When you hear the name Ben Jones, your brain probably goes straight to a greasy ball cap and a wrench. You're thinking of Cooter Davenport. The scruffy, dependable mechanic from The Dukes of Hazzard who could fix the General Lee with a piece of gum and some baling wire.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a trip to realize how much more there is to the man than just Hazzard County.
Ben Jones isn't just "that guy from the car show." He’s a former U.S. Congressman. He’s a playwright. He’s a professional singer who’s still releasing albums as of 2024. If you're looking for a list of ben jones movies and tv shows, you’re actually looking at a career that spans over 50 years of Southern grit, political brawls, and a surprising amount of Shakespeare.
The Hazzard Era and Beyond
The big one. From 1979 to 1985, Jones played Cooter in 141 episodes. He was the glue of that show. While Bo and Luke were jumping ravines, Cooter was the one making sure the car didn't fall apart on landing.
But check this out: Jones actually walked off the set during the second season. There was a dispute over his character's beard (seriously). He was replaced for a few episodes by a character named "Lulu" and then "B.B. Davenport," but fans weren't having it. They wanted Cooter. He came back, and the rest is history.
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Outside of the orange Dodge Charger, his early film work was pure 70s Southern cinema:
- Moonrunners (1975): This is basically the "pilot" for Dukes of Hazzard. He played Fred, and the movie served as the inspiration for the TV show.
- Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Blink and you'll miss him, but he’s there as a trucker.
- The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976): A classic baseball flick where he shared the screen with legends like James Earl Jones and Richard Pryor.
From Hazzard to the House of Representatives
Most actors "go into politics" by tweeting. Ben Jones actually did it. He represented Georgia’s 4th district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993.
It’s one of the weirdest pivots in Hollywood history. One year he's Cooter, the next he's an active Democratic whip in D.C. He didn't stop acting entirely, though. Even during his political years and the decade after, he popped up in some heavy-hitter projects.
You might remember him in Primary Colors (1998). He played Arlen Sporken. It was a role that felt natural for him—mixing that Southern charm with a deep understanding of how the political machine actually grinds. He also had a small part in Joe Gould's Secret (2000) and even showed up in the sci-fi cult favorite Sliders as a sergeant.
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The "Other" Ben Jones: Don't Get Confused
If you're searching for ben jones movies and tv shows, Google is going to throw a few different guys at you. It gets confusing.
First, there’s the British Ben Jones. He’s much younger, born in 1972. He’s the guy you’ve seen in Doctors (as Dr. Greg Robinson) or more recently in EastEnders as Roger Peel. If you're watching a BBC medical drama and see a "Ben Jones," that’s him. He’s a fantastic actor, but he’s definitely not the one who fixed the General Lee.
Then there’s the animator Ben Jones. This Ben is a creative powerhouse behind weird, cult-favorite animation like The Problem Solverz and Saturday Morning All Star Hits! on Netflix. He’s got a totally different vibe—think neon colors and surreal humor.
Why We’re Still Talking About Him
In 2026, the legacy of the original Ben Jones (the Cooter version) lives on through "Cooter's Place." He’s turned his most famous role into a thriving mini-empire of museums and shops in Tennessee and Virginia.
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He’s also surprisingly prolific with music. His 2024 album Rockabilly Road shows he hasn't lost that gravelly, soulful voice. He’s been playing with "Cooter’s Garage Band" for years, touring festivals and keeping that Hazzard spirit alive for a third generation of fans.
Notable Filmography At A Glance:
- The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985): The career-defining role.
- Moonrunners (1975): The gritty predecessor to the Dukes.
- Primary Colors (1998): Showing off his political chops on the big screen.
- Together for Days (1972): An early, often forgotten role.
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000): One of the last times the gang got back together.
The Verdict on Ben Jones
Whether you know him as a Congressman or a grease monkey, Ben Jones represents a specific kind of American storytelling. He’s the guy who bridged the gap between rural entertainment and high-stakes politics. He didn't just play a character; he built a brand that’s lasted longer than most modern sitcoms.
If you’re looking to binge his work, start with Moonrunners to see where it all began, then hit the early seasons of Dukes. It's pure nostalgia, but it’s also a masterclass in how to be the most likable person in the room without ever being the lead.
To get the full picture of his current work, you should check out the latest tracks from Rockabilly Road or visit the Cooter's Place official site to see his schedule for live appearances and storytelling events.