Ben Jones became a familiar face on television through The Dukes of Hazzard, which ran for seven seasons from January 1979 to February 1985He played CooterMay his soul rest in peace.
Published: August 10, 2026, 9:36 AM IST
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Ben Jones (PC- Instagram)
Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter in the CBS action series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84The actor-turned-politician suffered a massive heart attack at his home while preparing to watch a baseball game, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His wife, Alma Viator, confirmed the news in a Facebook postShe wrote, “I lost the love of my life todayBen passed from a massive heart attackHe was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the YankeesBen had the most amazing rich full lifeHe loved and was loved by so manyHe will be missedI loved him so so much.”
Jones became a familiar face on television through The Dukes of Hazzard, which ran for seven seasons from January 1979 to February 1985He played Cooter, the owner of Cooter’s Garage in Hazzard County, appearing in 141 episodes of the popular series.
The show’s success also helped Jones enter politicsA Democrat, he first ran for Congress in 1986 but narrowly lost to incumbent Pat Swindall in Georgia’s 4th congressional districtHe returned to the race two years later and won by a landslide after Swindall faced allegations involving a federal investigation.
Jones served in the US House of Representatives until 1994, when redistricting led to his defeat by Newt GingrichHe later attempted another political comeback in Virginia in 2002 but lost to Eric Cantor, who would go on to become House majority leader.
Jones remained active in political circles even after leaving CongressHis later criticism of Cantor was also noted during the politician’s unexpected primary defeat in 2014.
From television to Capitol Hill, Jones built a career that spanned entertainment and politics, but he remained best remembered by fans for his role as the beloved Cooter in The Dukes of Hazzard.
Since leaving Doctors, he has made various appearances in television series including Holby City, EastEnders and Tell Me Everything.
