Ben Jones (US)
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| Ben Jones | |
| Born | August 30, 1941 Tarboro, North Carolina |
| Notable roles | The Dukes of Hazzard |
Ben Lewis Jones (born August 30, 1941) is an American actor and politician.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Jones was born in Tarboro, North Carolina to Ila and a railroad foreman father. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Upon receiving his high school diploma, Jones enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving his bachelors degree in 1964.
[edit] Entertainment career
Jones is known as Cooter Davenport on the successful television series The Dukes of Hazzard, in which he participated for the entire series run (1979 to 1985). As Jones describes his character, Cooter was "the best mechanic in the history of the planet". His character was also known for his many personality quirks-- such as flickering his eyebrows up and down as he spoke. In the late-80's to early-90's, Jones played the owner of "Lamar", the QuikTrip convenience store chain mascot in their commercials.
Ironically, Jones played a federal agent after Uncle Jesse and the boys in Moonrunners (1975), the film that was developed in to The Dukes of Hazzard. Jones also participated in several other TV shows, several movies, and over eighty theatrical productions. He tours as a singer with "Cooter's Garage Band," and has released 3 albums.
[edit] Political career
Following the end of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones entered the political arena as a Democrat. In 1986, he (unsuccessfully) ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from Georgia. He ran again in 1988, this time winning a House seat from Georgia. He was re-elected in 1990, but was defeated in 1992. Jones has since returned to acting, as well as becoming a well-known writer-- having penned many political essays, and one play. In 1998, he broke away from most Democrats by asking President Bill Clinton to resign during his trial and impeachment. Jones is still active in the Democratic Party. In 2002, he ran (unsuccessfully) for a seat in the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia, thus becoming one of very few recent American politicians to seek elective office in more than one state.
Jones has one daughter, Rachel, and one son, Walker. He is a long time friend of Cincinnati Reds announcer Marty Brennaman
