Ben Lewis Jones (born August 30, 1941) is an American actor, politician,
playwright and essayist, probably best known for his role as Cooter
Davenport in The Dukes of Hazzard.

Born in Tarboro, North Carolina on August 31, 1941, Ben Jones
(middle name, Lewis) spent his childhood in Portsmouth, Virginia unfortunately
collecting a criminal record. At 16 he started drinking, a habit that would take
him several years to kick but otherwise he had turned most of his life around by
the time he entered college with the money saved from working several odd jobs.
While at the University of North Carolina, Ben discovered acting and went from
college productions to summer stock in a short time. In 1963 he made his
professional debut in the musical "Show Boat."

Following the end of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones entered the political arena as
a Democrat. In 1986, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the United States House
of Representatives from Georgia. He ran again in 1988, this time winning a seat.
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 aseat in the United
States House of Representatives representing Virginia against Republican incumbent
Eric Cantor, 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.

Now living in Virginia, Ben owns and operates with his wife "Cooter's Place" a living
museum of sorts and memorabilia store to the Dukes of Hazzard. There are General
Lee replicas, Dukes merchandise and daily airings of Dukes of Hazzard episodes.
Several cast members from the show have made appearances there and have drawn
crowds numbering in the thousands.