US actor and politician Ben Jones dies

American actor and politician Ben Jones died on Sunday after a massive heart attack. His widow, Alma Viator, announced the death on Facebook. Jones was best known for his role as auto mechanic Cooter Davenport on the long-running CBS series A Duke Rarely Comes Alone.

Originally from Edgecombe County, North Carolina, Jones began his acting career in the late 1960s with minor roles. He had one of his first major roles in 1977 in the action comedy 'A Badass' alongside Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. His role in 'A Duke Seldom Comes Alone' from 1979 to 1985 brought him the greatest fame.

In addition to his acting career, Jones was also politically active. In the 1960s he was active in the civil rights movement and was arrested during sit-ins. In 1988, he won the congressional election for Georgia's fourth district as the Democratic candidate, replacing Republican Pat Swindall. He supported the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, even though he was a Democrat.

Jones left Parliament in 1993 and later became involved with the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He died in Page County, Virginia at the age of 84.