That beloved performer was Ben Jones, best known as Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones died at 84 after suffering a heart attack, according to his wife, Alma Viator.
Born on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, Jones was raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. He studied radio, television and motion pictures at the University of North Carolina and performed in theater.
Before his breakthrough, Jones appeared in films including Together for Days, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, Smokey and the Bandit, and The Lincoln Conspiracy.
The Dukes of Hazzard made him widely known. From 1979 to 1985, Jones appeared in 141 episodes as Cooter, the friendly mechanic whose loyalty and humor made him a familiar face.
His career then took an unusual turn. Jones entered politics, ran for Congress in 1986, and later won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989. He served two terms.
Long after the series ended, Jones stayed connected to The Dukes of Hazzard and to the fans who continued to embrace Cooter. That bond remained an important part of his public life.
His wife announced his death on social media, remembering a man who had lived a rich and full life and was loved by many. Her words reflected both the shock of the loss and the affection around him.
Ben Jones leaves behind a legacy spanning television, film and public service. For countless fans, he will always be the warmhearted mechanic who helped make Hazzard County unforgettable. Rest in peace.