Michael Cole, star of The Mod Squad, passes away at 84

Michael Cole, beloved for portraying Pete Cochran in the iconic TV series The Mod Squad, has died at the age of 84. His passing was confirmed by Fox News Digital. According to reports, Cole died peacefully at the Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center on Tuesday, surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death has been provided.

Born on July 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Cole had a challenging early life. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he never knew his father. At 12, Cole began drinking and eventually dropped out of high school at 16. He married young and had two children, Candi and Jeff, before divorcing his first wife.

Cole's acting career began after he met renowned acting coach Estelle Harman in Los Angeles. Harman offered him free acting lessons and support, which transformed his life. His big break came when producer Aaron Spelling cast him in The Mod Squad, a groundbreaking series about three young detectives, which aired from 1968 to 1973. The show was a cultural touchstone, running for 123 episodes over five seasons.

In his memoir, I Played The White Guy, Cole recounted initially rejecting the role, believing the concept was “stupid.” However, his portrayal of Pete Cochran cemented his place in television history. Despite career success, he endured personal struggles, including a near-fatal car accident during the show’s run.

Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes. His contributions to television remain cherished by fans and colleagues alike.