Michael Cole, who starred as Pete Cochran on the hit counterculture drama Mod Squad and later played Harlan Barrett on General Hospital during a 50-year acting career, has died. He was 84.
His reps at BMF announced the news, but did not provide details.
Born July 3, 1940 in Madison WI, Cole was one of the three young hippies-turned-cops alongside Julie (Peggy Lipton) and Link (Clarence Williams III) in Mod Squad, which debuted in September 1968 on ABC. “One White, One Black, One Blonde” read the promo materials for the series, which was aimed at a youthful audience during a turbulent time. The trio was given a choice: fight crime or be sent to jail themselves. They chose the former, under the tutelage of Capt. Adam Greer (Tige Andrews).
Executive produced by Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas, Mod Squad tapped into the zeitgeist of the late ’60s, portraying a positive image for the counterculture of the moment by tackling such issues as the Vietnam war, racism and social justice. Linc, Julie and Pete blended into the scene, using stealth to track and capture their targets. It aired for five seasons through May 1973.
Cole continued to work steadily in TV and film, making guest appearances on shows and exploring roles in theater. He had an arc for several months on General Hospital in 1991, playing Harlan Barrett, the crooked chief engineer for Barrett Industries who hooks up with a cartel and is hired to kill Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers). Instead, he is shot dead by Bill Eckert (Anthony Geary), who was protesting his friend Scorpio.
He also guest-starred in dozens of television series throughout his career, including ER, 7th Heaven, Diagnosis Murder, Murder She Wrote, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and Gunsmoke, which was first major television credit in 1966.
His film work included 2007’s Mr. Brooks and 2000’s The Apostate, among others.
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Though his career spanned decades, he remained humble about his achievements, often expressing gratitude for the opportunities he had and the fans who supported him. In 2009, Cole published his memoir, I Played the White Guy, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and his personal journey, offering readers an intimate look into his life and career.
In 2009, Cole published his memoir, I Played the White Guy, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and his personal journey, offering readers an intimate look into his life and career.
Michael Cole is survived by his wife, Shelley; his children; and extended family.
Denise Petski contributed to this report.
English (US) ·