Ben Jones, the actor widely recognized for his role as the mechanic Cooter Davenport in the popular television comedy The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84. His passing was confirmed by his wife of more than 30 years, Alma Viator, who announced the news in a social media tribute.
Viator shared that Jones died following a massive heart attack at their home on Sunday. She noted that he had been preparing to watch his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, play against the New York Yankees at the time of his death. Expressing her profound grief, Viator wrote, “I lost the love of my life today,” adding that he lived a full, rich life and was deeply loved by many.
Jones achieved widespread fame after being cast as Cooter Davenport, a mischievous character often referred to as an “honorary Duke” for his rebellious nature and frequent run-ins with the law. The show, which centered on high-speed car chases and adventure, was a major ratings success for CBS, ranking in the top 10 most-viewed programs in the United States during its first three seasons between 1979 and 1985.
Beyond the original series, Jones reprised his role for the 1997 television movie The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and the 2000 follow-up, The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood. His connection to the show remained strong throughout his life, and he frequently expressed his affection for his castmates. Last year, he paid tribute to the late Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg, describing him as a man with a “heart as big as Texas” whom he had known for over 45 years.
Following the news of his death, co-star Tom Wopat, who portrayed Luke Duke, honored Jones on social media. Sharing a photo of the two together, Wopat stated that the show had lost an “integral part” of its cast, calling Jones a “fine friend” and a dedicated advocate for the entertainment industry.
After his acting career on the series concluded, Jones transitioned into the political arena. He was elected to the United States Congress in 1988, serving as a Democratic representative for Georgia’s 4th district from January 1989 through January 1993.
During his four-year tenure in Washington, D.C., Jones took on several legislative responsibilities. He served as a Democratic whip and held positions on both the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, marking a significant chapter in his life after his time in Hazzard County. The report also notes that according to Nielsen Media Research, the first three seasons ranked in the top 10 most viewed television shows in the US. The report also notes that jones appeared in all seven seasons and returned for 1997’s TV movie “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” and again in 2000 for “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood.”. The report also notes that “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away,” Jones wrote in a message posted on the Facebook page of the Cooter’s Place museum, which is dedicated to the show. The report also notes that “Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business.
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