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Dukes of Hazzard Star Cooter Jones Dies at 84
10 Aug
Summary
- Ben Jones, famed as Cooter from 'Dukes of Hazzard,' died Sunday.
- He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- His portrayal of Cooter evolved from caricature to beloved character.
Actor Ben Jones, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport in the hit TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard," died on Sunday at age 84. The cause of death was a heart attack, according to his wife. Jones, who starred in the show from 1979 to 1985, was instrumental in shaping his character.
He insisted on transforming Cooter from a caricature into a more nuanced, loyal mechanic, a change that deeply resonated with audiences. Jones noted Cooter's relatability stemmed from being the only character who actively worked.
Beyond his acting career, Ben Jones also served two terms as a Democratic U.S. Representative from Georgia. "The Dukes of Hazzard" itself was a significant hit, consistently ranking in the top five shows and attracting millions of viewers.
Jones often reflected on the show's success, attributing it to its positive message where "the good guys always won" and virtue was rewarded without real harm. He passed away at his home in Washington, Virginia.
