Ben Jones dies at 84 after heart attack

On August 9, 2026, Ben Jones, a beloved actor known for his role as Cooter Davenport in the television series The Dukes Of Hazzard, passed away at the age of 84. He suffered a heart attack while resting in his favorite chair, eagerly waiting to watch a baseball game. His wife, Viator, expressed her deep sorrow, stating that she lost the love of her life. Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in North Carolina and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959. He became a household name through his role in The Dukes Of Hazzard, which aired on CBS and featured a cast that included Tom Wopat and John Schneider. The show was known for its light-hearted approach, where good always triumphed over evil, and no one was seriously harmed, a sentiment Jones himself echoed in interviews. After his acting career, he ventured into politics, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives after a successful campaign in 1990. He also made appearances in other television shows and films, including Dallas and the 1988 drama Dakota. His last acting credit was in the 2021 project titled Unbreakable. Following his passing, co-stars and fans alike paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting the impact he had on their lives and the entertainment industry. Jones's contributions to both acting and politics will be remembered fondly by many.