NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 10, 2026Miami-Dade
Actor and former U.S. Representative Ben Jones dies at 84
Ben Jones, known for his role as Cooter Davenport on 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and his service as a two-term Democratic U.S. Representative from Georgia, has died at age 84. Jones served in Congress from 1989 to 1993 and was notable for filing the ethics complaint that led to a formal reprimand of then-Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The passing of Ben Jones marks the end of a career that bridged popular television entertainment and federal legislative service, including a significant role in the ethics investigation of a future Speaker of the House.
Key Facts
- Ben Jones died at age 84 following a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia.
- Jones served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing a district near Atlanta, Georgia, starting in 1988.
- Jones filed an ethics complaint against Newt Gingrich regarding the use of tax-deductible donations for a partisan college course.
- The ethics complaint against Gingrich resulted in a House reprimand.
- Jones played the character Cooter Davenport on 'The Dukes of Hazzard' for all seven seasons (1979-1985).
- Jones operated 'Cooter's' country stores in Tennessee and Virginia featuring memorabilia from the TV series.
- Approximately 300 1969 Dodge Chargers were used during the filming of 'The Dukes of Hazzard'.
Who's Mentioned
personTom Wopat“Actor who played Luke Duke in 'The Dukes of Hazzard'.”personConnie Compton“Rappahannock County Sheriff who confirmed the death.”personAlma Viator“Wife of Ben Jones.”other300“Estimated number of General Lee cars used during the production of the series.”other84“Age of Ben Jones at the time of his death.”personBen Jones“Actor and former U.S. Representative who passed away at 84.”personNewt Gingrich“Former Speaker of the House who was the subject of an ethics complaint filed by ”