NEWS'Dukes of Hazzard' Star Ben Jones Dead at 84 After Massive Heart Attack
Ben Jones, best known as Cooter Davenport on 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' died at 84 from a massive heart attack.
Aug. 10 2026, Updated 11:54 a.m. ET
Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, died Sunday, August 9, at age 84.
"I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack," his wife, Alma Viator, wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of Jones with his dog.
"He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much," she added.
Ben Jones' Early Acting Career and Family
Ben Jones' wife, Alma Viator, announced the death of her husband on social media following his massive heart attack.
Born in Tarboro, North Carolina, Jones began his acting career in theater during the early 1960s. He toured across the United States in productions of Summer and Smoke and Desire Under the Elms before moving into film and television.
Jones is survived by his wife, Viator, whom he married in 1992, and his children, Rachel and Walker.
Ben Jones Became Known as Cooter Davenport
Ben Jones was remembered for his role as Cooter Davenport on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’
Jones became a familiar face to television audiences through his role as mechanic Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared throughout the seven-season run from 1979 to 1985.
Beyond the action-comedy series, he also appeared in projects including Smokey and the Bandit, The Lincoln Conspiracy, Moonrunners and As the World Turns.
His portrayal of Cooter made him a familiar presence on the show and helped establish the character as one of Hazzard County’s memorable personalities.
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Ben Jones Served Two Terms in Congress
Ben Jones served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives back in 1990.
In 1988, Jones ran for Congress in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District and won the election. He was reelected in 1990, serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jones later ran for another term but lost his 1994 race against Newt Gingrich.
His career ultimately spanned both entertainment and politics, giving him a public profile that extended well beyond his work on television and Hollywood.
Tom Wopat Remembered His 'Dukes of Hazzard' Costar
Tom Wopat was among the first ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ cast members who remembered Ben Jones following his death.
Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke alongside John Schneider’s Bo Duke, was among the first cast members to publicly remember Jones following his death.
"The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business," Wopat wrote on Facebook Sunday, August 9.
"He will be sorely missed… Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, "I’m not your Uncle Jesse!" But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today," the actor added.
