Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on CBS’s The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84, his wife has announced on social media
Dukes of Hazzard’s Ben Jones dies agter suffering ‘massive heart attack’(Image: Getty Images)
The Dukes of Hazzard star Ben Jones has died. Taking to Facebook, Ben’s wife, Alma Viator, announced he had suffered a “massive heart attack”.
She said: “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.”
The actor’s character on Duke’s was the cousin of Bo (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat), with Ben playing the role from 1979 until 1985.
Jones’ former co-star Tom Wopat – who played Luke Duke – also paid tribute, writing on Instagram: “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. 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.”
Born in North Carolina but raised in Virginia, Jones picked up acting while studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then went on to appear in over 100 theatre productions after graduating.
He was then cast in supporting roles in films including Smokey And The Bandit, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings and They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way.
In 1975, he had another supporting role in the film The Moonrunners, which served as the basis for The Dukes of Hazzard, which went into production three years later.
He was then cast in the role of Cooter Davenport, the sidekick mechanic of cousins Bo and Luke Duke. Jones appeared on nearly every episode of the series, but then turned his focus to politics.
A year after the show ended, he made a bid to be elected to Congress. He lost his first run but won a seat as a Democrat in 1988. He served for four years before then returning to acting, appearing in projects including the film Jack alongside John Travolta and Emma Thompson.
In 1998 Jones and his wife then opened a Dukes of Hazzard museum in Virginia called Cooter’s, as well as organising reunion festivals for fans of the show.
Jones was also a political commentator for publications including The Washington Post and The New York Times. Fans have since paid tribute, with one writing: “He may be gone, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. Sending you love and strength.”
A second added: “I have no words dear Alma… my heart breaks for you. Sending up prayers for you and your loved ones who now have to walk a new path. I be always be grateful I got to spend a little time with y’all.” Another typed: “I’m so sorry miss Alma, meeting you and Ben was a highlight for me as my younger life was guided by Cooter. My prayers are with you and your family, Ben will be greatly missed…”
He is survived by Viator and his two children, Walker and Rachel Jones.
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.
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