Ben Jones, the character actor best known for playing the trusty mechanic Cooter on the hit comedy “The Dukes of Hazzard,” who later turned to politics, died on Sunday at his home in Washington, Viriginia. He was 84.
Jones’ death was confirmed by his wife of more than 30 years, Alma Viator, who shared the news in a Facebook post.
“I lost the love of my life today,” Viator wrote. “He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much.”
“Ben passed from a massive heart attack,” she added.
Jones shot to fame portraying “Crazy” Cooter Davenport, the self-proclaimed Southern “redneck” and ally of the Duke family on the action-comedy CBS series “The Dukes of Hazzard” during its seven-season run from 1979 to 1985.
Initially a peripheral character, Cooter grew into a beloved character on the show as Jones’ portrayal brought greater depth and prominence to the role. Fans remembered Cooter for his loyalty, humor and easygoing nature.
The series became a breakout hit, drawing tens of millions of viewers each week and ranking as the second-most-watched American series at its peak, trailing only “Dallas.” Jones credited the show’s success to its heartfelt message.
“In our show the good guys always won, and nobody really ever got hurt,” Jones wrote in his 2008 memoir “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land.” “There was comic action and mock violence, but in the end, nobody bled and nobody suffered real pain. Crime and greed never paid off, and virtue was its own reward.”
After “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones turned to politics.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988 as a Democrat from Georgia’s 4th District, where he served from January 1989 through January 1993, winning two terms. In 1984, Jones challenged Republican incumbent Newt Gingrich and lost.
After his stint in politics, Jones returned to acting, appearing in a handful of films and television shows including the 1998 Oscar-nominated film “Primary Colors.” He also appeared in more than 100 stage productions.
Mourning Ben Jones
Co-stars, politicians and fans paid tribute to Jones for the warmth and humor he brought to his portrayal of Cooter as well as his four years representing Georgia in Congress.