Michael Cole, who was best known for his role as Pete Cochran on the hit ABC series The Mod Squad, has died at the age of 84 with people saying he 'lit up every room he entered'
07:33, 11 Dec 2024Updated 07:35, 11 Dec 2024
Michael Cole, the actor famed for his roles in The Mod Squad and General Hospital, has sadly passed away at 84. Best recognised for his portrayal of Pete Cochran in the hit ABC series, The Mod Squad, his death was announced by his publicist, Rachel Harris.
He died at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in California, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. Michael's role in The Mod Squad secured his place in TV history due to the show's pioneering approach to issues such as racism, drug addiction, and antiwar activism.
"Being true to the spirit of the counterculture generation, they did not use weapons in the course of their jobs," Rebeka Knott wrote on Groovy History. She added: "They were able to effectively bring criminals to justice with little or no violence. That is what the hippie culture was about ... being peaceful."
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Despite initial hesitations about portraying Pete, as revealed in his 2009 memoir, I Played the White Guy, where he wrote that the Aaron Spelling-produced show sounded "stupid" and he had hoped "it never gets on the air", Michael appeared in more than 100 episodes of the show.
Following the conclusion of The Mod Squad, which aired from 1968 to 1973, Michael continued his television career with guest appearances on popular shows like Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote, reports the Express US.
Michael, was also for his role as Harlan Barrett on US soap General Hospital with more than 60 episodes to his name until the character's end in 1991. He has been fondly remembered following his last acting gigs in the 2010 shorts Father's Day and Officer Lenot in: Showtime.
His publicist paid tribute to Michael's kind soul, stating: "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."
They added: "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."
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