Michael Cole was perhaps best known for portraying Pete Cochran, one of the three hip young cops on “The Mod Squad.” He passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 84.
According to Cole’s reps, he died “peacefully this morning, surrounded by loved ones, after living a full and vibrant life.” The cause of Michael Cole’s death was not revealed. However, they say that he took his last breath at the Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, California. He is survived by his wife, Shelley, and his children.
Is Michael Cole Dead?
Sadly, Michael Cole, a talented actor who lent his voice and acting skills in making many iconic shows, including “Fantasy Island” and “Wonder Woman,” is dead. Cole was born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was a guest on shows like “Gunsmoke” before he got a breakthrough on “The Mod Squad.”
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The ABC series aired from 1968 to 1973, co-starring Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III. The character Cole brought to life was Pete Cochran, the troubled son of wealthy Beverly Hills parents, who found redemption through his work as an undercover officer on the squad.
The show often highlighted contemporary social issues, including abortion, domestic violence, and police brutality.
What Did Michael Cole Do After Mod Squad?
After his stint with “The Mod Squad” ended, Michael Cole continued to work on shows. Some of his credits include “Murder, She Wrote,” “Fantasy Island,” “Wonder Woman” and “The Love Boat.” He also played the adult Henry Bowers in Stephen King’s 1990 “It” mini-series and appeared on “General Hospital” as Harlan Barrett.
On the big screen, Cole appeared in movies like “The Bubble,” “Nickel Mountain,” and “Mr. Brooks.” His final film role was in 2008’s “Grave Misconduct.”
Cole’s onstage credits see him starring in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” among other plays. He also wrote a memoir in 2009 called “I Played the White Guy,” in which he offered a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood.
The book was a massive success as the masses seemed able to resonate with the image the actor presented in the book.
How Many Times Was Michael Cole Married?
Michael Cole was married three times while he was alive. The actor’s first marriage led to the birth of two kids; however, the couple soon parted ways. His second marriage resulted in the birth of a daughter, but the marriage did not last either. That longevity was reserved for Cole’s third marriage to Shelley Funes in 1996. Michael Cole and Shelley Funes were married till he passed.
How Did Michael Cole and Shelley Funes Meet?
How Shelley Funes and Michael Cole met is unknown, but according to Rolling Stone, Funes is a former ad sales representative. Reports claim she played a significant role in helping Cole overcome his alcoholism.
While he lived, Cole was vocal about his struggles with alcohol and often praised Shelley for how she encouraged him to enter rehab at Betty Ford Center to quit the addiction.
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In 2016, he credited her for years of sobriety. He said: “My wife Shelley said, ‘You better go to the Betty Ford Center,’ And I wound up there within two days. I didn’t want to lose her — and she was right. My wife’s love made me realize that I had to recover. With love, every day is the best day.”
While news of Michael Cole’s demise continues to spread on social media, the family has kept mute about what caused his death, plans for the funeral, and memorial services. However, that will change in time; what won’t is the fact that the world must now go on without Michael Cole.
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