Ben Jones, Dukes of Hazzard Star and Former Congressman, Dies at 84
Ben Jones, the man known as both Cooter from “The Dukes of Hazzard” television series and a former U.S. congressman from Georgia, died on Sunday at the age of 84, according to statements shared by his family and confirmed across major news outlets.
The Legacy of Cooter Davenport and Television Success
Ben Jones earned lasting fame as Cooter Davenport, the mischievous sidekick to cousins Bo and Luke Duke on the hit CBS action-comedy series The Dukes of Hazzard, which ran from 1979 to 1985. According to Nielsen Media Research cited by CNN, the show achieved massive popularity during its initial run, with its first three seasons ranked in the top ten most-viewed television programs in the United States. Jones appeared in all seven seasons of the series, cementing his status as an honorary member of the Duke family among a devoted fanbase. His connection to the IP extended far beyond the original broadcast era, as he reprised the role in subsequent television reunion projects including 1997’s The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and 2000’s The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.
Beyond his onscreen appearances, Jones maintained deep ties to the show’s cast and cultural footprint, operating the Cooter’s Place museum dedicated to the series. Last year, following the death of fellow cast member Rick Hurst—who portrayed Deputy Cletus Hogg—Jones shared a public tribute reflecting on a friendship spanning more than 45 years, noting that Hurst always left him smiling and possessed a heart as big as Texas, as reported by CNN. When news of Jones’ own death broke, former co-star Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, posted a tribute on Instagram describing Jones as a fine friend and a fierce advocate for the entertainment business.
Transition from Hollywood to Capitol Hill
Following the conclusion of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones transitioned into public service, entering the political arena in Georgia. House of Representatives representing Georgia’s 4th district from January 1989 to January 1993, as detailed by CNN. During his legislative tenure in Washington, Jones took on significant committee responsibilities, serving as a Democratic whip, holding a seat on the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and contributing to the work of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.
Final Moments and Tributes
Jones passed away at his home on Sunday following a massive cardiac arrest, according to a Facebook statement published by his wife of more than three decades, Alma Viator. Viator shared that her husband suffered the fatal heart attack while waiting to watch his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, play the New York Yankees. Viator wrote that Jones lived a remarkably rich and full life defined by mutual love and widespread affection, stating that she loved him deeply.
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