GEORGIA — Ben Jones, the actor best known for playing Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and a former U.S. representative from Georgia, died on August 9, 2026. He was 84 years old.

Jones died from a massive heart attack while at home. Alma Viator confirmed his death in a social media post on Sunday.

Viator described the circumstances of his passing and expressed her personal grief. "I lost the love of my life today," she wrote. "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." She added that Jones had an amazing, rich, full life and was loved by many.

Jones built a career in entertainment before entering politics. He played the character Cooter Davenport on the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard." The show aired from 1979 to 1985 and ran for seven seasons on CBS. Jones appeared in 142 episodes of the series during its run.

His work extended beyond that signature role. Jones had roles in "Smokey and the Bandit," "Moonrunners," and "As the World Turns." Former castmates reacted to the news of his death with tributes to his character and professional conduct.

Tom Wopat paid tribute to Jones in a social media post on Sunday. Wopat noted the loss to the show's ensemble and showed Jones's advocacy within the industry. "'The Dukes of Hazzard' lost another integral part of their cast today," Wopat said. He described Jones as a fine friend and a fierce advocate of the best things offered in the entertainment business.

Wopat also recalled interactions with another cast member, Denver Pyle. "Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, 'I’m not your Uncle Jesse!' But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today," she said.

After his acting career gained prominence, Jones transitioned into public service. He was a Democrat who served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. Jones won election to Congress in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District in 1988 by 20 points.

He served in Congress from 1989 to 1993. Voters reelected Jones to Congress in 1990. His tenure in the House ended after he lost his congressional seat due to redistricting. He was defeated by Newt Gingrich in the subsequent election.

Jones held dual prominence in American culture as both a television icon and a federal legislator. His role as Cooter Davenport placed him in a widely viewed series that defined a genre of action-comedy during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The show's seven-season run on CBS ensured broad recognition of its cast members.

His political career represented a shift from entertainment to governance in Georgia. Winning by 20 points in 1988 demonstrated significant voter support in his district. His service from 1989 to 1993 coincided with a period of national political realignment.

The loss of his seat to Newt Gingrich following redistricting marked the end of his time in elected office. Tributes from colleagues like Wopat underscore the lasting connections formed during his time in Hollywood.

Why It Matters

Jones's death removes a figure who achieved dual prominence as both a television icon and a federal legislator. His career path from appearing in 142 episodes of a defining series to serving two terms in Congress represents a rare shift from entertainment to governance. The loss marks the end of a life that bridged popular culture and political service, leaving a void for colleagues who viewed him as an integral part of their ensemble and advocacy efforts.