Aussie fans mourn Mod Squad star Michael Cole after his death aged 84 and recall his infamous drunken Logies appearance

Australian fans have shared their heartfelt tributes after Mod Squad star Michael Cole died at the age of 84.

The American actor, who was notably the last surviving star of the 1960s police drama, passed away on Tuesday morning.

Following the sad news, his fans were quick to take to social media to share kind words about the star and reflect fondly of his years starring on Mod Squad.

But many Australians also remembered him for an entirely other reason, arguing he was better known Down Under for providing one of the 'best ever' Logies moments.

Michael famously made history in 1973 after becoming the first person to say 's**t' during the live telecast in a car crash moment.

Sticking in people's minds, more than 2,000 Aussies then complained when his speech was edited out of the replay in another broadcast later that same week.

Recalling the now-infamous moment after his passing, one fan fondly wrote: 'RIP Michael Cole. Provided one of the best-ever Logies moments.'

While another Aussie said: 'RIP Michael Cole. Remembered by many Australians for uttering the s-word at the Logies.'

Other fans more generally looked back on his years starring in Mod Squad as they shared tributes to X - formerly known as Twitter.

'Man, I watched Mod Squad as a kid. I thought they all were so cool. RIP Michael Cole,' one tweeted.

Another penned: 'Rest In Peace Michael Cole the cool hip star of the hit TV series The Mod Squad!'

A third commented: 'He was my favourite.....and I watched it every week.... R.I.P Michael Cole....'

While another added: 'The 3 coolest cops ever...Pete, Julie and Linc together again. RIP Michael Cole.'

Michael's representatives confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, writing that he passed away peacefully while 'surrounded by his loved ones'.

They praised the star, who played Pete Cochran in hit crime drama The Mod Squad, for 'living a full and vibrant life'.

'Cole's talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,' a statement read.

'The Mod Squad not only made him a household name but also broke barriers by addressing themes of racial and social justice, with Cole’s performance helping to bring authenticity and heart to the series.

'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 will live on.'

Michael is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, who he married in 1996 and his children from his first two marriages.

A cause of death has not been given at this time. 

Michael was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1940 and started out his acting career in the mid 1960s.

After securing roles in the likes of Gunsmoke, Chuka and The Bubble, his breakthrough role in Hollywood came with his role as Peter 'Pete' Cochran, an undercover officer on 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 Mod Squad star as Peggy passed away in 2019 while Clarence died in 2021.

In 1990, he played the adult Henry Bowers in the mini series adaptation of Stephen King's It. 

He also played Harlan Barrett in General Hospital and his last credit was in the 2008 made-for-TV movie Grave Misconduct. 

In his 2009 memoir, titled I Played the White Guy, he offered a candid look back at his decades-long career in Hollywood.