Ben Jones, the actor who portrayed Cooter Davenport in the popular 1980s television series The Dukes of Hazzard and later served as a two-term U.S. Representative from Georgia, has died at the age of 84. According to his wife, Alma Viator, Jones suffered a heart attack while at home in Washington, Virginia, on Sunday. He was waiting to watch his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, play against the New York Yankees. Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton confirmed the death. Born in North Carolina, Jones began his career in acting and civil rights activism during his college years. He detailed this period in his autobiography, Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter.’ His portrayal of Cooter Davenport, the loyal mechanic and confidant of the Duke boys, became iconic. Over the course of seven seasons, from 1979 to 1985, Jones appeared in 142 episodes of the show, which followed the adventures of Bo and Luke Duke as they navigated life in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, often clashing with the corrupt Boss Hogg. Jones’ character was known for his catchphrases, including “Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Crazy Cooter coming at you.” The show, which aired on CBS and later found a new audience through syndication and cable networks such as The Nashville Network, was celebrated for its humor, action-packed sequences, and adherence to traditional Southern values. Following the success of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones transitioned into politics, entering the race for Georgia’s 4th Congressional District in 1988. He defeated incumbent Republican Pat Swindall, who had previously won in 1986. Jones served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a district near Atlanta. During his tenure, he was recognized as a Democrat who often diverged from his party on economic issues while maintaining progressive views on social matters. Jones’ political career ended in 1994 due to redistricting, which shifted his constituency. He lost the election to Newt Gingrich, who would go on to become Speaker of the House. Later, Jones filed an ethics complaint against Gingrich regarding the use of tax-deductible donations for a partisan college course, resulting in a House reprimand and Gingrich’s eventual departure from Congress. After leaving office, Jones returned to the spotlight, participating in The Dukes of Hazzard reunion shows and making appearances in films such as Primary Colors (1998) and Joe Gould’s Secret (2000). In 1999, he and his wife relocated to Virginia, where they established a museum and retail store named “Cooter’s,” dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Dukes of Hazzard. The store featured memorabilia, including one of the 300 or so General Lee cars used in the series. Jones also authored his memoir, Redneck Boy in the Promised Land, in 2007, where he reflected on his battles with alcoholism and how his role as Cooter helped him turn his life around. In 2015, he sparked controversy when he publicly supported the continued use of the Confederate flag, a symbol prominently displayed on the General Lee car in the show. At the time, he wrote an op-ed in The New York Times defending his stance. Co-star Tom Wopat, who played Bo Duke, expressed his grief upon learning of Jones’ passing. He posted on Instagram, stating that Jones was a “fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business.” Wopat added that he felt like the group had lost a “Duke cousin.” Jones’ death marks the end of an era for fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, whose influence extended far beyond television. His dual legacy as an entertainer and public servant continues to resonate with those who remember his contributions to both fields.
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