Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor and Former Congressman, Dies at 84

Ben Jones, best remembered for his role as mechanic Cooter Davenport in the beloved television series "The Dukes of Hazzard," has died at the age of 84. Jones passed away on Sunday at his home in Washington, Virginia, following a heart attack while anticipating watching his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves.

Jones gained widespread recognition for portraying Cooter, a loyal friend who frequently helped the Duke boys navigate their escapades in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. He starred in the role for all seven seasons of the show, which aired from 1979 to 1985. The series depicted the Duke cousins evading corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg while on probation for running moonshine.

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It was like being in a Beatles movie. Our lives changed.

Following his successful acting career, Jones transitioned into politics. He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives for a district near Atlanta in 1988 and served two terms. Despite his "aw shucks" persona, Jones was known for taking political issues seriously during his four years in Washington.

Born in North Carolina, Jones became involved in acting and civil rights during his college years. He detailed his life in his autobiography, "Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of 'Crazy Cooter.'" Jones often defended "The Dukes of Hazzard" as a positive representation of Southern values and a modern morality tale. He also credited the show with helping him overcome a period of self-destructive behavior and multiple failed marriages. Fellow cast member Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, remembered Jones as a "fine friend and a fierce advocate."

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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.