazzard' from 1979 to 1985.
- He served two terms as a U.S. Representative from Georgia's 4th District (1989-1993).
- His wife Alma Viator announced his death on Facebook.
- He was born August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina.
- His first credited role was in 'Together for Days' (1972).
- He ran for Congress in 1986 and lost, then won in 1988.
- He published his memoir 'Redneck Boy in the Promised Land' in 2007.
Entities
Artists
- Ben Jones
- John Schneider
- Tom Wopat
- Denver Pyle
- Clifton Davis
- Lois Chiles
- Guy Waldron
- Mike Nicholson
- Newt Gingrich
- Eric Cantor
- Pat Swindell
- Alma Viator
Institutions
- The Dukes of Hazzard
- CBS
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Committee on Public Works and Transportation
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- TMZ
Locations
- Georgia
- Tarboro
- North Carolina
- Virginia