Michael Cole, the renowned American actor, is best recognized for his iconic role as Pete Cochran in the groundbreaking television series "Mod Squad" (1968). Alongside Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton, Cole played a trio of ex-juvenile delinquents recruited as undercover cops, tasked with infiltrating areas inaccessible to regular law enforcement.
The show, conceived by former LAPD undercover narcotics officer Buddy Ruskin, tackled previously neglected social issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, racism, the illegal drug trade, abortion, and police brutality. Notably, the series avoided graphic violence, with the trio resolving cases without resorting to weapons.
Cole was chosen for the role by executive producer Aaron Spelling, who saw him as embodying the rebellious spirit of 1960s counterculture.
Despite his early struggles, Cole's life took a dramatic turn when he met renowned acting coach Estelle Harman. Harman recognized his potential and provided him with free lessons, allowing him to sleep on the stage of her workshop.
Cole's acting career began with a low-budget sci-fi film, "The Bubble" (1966),and a western, "Chuka" (1967). However, his breakthrough came when he was cast as Pete Cochran in "Mod Squad." He initially hesitated, but after reading the early scripts, he agreed to take on the role and went on to appear in all five seasons of the show.
Following his success in "Mod Squad," Cole reunited with the cast for a television movie, "The Return of Mod Squad" (1979),and made guest appearances in various series, including "Get Christie Love!" (1974),"Police Story" (1973),"Vega$" (1978),and "Murder, She Wrote" (1984).
In 1991, he had a recurring role in the medical soap "General Hospital" (1963),and in Stephen King's original miniseries "It" (1990),he played Henry Bowers, a vicious bully.
Before retiring from acting, Cole published his autobiography, "I Played the White Guy," which detailed his career and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He finally overcame his addiction following rehab at the Betty Ford Center in 1994.
Michael Cole passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 84.
