‘The Mod Squad’ Star Michael Cole Dies – Details

Michael Cole, the actor renowned for his iconic role as Pete Cochran in the groundbreaking 1960s series “The Mod Squad,” has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed on December 10 by his publicist, Rachel Harris. Cole died peacefully at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.

A statement released by Cole’s representative highlighted the actor’s enduring impact on the entertainment industry and his contributions to social discourse through his work.

“Cole’s talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,” the statement read. “The Mod Squad,” which aired during a time of cultural change, addressed themes of racial and social justice. Cole’s portrayal of Pete brought authenticity and heart to the series, earning him widespread acclaim and making him a household name.

Beyond his career, the statement praised Cole’s personal attributes. “Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit,” it said. Known for his charm, wit, and compassion, Cole’s presence brought joy to those around him. Whether sharing Hollywood anecdotes or dispensing wisdom, he had a gift for making others feel valued and appreciated.

Fans and friends mourned his loss, sharing tributes online. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Margie Paxton-Fromm’s page, Stephanie Whitehead shared, “IT IS WITH A TOTALLY BROKEN HEART THAT I MUST CONFIRM THE DEATH OF OUR DEAREST MICHAEL. ACTOR, AUTHOR, ADORED HUSBAND, FATHER, AND FRIEND… HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.”

The tribute went on to celebrate Cole’s enduring connection with his fans and followers. “HE BORE A STRONG LOVE FOR ALL HIS FANS, WHOM HE PREFERRED TO CALL HIS FRIENDS. NO SERVICES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AT THIS TIME.”

Whitehead also noted Cole’s deep bond with his loved ones and the community of admirers who cherished him. “HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE, SHELLEY, HIS THREE CHILDREN AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN, HIS TWO DEVOTED SISTERS AND OVER A THOUSAND MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP WHO LOVED HIM FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY. HE LOVED THEM AS MUCH AS THEY LOVED HIM. REST PEACEFULLY, OUR BELOVED IRISHMAN!”

Don Foster, a former senior editor at LUMINESS, reflected on his interactions with Cole in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Our Old Pal, Michael Cole passed away this morning. He made it to 84 and was doing great. He died from a sudden illness,” Foster shared.

“You might remember him from the 70’s cop show ‘The Mod Squad.’ Michael and his wife Shelley were our Pet Shop customers and we became friends. We’ll miss his easy-going, and sweet personality.”

Another tribute came from Vicki Abelson, a columnist for Upworthy, who reminisced about her admiration for Cole as a teenager and their eventual friendship. Abelson revealed in a touching post, “When I was a teenager, I wanted to be Peggy Lipton… and I wanted Michael Cole to be my boyfriend. I crushed hard. Fortyish years later Michael came to my living room – twice – with his gorgeous wife Shelley.”

Abelson recounted the emotional and unforgettable moments she shared with Cole during two interviews for her shows, “Women Who Write” and “The Road Taken” (aka “Game Changers”). She recalled, “[We] talked for hours – we laughed, we cried. It was one of the most emotional shows I’ve ever done.”

Their bond extended beyond the interviews, as Cole frequently called to check on Abelson, expressing concern about her well-being and personal life. “He and Shelley were inseparable. Their adoration for each other – their mutual respect, their affection – they had what I wanted,” she added.

Despite their close connection, Abelson admitted that their communication ceased suddenly, leaving her to wonder if Cole was unwell. “Maybe he’d taken ill… I’ll never know,” she lamented.

In her tribute, she expressed profound gratitude for having shared those cherished moments with Cole and highlighted the enduring impact of his kindness. She concluded her post on a poignant note, “[Fly] in coolness, dear man. You are sorely missed.”

Cole’s legacy as an actor and cultural icon was cemented by his role in the groundbreaking TV series “The Mod Squad.” Running from 1968 to 1973, the show followed a trio of reformed juvenile delinquents — Pete (Cole), Linc Hayes (Clarence Williams III), and Julie Barnes (Peggy Lipton) — as they worked as undercover cops under the guidance of Captain Adam Greer (Tige Andrews).

The series, created by former LAPD undercover narcotics officer Buddy Ruskin, stood out for its focus on addressing social issues rarely explored on television at the time.

Cole’s portrayal of Pete embodied the rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture. Personally chosen by executive producer Aaron Spelling, Cole initially hesitated to take on the role, wary of portraying a character who turned on troubled peers.

However, after reading the scripts, he embraced the part, bringing authenticity and depth to the character. His work on “The Mod Squad” catapulted him to stardom, making him a household name during the show’s five-season run.

Cole’s journey to fame was marked by significant challenges. Born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, he never knew his biological father and spent his early years living with his grandmother.

By the age of 12, he began drinking, and his struggles with substance abuse would persist into adulthood. As a teenager, he dropped out of school, ran away from home, and lived on the streets of Los Angeles.

In a 2018 interview, Cole recalled his troubled childhood, “I was put in jail. I was like 15 or 14 or something like that. I passed out in the gutter… Everything went black.”

Fortunately, his life took a turn when he met Estelle Harman, a renowned acting coach who saw potential in him. She provided free lessons and even allowed him to sleep on the stage of her workshop. This opportunity paved the way for his entry into acting, and in 1966, Cole made his big-screen debut in the sci-fi film “The Bubble.”

He later appeared in the western action film “Chuka” (1967) before landing his career-defining role on “The Mod Squad” in 1968. Despite the success and popularity that followed, Cole faced personal struggles, including insecurities and a battle with addiction.

By 1994, with the support of his second wife, he sought help at the Betty Ford Center and overcame his addiction. In his autobiography, “I Played the White Guy,” Cole candidly shared his experiences with substance abuse, his Hollywood career, and his personal growth.

In addition to his iconic role in “The Mod Squad,” Cole appeared in various TV shows, including “Get Christie Love!,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “General Hospital.” He also played a memorable villain in Stephen King’s miniseries “It” (1990).

Michael Cole’s legacy as an artist and his dedication to his craft leave an indelible mark on both Hollywood and those who knew him personally. While his absence is deeply felt, his contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure his memory will continue to inspire.