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Michael Cole has died at the age of 84.
The actor, who was notably the last surviving star of the 1960's police drama, The Mod Squad, passed away on Tuesday morning.
His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, writing that he passed away peacefully while 'surrounded by his loved ones.'
They praised the late star — who played Pete Cochran in the hit crime drama — for 'living a full and vibrant life.'
A cause of death has not been shared at this time.
'Cole's talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,' the release read.
Michael Cole has died at the age of 84; the actor pictured on September 15, 2016 in Los Angeles
Cole, who was notably the last surviving star of the 1960's/'70s police drama, The Mod Squad, passed away on Tuesday morning; he is pictured in a 1970 still from the show
'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.'
The statement continued: '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.'
Cole was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1940.
The actor started out his career with several TV and film roles in the mid-60s, including 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, and Clarence in 2021.
His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, writing that he passed away peacefully while 'surrounded by his loved ones'; pictured in 2005
They praised the late star for 'living a full and vibrant life.' A cause of death has not been shared at this time; pictured in 1969
His breakthrough role in Hollywood came with his role as Peter 'Pete' Cochran, an undercover officer on The Mod Squad. He starred alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III; the trio seen in a still
The crime drama aired for five seasons from 1968 to 1973
Cole was the last living Mod Squad star as Peggy passed away in 2019, and Clarence in 2021; the trio pictured at the Screen Actors Guild of America Awards on February 23, 1997 in LA
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, who he married in 1996 and his children from his first two marriages; pictured in 2005
The show's IMDb logline reads: 'Young people in trouble with the law (wealthy Pete stole a car; Linc arrested during Watts riots; Julie ran away from her San Francisco prostitute mother) can avoid jail by infiltrating the counter culture and exposing bad guys who prey on other kids.'
After his time on The Mod Squad, Cole went on to appear in Murder, She Wrote, Wonder Woman, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat.
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.
His last credit was the 2008 made-for-TV movie, titled Grave Misconduct.
In his 2009 memoir, titled I Played the White Guy, he offered a candid look at his decades-long career in Hollywood.
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, who he married in 1996 and his children from his first two marriages.
English (US) ·