Michael Cole, who was notably the final surviving star of the ’60s/’70s hit crime drama “The Mod Squad,” has died … his reps confirmed Tuesday.
Per the actor’s crew … Michael handed away peacefully this morning whereas surrounded by his family members. They applauded the late star for “residing a full and vibrant life.”
A reason behind dying was not shared.
Michael — who was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1940 — broke into the trade with because of a number of TV and movie roles within the mid-60s … together with elements in “Gunsmoke,” “The Bubble,” and “Chuka.”
But, it was his work as Peter “Pete” Cochran, an undercover officer on “The Mod Squad,” that gave Michael his breakthrough in Hollywood. Michael starred alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III on ‘Mod Squad,’ which ran from 1968 to 1973 on ABC.
Peggy and Clarence predeceased Michael in 2019 and 2021, respectively … making MC the final OG star these previous a number of years.
Following his time on “Mod Squad,” Michael appeared on different TV hits, together with “Marvel Lady,” “The Love Boat,” “CHiPs,” “Homicide, She Wrote,” and the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.”
He additionally appeared in a variety of films … together with a 2008 made-for-TV film, titled “Grave Misconduct,” which was additionally his final credit score.
Michael is survived by his third spouse, Shelley Funes, who he married in 1996 and his kids from his first 2 marriages.
He was 84 years outdated.
RIP
