Ben Jones, Actor and Former Congressman, Dies at 84
Ben Jones, an actor known for his role as "Cooter" in "The Dukes of Hazzard," has passed away at the age of 84. Jones also served two terms in Congress representing Georgia.
New York, NY, August 9, 2026 —
Ben Jones, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Cooter Davenport in the popular television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has died. He was 84 years old.
In addition to his acting career, Jones also had a career in politics. He served two terms as a U.S. Representative for Georgia in the House of Representatives.
Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in Parrish, Alabama. He began his acting career in the late 1960s and gained widespread recognition for his role as the beloved mechanic Cooter on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which aired from 1979 to 1985. His character was a pivotal part of the show’s narrative, often providing assistance and comic relief to the Duke cousins.
Following his success on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones transitioned into politics. He was elected to represent Georgia’s 4th congressional district in 1988 and served until 1993. During his time in Congress, he focused on issues related to agriculture and rural development.
After leaving Congress, Jones remained active in various professional and public endeavors. He also continued to engage with fans of “The Dukes of Hazzard” through personal appearances and other projects.
The cause of death and other specific details surrounding his passing were not immediately provided. Ben Jones leaves behind a legacy as both a memorable television personality and a dedicated public servant.
Story summarized from the original created by Wendy Geller on pagesix.com, see more information here.
