Ben Jones Dead at 84: ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Cooter Star Dies of Heart Attack

Fans of The Dukes of Hazzard are mourning the loss of one of their own. Ben Jones, the actor who brought the lovable mechanic Cooter Davenport to life, has passed away at the age of 84.

His wife Alma Viator shared the news on social media, writing that Ben suffered a heart attack while home resting in his favorite chair, waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. The timing feels especially tough, as he was just three weeks shy of turning 85.

Ben appeared in every one of the show’s seven seasons as Cooter, the fun loving garage owner and honorary brother to Bo and Luke Duke. He was the guy always ready with a wrench, a smile, and a helping hand whenever the Duke boys found themselves in another jam with the law.

Beyond Hazzard County, Ben built a solid career in theater, television, and film. He had a supporting role in the Burt Reynolds classic Smokey and the Bandit, appeared on the soap As the World Turns, and took on plenty of other parts over the years. After the series ended he stepped into politics and served two terms in the United States Congress representing Georgia’s Fourth District. Later he returned to acting while still speaking out on political issues and writing columns for papers like the Washington Post and USA Today.

Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, was among the first to pay tribute. He wrote that The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast and called Ben a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things the entertainment business can offer. Fans have been remembering him as a real class act who always made time for the people who loved the show.

Ben Jones lived a full life and left a lasting mark both on screen and off. He will be deeply missed by the Hazzard family and by everyone who grew up watching that orange Dodge tear across the Georgia countryside.