Michael Cole — best known for his role as Pete Cochran in “The Mod Squad” and Harlan Barrett in “General Hospital” — has died at 84.
Cole passed away peacefully “surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life,” his rep confirmed in a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
“The Mod Squad” aired in 1968 and lasted 5 seasons on ABC until 1973.
“The Mod Squad” earned six Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations during its five-year run.
During his time on the show, Cole was involved in a serious car accident that sent him through the windshield.
Best known for his roles as Harlan Barrett on “General Hospital” and Pete Cochran on “The Mod Squad,” Michael Cole passed away at the age of 84.
Cole died quietly “surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life,” according to a press release issued by his representative on Tuesday, December. 10.
The cause of his death was not disclosed.
According to the statement, “Cole was a defining figure of the era due to his talent and magnetic presence.”. By tackling issues of racial and social justice, The Mod Squad not only made him a household name but also broke down barriers; Cole’s performance gave the show heart and authenticity. “”.
According to his representative, “Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit” and “his wit, charm, and boundless compassion, he brought joy to every room he entered.”.
The statement added, “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.”. His memory will endure because of his contributions to the arts and his unwavering kindness, even though his loss is greatly felt. “.”.
Cole’s most well-known role was that of Cochran in the police drama from the 1960s, in which he costarred with 96 Marion Ross and late celebrities Peggy Lipton, Clarence Williams III, and Tige Andrews.
Beginning in 1968, “The Mod Squad” ran on ABC for five seasons until 1973.
According to the logline, the show followed three “hippie” undercover police officers with “checkered pasts to infiltrate the counterculture and nail the adult criminals preying on clueless young Southern Californians.”.
Each member of the “youth squad” symbolized the main anxieties of the time in mainstream culture: Julie (Lipton), a former hooker arrested for vagrancy; Linc (Williams), a ghetto survivor; and Peter (Cole), whose wealthy parents expelled him from their upscale Beverly Hills home. “.”.
The show was innovative in that it addressed current social issues as well as racial and social justice. During its five-year run, “The Mod Squad” received four Golden Globe nominations and six Emmy Award nominations.
Cole was involved in a serious car accident that sent him through the windshield while he was on the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he required 123 stitches.
Following the series’ conclusion, Cole went on to make appearances on shows such as Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Wonder Woman, and Murder, She Wrote. “”.
He portrayed Henry Bowers in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” in the 1990s before securing another noteworthy position on “General Hospital” as Harlan Barrett. “.”.
He played the corrupt chief engineer at Barrett Industries, who was hired to assassinate Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers). Cole lasted 64 episodes before Bill Eckert (Anthony Geary) shot and killed his character.
In the early 2000s, the actor kept appearing in smaller roles, such as one on “ER.”. “.”.
2009 saw the publication of Cole’s memoir, “I Played the White Guy,” which described his Hollywood career and experiences.
