There's not a long list of individuals who are both famous actors and major politicians. But Georgia said goodbye to one of its own.
It was confirmed via Facebook that Ben Jones died Sunday. Here's what we know about him:
Most famous role of Ben Jones, actor
Jones played a small handful of roles, but is best known as mechanic Cooter Davenport in "The Dukes of Hazzard." It ran 1979-1985 and he appeared in nearly every episode as well as the 1997 reunion and two "Dukes of Hazzard" video-games.
One of the show's two leads was Tom Wopat who played 'Luke' Duke. He posted on X that Jones was an integral part of the cast, a fine fired, and "I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today."
"The Dukes of Hazzard" was initially filmed in Georgia, specifically Covington and the metro Atlanta area. But it was relocated to California.
Was Ben Jones from Georgia?
Jones was not from Georgia, but he relocated during the filming of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and, during his time as a resident, served as a Democratic representative in the U.S. House from 1989 through 1993.
He was a co-sponsor on nearly 140 bills and house resolutions signed into law, including the Chattahoochee National Forest Protection Act of 1991 and the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act.
US House Rep. Richard McCormick of Georgia said on X that he is "incredibly saddened" to hear the news, calling Jones "an incredible man, a dedicated public servant, and a true American treasure. Georgia was fortunate to call him one of our own."
Who is Ben Jones' wife?
Jones was reported married four times over the course of his life, with his last being Alma Viator whom he married in 1992. She was the one to announce his death on Facebook, calling him the love of her life.
Ben Jones cause of death
Jones died just three weeks short of his 85th birthday due to a "massive heart attack" according to the post Viator made.
She went on to say, at the time, 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."
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor, Georgia politician dies. Who was Ben Jones?
