Michael Cole, the star who portrayed "Pete Cochran" in 'The Mod Squad,' has died, Fox News Digital confirmed. He was 84. And now fans are starting to pour out their tributes all over the web.
- Michael Cole had died at 84
- He starred in 'The Mod Squad'
- Michael overcame troubled beginnings
From Troubled Youth to Acting Icon
Michael Cole, the beloved actor who brought Pete Cochran to life in 'The Mod Squad,' has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by Fox News Digital, with reports indicating he died peacefully at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.
"Being true to the spirit of the counterculture generation, they did not use weapons in the course of their jobs," Rebeka Knott wrote on the website 'Groovy History'. "They were able to effectively bring criminals to justice with little or no violence. That is what the hippie culture was about … being peaceful."
Although the cause of death has not been disclosed, a representative noted that Cole was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. Born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Cole's early life was marked by challenges, including never knowing his father and facing difficulties that led him to drop out of high school at 16.
Despite a rocky start, which included early struggles with alcohol and an unexpected marriage, Cole's life took a significant turn when he moved to Las Vegas.
There, he met the influential singer and actor Bobby Darin. This encounter led him to Los Angeles, where he lived under a freeway before meeting acting coach Estelle Harman. Harman's mentorship was pivotal, offering him free acting lessons and a place to stay, which set the stage for his future success. "She recognized what was in there before I did," Cole said in 2018.
Cole's big break came when producer Aaron Spelling offered him a role in the groundbreaking series 'The Mod Squad,' which aired from 1968 to 1973.
Besides his initial hesitations, Cole accepted the role, which would define his career. "I resisted taking the part when Spelling offered it, telling him, ‘[The show] sounds stupid, and I hope it never gets on the air,'" Cole candidly recalled in his 2018 book, 'I Played The White Guy.'
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The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for 123 episodes over five seasons. During this period, Cole survived a serious car accident that required 130 stitches, further cementing his resilience.
Cole leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes. His life and work continue to inspire, reflecting a journey of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.
