The beloved actor leaves behind a legacy spanning decades in TV and film
Michael Cole, the final surviving star of the iconic 1960s and ’70s crime drama The Mod Squad, has passed away at the age of 84. His representatives confirmed the news on Tuesday, noting that the actor died peacefully, surrounded by family. No cause of death was disclosed.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1940, Michael Cole entered the entertainment industry in the mid-1960s, taking on roles in television and film that showcased his talent. Early appearances included parts in Gunsmoke, The Bubble, and Chuka.
However, it was his portrayal of Peter “Pete” Cochran, an undercover officer on ABC’s The Mod Squad, that catapulted him to fame. Running from 1968 to 1973, the show starred Michael alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III. The groundbreaking series, focused on youthful, countercultural crimefighters, earned critical acclaim and cemented Cole’s place in Hollywood history.
Cole’s co-stars, Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III, passed away in 2019 and 2021, respectively, making him the last surviving member of the original trio.
After The Mod Squad, Michael Cole remained a fixture on television, with appearances in popular series such as Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, CHiPs, Murder, She Wrote, and the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It. His film credits include the 2008 TV movie Grave Misconduct, which marked his final on-screen performance.
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, whom he married in 1996, as well as children from his previous marriages.
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