Michael Cole, the last surviving star of “The Mod Squad,” a 1970s crime drama, died Tuesday at the age of 84.
The actor died peacefully “surrounded by loved ones after living a full and vibrant life,” a representative for Cole told USA Today. The cause of death has not been revealed.
“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,” the representative said.
Promotional studio portrait of actors Michael Cole (L), Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton for the television series, ‘The Mod Squad,’ c. 1968. (Photo by ABC/Hulton Archive/Courtesy of Getty Images)
Cole was best known playing the role of Pete Cochran, a young detective on ABC’s “The Mod Squad,” which aired 123 episodes from 1968 to 1973. The series also starred Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III, who predeceased Cole in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
The Wisconsin native solidified his Hollywood career after that role, following his “Mod Squad” stint with parts in “Gunsmoke,” “The Bubble” and “Chuka.”
Cole’s other credits include “Wonder Woman,” “The Love Boat,” “CHiPs,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “ER,” “Fantasy Island” and the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.”
The actor also made appearances on the big screen, joining Kevin Costner’s “Mr. Brooks” in 2007 and the made-for-TV film “Grave Misconduct” in 2008, Cole’s final acting credit.
Promotional portrait of actors (L-R): Peggy Lipton, Michael Cole, Tige Andrews and Clarence Williams III on a university campus for the television series, ‘The Mod Squad,’ c. 1968. (Photo by ABC/Hulton Archive/Courtesy of Getty Images)
Cole is survived by Shelley Funes, his third wife, and children from his first two marriages. (RELATED: Wrestler-Actor Dies At Age 65, Co-Star George Clooney Pays Tribute)
Fans, colleagues and loved ones have taken to social media to bid farewell to the star as they pay their final respects.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
