Hollywood is mourning the loss of a familiar face from one of television’s most beloved classic series.
Ben Jones, the actor best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84.
Jones passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after suffering a massive heart attack at his home, according to his wife, Alma Viator. She shared the news on social media, describing Jones as the love of her life and remembering the full life they shared together.
His death marks the passing of another important member of the cast of a television series that became a defining part of American pop culture.
The Man Behind Cooter Davenport
For millions of television viewers, Ben Jones will forever be remembered as Cooter Davenport, the friendly mechanic and owner of Cooter’s Garage on The Dukes of Hazzard.
The CBS series premiered in 1979 and ran for seven seasons through 1985.
Set in the fictional Hazzard County, the show followed cousins Bo and Luke Duke as they found themselves caught up in adventures involving law enforcement, family, fast cars, and the schemes of Boss Hogg.
Cooter was an important part of that world.
He was portrayed as a loyal friend to the Duke family and someone who could be counted on when they needed help. Jones appeared throughout all seven seasons, making Cooter one of the show’s recognizable supporting characters.
A Career That Began Before ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
Although The Dukes of Hazzard made Jones widely famous, acting was only one part of his career.
Before becoming Cooter, Jones appeared in productions including Moonrunners, the 1975 film that helped inspire The Dukes of Hazzard, as well as Smokey and the Bandit and the television soap opera As the World Turns.
