Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Dukes of Hazzard Star Ben Jones Dies at 84
Ben Jones was a famous actor who played Cooter, the friendly owner of Cooter's Garage, on a TV show called 'The Dukes of Hazzard.'
The show was set in a small town called Hazzard County and was full of car chases and adventures.
It was on television for seven seasons and was one of the most popular shows of its time.
Ben also became a politician after his acting career.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia as a Democrat and served two terms.
Sadly, Ben died at the age of 84.
His wife said he passed away from a massive heart attack at home while waiting to watch the Atlanta Braves play the Yankees on TV.
His wife said he lived a rich, full life and was loved by many people.
People will remember him for his TV role and for serving in Congress.
Ben Jones, known for playing Cooter on 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' died at 84 from a 'massive heart attack' at home, his wife Alma Viator announced on Facebook.
Jones appeared in 141 episodes of the CBS series, which aired for seven seasons from January 1979 to February 1985 and ranked No. 2 in the Nielsen ratings in 1979-80 behind 'Dallas.'
A Democrat, Jones lost Georgia's 4th District race in 1986 to Pat Swindall, then won the seat in a 1988 landslide after Swindall was accused of lying to a federal grand jury.
He was defeated by Newt Gingrich in 1994 after redistricting; an ethics complaint Jones filed against Gingrich contributed to Gingrich's resignation as House Speaker in 1998.
Jones lost a 2002 Virginia congressional bid to Eric Cantor, and 12 years later pundits linked a letter he sent voters to Cantor's shocking primary defeat.
- Who
- Ben Jones, actor on 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and former two-term U.S. representative; his death was announced by his wife, Alma Viator.
- What
- Jones died of a massive heart attack at home, prompting remembrance of his acting and political careers.
- When
- At age 84; the article gives no specific date for his death.
- Where
- At his home; the article notes he lived in Virginia in 2002.
- Why
- He suffered a massive heart attack while home waiting to watch a baseball game on TV.
- Age at death
- 84
- Cause of death
- Massive heart attack
- Famous role
- Cooter, owner of Cooter's Garage on 'The Dukes of Hazzard'
- Episodes appeared
- 141
- Show run
- Seven seasons, January 1979 to February 1985
- Political career
- Two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (Democrat, Georgia)
- Death announced by
- Wife Alma Viator via Facebook post