Deadline has reported Ben Jones (Primary Colors, Unbreakable), known for his role as the mechanic Cooter on the original Dukes Of Hazard series, has passed away at the age of 84. His wife, Alma Vitor,stated that he suffered a heart attack while at his home “resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.” Jones appears to have passed while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes.
Jones took on the role of Cooter Davenport for the entirety of The Dukes of Hazzard’s run as well as the 1997 reunion TV movie and the one-off Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000. His character was the “crazy” but lovable mechanic whose garage’s position across from the sheriff station allowed him to serve as lookout for the Duke brothers. His loyalty would earn him the title of an “Honorary Hazard”.
Jones would go on to serve as president of the Screen Actors Guild Georgia branch and chairman of the Georgia Film Commission. His time in labor and government would spur a run for Congress in Georgia’s fourth district. Jones was elected twice in 1988 and 1990. In Congress, he would continue in leadership roles as Democratic whip, a member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and a member of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. He lost to Newt Gingrich in 1994 while running in a separate district.
Duke’s Of Hazard co-star Tom Wopat (Django Unchained, Jonah Hex) took to Instagram in order to share some kind words about Jones, “The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed,” he wrote, according to Deadline.
Vitor’s also released a statement via social media: “I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees. Ben had the most amazing, rich, full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much,” per Deadline.
