‘Dukes of Hazzard’ star Ben Jones dies at 84

American actor Ben Jones, widely known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport on the popular television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has died at 84.

His death was announced on social media by his wife, Alma Viator, who had been with him for more than three decades. Sharing a recent photo of the actor, she wrote that she had lost the love of her life. According to her post, Jones died following a severe heart attack on a Sunday, while at home waiting to watch his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, play the New York Yankees. She added that Jones had lived a rich and fulfilling life, loving many people and being deeply loved in return.

Career on and beyond the show

Jones rose to fame playing Cooter Devenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which aired on American television from 1979 to 1985. His character was a mechanic and loyal ally to the show's main heroes, cousins Bo and Luke Duke, who won audiences over with their rebellious spirit and love of adventure. Jones appeared in all seven seasons of the series and later reprised the role in two follow-up films released in 1997 and 2000 that continued the story.

Following news of his death, co-star Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, shared a photo of the two of them together, calling Jones a great friend who would be deeply missed.

After his acting career, Jones entered politics. In 1988 he was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Georgia's 4th congressional district as a Democrat from 1989 to 1993. During his term he served on the Veterans' Affairs Committee as well as the Public Works and Transportation Committee.