Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor and U.S. House member, dies at 84

Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport—the mechanic character in “The Dukes of Hazzard”—and later for serving two terms in the U.S. House, has died at 84. His wife, Alma Viator, said he suffered a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia on Sunday while waiting to watch the Atlanta Braves. Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton confirmed his death. Jones portrayed Cooter for all seven seasons of the CBS series (1979–1985) and later became a Democrat elected in 1988 from a district near Atlanta before being redistricted out. Born in North Carolina, he also pursued acting, civil rights and stage work before his breakout role.