Ben Jones (Georgia congressman)
| Ben Jones | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 4th district |
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In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Pat Swindall |
| Succeeded by | John Linder |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ben Lewis Jones August 30, 1941 Tarboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Actor |
Ben Lewis Jones (born August 30, 1941) is an American actor, politician, playwright and essayist, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones also served for four years in the United States House of Representatives from January 3, 1989 to January 3, 1993.
Jones is a 1959 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Virginia and attended the University of North Carolina for four years. He is married to Alma Viator. By previous wives, Ben has a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Walker.
Since the 1990s, Jones has run a chain of "Cooter's museums" across the U.S., dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard. "Cooter's Place" currently has locations in Tennessee and Virginia.
Ben Jones first auditioned to appear in the movie, "Moonrunners" in 1975, which was also directed by The Dukes of Hazzard director, Gy Waldron. Gy Waldron met with Jones after the movie was released to discuss creating The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones was the first to audition for The Dukes of Hazzard.
Critics first predicted that the show 'would not last after the first commercial break'. The television show proved to be a huge success, garnering countless fans throughout the world.
When meeting with fans at a recent autograph signing session, Jones stated he 'greatly disapproved' the production of The Dukes of Hazzard movies (2005, 2007). Jones stated that he disliked the portrayal of Uncle Jesse by Willie Nelson and the portrayal of Daisy Duke by Jessica Simpson. Jones stated that the original TV show, was a 'family television show', but with Hollywood's adaptation, it wasn't 'as family friendly'.
Following the end of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones entered the political arena as a Democrat. In 1986, he ran unsuccessfully against Pat Swindall for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from Georgia, garnering 47% of the vote, more than expected. He ran again in 1988, against Swindall, this time easily winning with 60% of the vote. Jones was narrowly re-elected in 1990, but in 1992, following redistricting which moved his home into another district, he was defeated in the Democratic primary election. In 1994, he ran against the then-House Minority Whip and soon-to-be House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Jones received 35% of the vote.
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