Michael Cole has died at the age of 84.
The actor, who was the last surviving star of the 1960s police drama The Mod Squad, died on Tuesday morning.
His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, writing that he passed away peacefully while “surrounded by his loved ones.”
They praised the late star, who played Pete Cochran in the hit crime drama, for “living a full and vibrant life.”
The cause of death has not been shared at this time.
“Cole’s talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,” the statement said.
Michael Cole has died at the age of 84; The actor photographed on September 15, 2016 in Los Angeles
Cole, who was notably the last surviving star of the 1960s and ’70s police drama The Mod Squad, died Tuesday morning; appears in a 1970 photograph from the program.
“The Mod Squad not only made him a household name, but also broke barriers by tackling issues of racial and social justice, and Cole’s performance helped bring authenticity and heart to the series.”
The statement continued: “Beyond his career, Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit.”
“Known among friends and family for his wit, charm and boundless compassion, he brought joy to every room he entered.”
“A storyteller at heart, he had a way 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 his memory lives on.”
Cole was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1940.
The actor began his career with several film and television roles in the mid-1960s, including Gunsmoke, Chuka and The Bubble.
His breakthrough role in Hollywood came with his role as Peter ‘Pete’ Cochran, an undercover officer for The Mod Squad.
The show aired for five seasons from 1968 to 1973.
He starred alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III. Cole was the last living star of the Mod Squad, as Peggy passed away in 2019 and Clarence in 2021.
His representatives confirmed his death in a statement and wrote that he passed away peacefully while “surrounded by his loved ones”; photographed in 2005
They praised the late star for “living a full and vibrant life.” The cause of death has not been shared so far; photographed in 1969
His breakthrough role in Hollywood came with his role as Peter ‘Pete’ Cochran, an undercover officer for The Mod Squad. He starred alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III; The trio seen in a still image.
The crime drama aired for five seasons from 1968 to 1973.
Cole was the last living Mod Squad star, as Peggy passed away in 2019 and Clarence in 2021; The trio photographed at the Screen Actors Guild of America Awards on February 23, 1997 in Los Angeles.
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, whom he married in 1996, and his children from his first two marriages; photographed in 2005
the show IMDb The logline reads: ‘Young people who get into trouble with the law (Rich Pete stole a car; Linc was arrested during the Watts riots; Julie ran away from her prostitute mother in San Francisco) can avoid jail by infiltrating the counterculture and exposing the bad guys who take advantage of others. children.’
Following her time on The Mod Squad, Cole appeared in Murder, She Wrote, Wonder Woman, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat.
In 1990, he played the adult Henry Bowers in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He also played Harlan Barrett on General Hospital.
His last credit was the 2008 made-for-TV movie Grave Misconduct.
In his 2009 memoir, titled I Played the White Guy, he offered a candid look at his decades-long career in Hollywood.
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, whom he married in 1996, and his children from his first two marriages.