“A defining figure of the era”

“A defining figure of the era”

Michael Cole, known for his role in The Mod Squadhas died. He was 84.

On December 10, the late actor – who made his name as Pete Cochran in the 1960s police drama – died peacefully “surrounded by his loved ones, having lived a full and vibrant life,” his rep confirmed in a press release.

“Cole’s talent, coupled with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,” the press release states. “The Mod Squad Not only did he make a name for himself, but he also broke barriers by tackling issues such as racial and social justice, with Cole’s performance helping to bring authenticity and heart to the series.

“Beyond his career, Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit,” the statement continued. “He was known by friends and family for his wit, charm and boundless compassion, bringing joy to every room he entered. A storyteller at heart, he had the gift of making those around him feel special, often regaling them with anecdotes from his Hollywood days or sharing wisdom from his remarkable journey.

“While his loss is deeply felt, his contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure that his memory will live on.”

Michael Cole in Mod Squad.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty


Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Cole rose to fame in the late 1960s with his breakthrough role as Cochran. The Mod Squad followed three “hippie” undercover cops with “checkered pasts to infiltrate the counterculture and nail the adult criminals preying on unsuspecting young Southern Californians,” according to the series’ official logline.

The “youth group” consisted of Peter, “whose wealthy parents had evicted him from their posh Beverly Hills home; Linc, a ghetto survivor; and Julie, a former hooker who was arrested for vagrancy.”

In addition to becoming a household name, Cole often addressed racial and social justice issues as the series tackled contemporary social issues. The series aired for five seasons from 1968 to 1973 and also starred Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III.

Michael Cole.

Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty


After The Mod Squad The final episode aired in which Cole appeared Murder, she wrote, Fantasy island, Wonder Woman And The Love Boat. In 1990, he took on the role of the adult Henry Bowers in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He also appeared as Harlan Barrett in General Hospital.

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In 2009, Cole also published his memoirs: I played the white guyin which he chronicled his decades-long career and detailed his experiences in Hollywood.

According to the press release, Cole is survived by his wife Shelley, his children and his “wide circle of friends, family and admirers.”

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