BEN JONES: Dukes of Hazzard Star and Former Congressman Dies at 84

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Jimbo,

A 1969 Orange Dodge Charger Arrives At The Los Angeles Premiere Of "the Dukes Of Hazzard" In Hollywood. — A 1969 orange Dodge Charger, similar to the car "General Lee" used in the film, arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Brothers pictures "The Dukes of Hazzard" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood July 28, 2005. The film based on the popular 1970's television series about the adventures of "good old boy" cousins opens in the U.S. on July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni MA/JK

Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard before launching a career in politics, died Sunday. He was 84.

Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, said he died after suffering a massive heart attack. He died peacefully at home while sitting in his favorite chair and preparing to watch an Atlanta Braves game.

Jones appeared throughout the seven-season run of The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired on CBS from 1979 to 1985, portraying the mechanic and friend of cousins Bo and Luke Duke.

He later entered politics, winning election as a Democrat to represent Georgia in the U.S. House in 1988. Jones served two terms, from 1989 to 1993, and later unsuccessfully challenged Newt Gingrich for Congress in 1994.