‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Ben Jones Dead at 84 After Massive Heart Attack

Ben Jones, who was best known for his role of Cooter in The Dukes of Hazzard, has died. He was 84.

Jones died Sunday, August 9, after suffering a massive heart attack, according to a statement from his family posted on Facebook.

“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,” his wife, Alma Viator, wrote. “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.”

His costar Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on the iconic TV show, honored Jones as well in a message shared to X.

“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,” Wopat wrote. “He will be sorely missed…Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, ‘I’m not your Uncle Jesse!’ But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today.”

Jones portrayed the lovable mechanic throughout most of The Dukes of Hazzard‘s original run from 1979 to 1985, and he quickly became a fan favorite. He later reprised the role in several reunion movies and even opened up a museum dedicated to the show called Cooter’s Place.

While millions of people knew him as Cooter, Jones also had a successful career in politics. He served two terms as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1993.

In addition to his wife, Jones is survived by the couple’s two children, Rachel and Walker.