Ben Jones, the actor best known for playing mechanic Cooter Davenport on the popular television series The Dukes of Hazzard, has died.
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News of his death was announced by his wife, Alma Viator, who shared the heartbreaking update on Facebook.
She wrote:
“I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. 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.”
Jones became widely recognized for his portrayal of Cooter on The Dukes of Hazzard, appearing in 142 episodes of the series, which ran from 1979 to 1985.
The show, which became a major part of American television culture, also featured Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach among its principal cast.
In 1989, he entered politics and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for four years, remaining in Congress until 1993.
After leaving politics, Jones returned to the entertainment industry and continued working in film and television.
His later acting credits included appearances in the 1998 political comedy-drama Primary Colors and the 2000 film Joe Gould’s Secret.
He also returned to the character that made him famous, reprising his role as Cooter in two The Dukes of Hazzard reunion specials.
Jones later reflected on his life and career in his 2008 memoir, Redneck Boy in the Promised Land, offering readers a look at his journey from his early years through his time in entertainment and politics.
His career ultimately crossed several worlds — acting, public service and writing — but for many fans, he remained most closely associated with Cooter, the friendly mechanic from The Dukes of Hazzard.