The Mod Squad Actor Michael Cole Passes Away at 84: Here’s A Look At His Life And Legacy

by

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Cole, a man whose vibrant spirit and resilience left an indelible mark not only on our screens but also in the hearts of many. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, he navigated through life with a wit, charm, and compassion that brought joy to every room he entered.

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death and alcohol abuse

Michael Cole, famed for his role as Pete Cochran in the TV series The Mod Squad, sadly passed away on December 10, 2024, at 84 years old. His death was announced by USA Today via his representative, Rachel Harris. “Michael Cole passed away serenely on Tuesday morning,” the statement said. “He was encompassed by loved ones as he concluded a life filled with vitality.

Beyond just his professional achievements, Cole is destined to be cherished for his heartfelt and giving character – his humor, kindness, and empathy that touched those close to him. The statement further emphasized that he was a beacon of happiness wherever he went.

It wasn’t disclosed how he passed away, but Rachel shared that actor Cole breathed his final breath at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, California. Born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Cole had three marriages and two children, one being a daughter from his second spouse.

1996 marked the year when the actor, after having gone through two divorces, exchanged vows with Shelly Funes. According to Rolling Stone, Funes was a previous ad sales representative. In past interviews, the late actor shared that he battled alcoholism and credited Funes for persuading him to seek treatment at the Betty Ford Center, helping him conquer his addiction.

In the past, we often found ourselves homeless and stayed with relatives. My alcohol consumption escalated significantly during this time,” he shared with Closer Weekly in 2016. “It was my wife’s affection that made me recognize the need for recovery. Every day feels like the best day now, thanks to her love,” he concluded.

In terms of his professional journey, Cole kicked off his acting career in 1966, making his first appearance on the television series Gunsmoke. Among his widely recognized roles are those in The Last Child, Police Story, Wonder Woman, The Littlest Hobo, The Return of Mod Squad, Fantasy Island, and numerous others.

One more thing that Cole passed down was his 2018 memoir titled “I Played the White Guy.” This book, in which he delved into the ups and downs of his life and chronicled his path to success, was very popular with readers back then.

Read More

2024-12-17 18:24