Actor and former US Congressman Ben Jones has died at 84. He was best known as Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard.
Jones died on Sunday after suffering a massive heart attack at his home. His wife, Alma Viator, confirmed the news on Facebook.
“I lost the love of my life today,” Viator wrote in an emotional tribute.
She said Jones was waiting to watch his favourite team, the Atlanta Braves, play the New York Yankees.
“Ben had the most amazing rich full life,” she added.
“He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed.”
Jones became famous after joining The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979. The popular CBS comedy ran for seven seasons before ending in 1985. He played Cooter Davenport, a fun-loving mechanic and close friend of Bo and Luke Duke. Fans embraced Cooter as an “honorary Duke” because of his rebellious personality.
Jones appeared in all seven seasons of the series. He also returned for the TV films The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and Hazzard in Hollywood.
His bond with the cast remained strong long after the show ended. Following the death of co-star Rick Hurst last year, Jones described him as a friend who always made him laugh.
Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, also paid tribute after Jones’ death.
“The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today,” Wopat wrote.
“Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business,” he added.
Beyond acting, Jones later entered politics. He won election to the US House of Representatives in 1988.
He represented Georgia’s 4th district as a Democrat from 1989 to 1993. During his time in Congress, he served as a Democratic whip and worked on several committees.
Jones leaves behind a legacy that spans television, politics and his beloved Dukes of Hazzard fans.
