Michael Cole, c.1973.
A memorable tagline: “One Black, one white, one blonde.” Michael Cole, the “White Guy” from the popular 1960s-70s crime drama, The Mod Squad, passed away last week at the age of 84. In death he joins co-stars Peggy Lipton (2019) and Clarence Williams III (2021).
FROM MINOR ACTOR TO STAR
Michael Cole had a number of less-than-memorable roles in movies and TV shows through the 1960s before he took on the part of Pete Cochran, rebellious son of rich parents, in The Mod Squad, which premiered in 1968. He came close to turning down the role of an undercover cop but finally saw the possibilities.
The show, which ran for over 120 episodes during five seasons, acknowledged the counterculture of the ’60s. Rich boy Pete Cochran stole a car, was evicted by his parents, and then arrested. Julie Barnes (Lipton) was a flower child in San Francisco, where she was arrested for vagrancy. Lincoln “Linc” Hayes (Williams) was arrested during the Watts riots. These social outcasts—some called them hippies—were given the chance to avoid jail time by forming a squad of undercover detectives who, because of their personas, could get close to the criminals they were investigating. Their mentor was police Captain Adam Greer (Tige Andrews), a tough but understanding “father figure.” The premise obviously worked. The Mod Squad was wildly popular with many viewers, including yours truly.
The Mod Squad: Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton, and Michael Cole.
Michael Cole continued acting until 2010. He died at a hospital in Tarzana, California.