Michael Cole, best known for his role as Pete Cochran, one of the three young, hip cops on The Mod Squad, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.
According to his representatives, Cole died “peacefully this morning, surrounded by loved ones, after living a full and vibrant life.”
Born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Cole began his career with guest roles on shows like Gunsmoke before achieving fame with The Mod Squad. The iconic ABC series aired from 1968 to 1973 and also starred Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III.
Cole’s character, Pete Cochran, was the troubled son of wealthy Beverly Hills parents who found redemption through his work as an undercover officer. The Mod Squad tackled pressing social issues of the time, including abortion, domestic violence, and police brutality, offering a reflection of contemporary societal struggles.
The show was notable for capturing mid-century culture shifts on television. Cole’s role as a troubled delinquent was paired with Lipton’s portrayal of a runaway escaping her mother’s life as a sex worker and Williams’ character, who had been arrested during the Watts riots.
The premise revolved around their unique backgrounds as they transitioned from lives of trouble into their new roles as undercover officers, better equipped to connect with the hippies and drug culture of the late 1960s.
Following the end of The Mod Squad, Michael Cole continued his acting career with appearances on television shows such as Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman, and The Love Boat.
Additionally, he portrayed adult Henry Bowers in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It and took on the role of Harlan Barrett on General Hospital. His movie career included appearances in The Bubble, Nickel Mountain, Mr. Brooks, and his final film role in 2008’s Grave Misconduct.
Beyond his on-screen roles, Cole also had a successful stage career, including a notable performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and other stage productions.
In 2009, Michael Cole published his memoir, I Played the White Guy, which offered readers an unvarnished, candid, and heartfelt exploration of his life and experiences in Hollywood. Cole is survived by his wife, Shelley, and his children.
