Ben Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard and later served two terms in Congress representing Georgia, has died at 84.
Jones became widely known for his role on The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired from 1979 to 1985. His character, Cooter, was the trusted mechanic and friend to the Duke family in the fictional Hazzard County. The show became a cultural phenomenon during its run, making Jones a familiar face to millions of viewers across the country.
After his acting career, Jones entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Georgia. He served in Congress from 1989 to 1993, representing Georgia's 4th congressional district. During his time in office, Jones focused on issues affecting his constituents in the Atlanta area. His transition from Hollywood to Capitol Hill marked an unusual career path that combined entertainment and public service.
Following his congressional tenure, Jones remained connected to The Dukes of Hazzard legacy. He opened a chain of stores called Cooter's Place, celebrating the show and its fans. The stores became gathering spots for enthusiasts of the series and Southern culture. Jones also appeared at fan conventions and remained an advocate for the show throughout his life.
Jones's dual career as both an entertainer and elected official made him a distinctive figure in American popular culture and politics. His death marks the loss of one of the last surviving main cast members from The Dukes of Hazzard, a show that defined a generation of television comedy and became embedded in American pop culture history.