Ben Jones, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Actor and Congressman, Dies at 84

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Ben Jones, best known to millions as the cheerful — if mischievous — mechanic Cooter on The Dukes of Hazzard, died Wednesday, aged 84.

Jones’ wife, Alma Vitor, revealed that he died of a major heart attack while “resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.”

Jones played “Crazy” Cooter Davenport in all seven seasons of the original program from 1979 to 1985, as well as the 1997 made-for-TV film “Reunion” and the 2000 one-off Hazzard in Hollywood.

While many people remember Cooter as a sociable good ‘ol boy, the character had a wild, rebellious side during the first season of the program.

He was often referred to as an “honorary Duke,” and he owned the local garage, which was conveniently located across the street from the Sheriff’s department, allowing him to keep an eye on the Duke cousins’ whereabouts.

Jones’ second act was auspicious. Jones won the contest for Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District in 1988 after previously serving as president of SAG’s Georgia Branch and chairman of the Georgia Film Commission.

He was reelected in 1990. Jones served as Democratic whip on Capitol Hill, as well as on the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Public Works and Transportation. In 1994, he ran against Newt Gingrich in another district, but lost.

Luke Duke himself, Tom Wopat, commented on Instagram today, “The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today.”

Ben Jones was a great friend and a strong supporter of everything the entertainment industry has to offer. He will be greatly missed.

Here is the complete text of Alma Vitor’s message on social media:

I lost the love of my life today. Ben died from a major heart attack. He was at home, reclining in his favorite chair, waiting for the Braves to come on and beat the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing, rich, and fulfilling life. He loved and was loved by many people. He’ll be missed. I loved him so much.