Ben Jones Biography – NFL Career, Stats, Age & Net Worth

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Ben Jones Biography
Ben Jones Biography

Ben Jones Biography

Benjamin Lewis Jones was born on August 30, 1941. He was an American actor, writer, politician, and businessman.

He was best known for playing Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones also worked in American politics.

He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1989, to January 3, 1993. He later served as the International Chief of Heritage Operations for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He held that role from July 2014 to late 2018. Jones had been a member of the organization for more than 15 years. He died on August 9, 2026.

DetailInformation
Full NameBenjamin Lewis Jones
BornAugust 30, 1941
BirthplaceTarboro, North Carolina, USA
DiedAugust 9, 2026
Age at Death84 years
ProfessionActor, Writer, Politician, Businessman
Famous RoleCooter Davenport
Famous ShowThe Dukes of Hazzard
Political PartyDemocratic Party
U.S. Representative1989–1993
Estimated Net WorthAround $500,000

Ben Jones Family

Ben Jones Biography
Ben Jones Biography

Ben Jones was married to Alma Viator. They were married for nearly 34 years, from 1992 until his death. His father was Hubert C. “Big Buck” Jones.

His mother was Ila Virginia Stephens Jones. Ben grew up with three brothers. Their names were Buck, Bubba, and Butch.

DetailInformation
WifeAlma Viator
Marriage1992 until 2026
FatherHubert C. “Big Buck” Jones
MotherIla Virginia Stephens Jones
BrothersBuck, Bubba, and Butch
ChildrenNot specified

Ben Jones Career

Benjamin Jones appeared in more than 100 theater productions. He performed at places such as the Kennedy Center and Berkshire Theatre Festival.

In 1969, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He acted with several Atlanta theater groups. Jones also toured for two years with actress Eva Marie Saint.

He appeared in films such as Smokey and the Bandit and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. In the 1970s, Jones acted in the film The Moonrunners.

The film later inspired the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones played Cooter Davenport, a mechanic and friend of Bo and Luke Duke.

The show became very popular in the United States. It often attracted around 40 million viewers each week.

Jones later became president of the Georgia branch of the Screen Actors Guild. He also served as chairman of the Georgia Film Commission.

In 1988, Jones won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 1990. He served as a Democratic whip in Congress.

He also worked on committees related to veterans and transportation. In 1994, Jones ran against Newt Gingrich but lost.

He later became a political independent. In 2002, Jones ran for Congress in Virginia but lost to Eric Cantor. After leaving Congress, Jones returned to acting.

He appeared in films such as Primary Colors, Meet Joe Black, and Joe Gould’s Secret. He also played Cooter again in two Dukes of Hazzard reunion shows.

In 1998, Jones and his wife, Alma Viator, bought a farm in Virginia. In 1999, they opened a Dukes of Hazzard museum and store called “Cooter’s.”

The business later expanded to other locations. Jones and his wife also organized Dukes of Hazzard fan events.

One event in Nashville in 2006 attracted more than 100,000 fans. Jones also performed with Cooter’s Garage Band.

The band played Southern and country rock music. They recorded 11 albums. In 2007, Jones published his memoir Redneck Boy in the Promised Land.

The book described his life and struggles with alcoholism. Jones also wrote fiction, poetry, and political articles.

His writing appeared in several major newspapers and publications.

Ben Jones Net Worth

Ben Jones is an American actor, politician, and playwright. His estimated net worth is around $500,000. He was born in Tarboro, North Carolina, in August 1941.

Jones is best known for playing Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in the show from 1979 to 1985.

He also acted in many films. His movies include Smokey and the Bandit, Moonrunners, and Primary Colors.

Jones also appeared in Joe Gould’s Secret and several other films. He entered politics after his acting career.

Jones served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993. He represented Georgia’s 4th Congressional District as a Democrat.

In 1998, Jones asked President Bill Clinton to resign. He later ran for Congress in Virginia in 2002. He was not successful in that election.

DetailInformation
Full NameBenjamin Lewis Jones
BornAugust 30, 1941
BirthplaceEdgecombe County, North Carolina
Raised InPortsmouth, Virginia
High SchoolWoodrow Wilson High School
High School Graduation1959
CollegeEast Carolina College and UNC Chapel Hill
Acting Start1960s
Theater GroupCarolina Playmakers
Other WorkRailroad Jobs

Ben Jones Early life

Benjamin Jones was born on August 30, 1941. He was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. His father, Hubert C. “Buck” Jones, worked for the railroad.

His mother, Ila Virginia Stephens, was also from a railroad family. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia.

The family lived in a small railroad house. The house did not have electricity or indoor plumbing. Jones graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959.

He worked several jobs to save money for college. In 1960, he entered East Carolina College. In 1961, he joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He studied there because of his talent as a writer. During summers, Jones worked on railroad trains. While at university, he also started acting.

He joined the Carolina Playmakers in 1962. He later performed in summer theater shows. He also acted in the outdoor drama Unto These Hills.

During the 1960s, Jones supported the civil rights movement. He was arrested during civil rights sit-ins. He was also attacked twice by the Ku Klux Klan.

DetailInformation
Full NameBenjamin Lewis Jones
BornAugust 30, 1941
BirthplaceEdgecombe County, North Carolina
Raised InPortsmouth, Virginia
High SchoolWoodrow Wilson High School
High School Graduation1959
CollegeEast Carolina College and UNC Chapel Hill
Acting Start1960s
Theater GroupCarolina Playmakers
Other WorkRailroad Jobs

Ben Jones Personal Life

Ben Jones was born on August 30, 1941. He was born in Tarboro, North Carolina, USA. He was an actor and writer.

He was known for The Dukes of Hazzard, CBS Summer Playhouse, and Primary Colors. Ben was married to Alma Viator, Mary Alice Beall, and Vivian Walker Jones.

He died on August 9, 2026. He was 84 years old.

DetailInformation
BornAugust 30, 1941
BirthplaceTarboro, North Carolina
WifeAlma Viator
Previous MarriagesMary Alice Beall and Vivian Walker Jones
Known ForThe Dukes of Hazzard
DiedAugust 9, 2026
Age at Death84 years

Ben Jones Awards

Ben Jones was an American actor and former U.S. Congressman. He was best known for playing Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard.

He did not win major acting awards during his career. He became famous for his role as Cooter. He was also known for his work in politics.

His career includes acting, writing and public service.

DetailInformation
Major Acting AwardsNone reported
Known ForCooter Davenport
Famous SeriesThe Dukes of Hazzard
Other RecognitionPolitical and public service work
Career AreasActing, Writing, Politics

FAQ – Ben Jones Biography

1. Who was Ben Jones?

Ben Jones was an American actor, politician and writer.

2. What was Ben Jones famous for?

He was famous for playing Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard.

3. When did Ben Jones die?

Ben Jones died on 09 August 2026.

4. Was Ben Jones a politician?

He serves in the U.S. House from year 1989 to 1993.

5. What was Ben Jones net worth?

His estimated net worth was around $500,000.

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