Ben Jones, Actor Known as Cooter on ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ and U.S. Congressman, Dies at 84

What Happened

Ben Jones, who balanced a career in professional acting with a significant tenure in American politics, died Sunday at the age of 84. His wife, Alma Viator, confirmed that he suffered a massive heart attack at his home while preparing to watch a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. His death occurred shortly before his 85th birthday, which would have been August 30.

Background

Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Jones was active in the civil rights movement during the 1960s, participating in sit-ins. He built a regional acting career in Atlanta before gaining national fame as Cooter Davenport on the CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones appeared in over 140 episodes between 1979 and 1985, portraying the scruffy mechanic and owner of Cooter’s Garage. The show was a major television success, ranking second in Nielsen ratings during the 1979-80 season.

Following the show's conclusion, Jones transitioned into politics as a Democrat. After an initial loss in 1986, he was elected to Georgia’s 4th congressional district in 1988, serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993. During his time in Washington, he served as a Democratic whip and was a member of the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Public Works and Transportation.

Why It Matters

Jones remained a significant figure in both entertainment and political circles throughout his life. After leaving Congress due to redistricting, he filed ethics complaints against Newt Gingrich, which eventually contributed to Gingrich’s resignation as House Speaker in 1998. In his later years, Jones was an advocate for the heritage of the show that made him famous, opening "Cooter’s Place" museums in Virginia and Tennessee and publicly defending the show’s use of the Confederate battle flag during national controversies regarding the symbol.

Key Facts

• Jones served four years in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia.
• His acting career included roles in films such as Moonrunners, Smokey and the Bandit, and Primary Colors.
• He was a recovering alcoholic who had not had a drink since September 1977, a fact he discussed in his 2007 memoir, Redneck Boy in the Promised Land.
• He recorded more than a dozen albums with Cooter's Garage Band.
• Jones is survived by his wife of 33 years, Alma Viator, and two children from previous relationships.