, the actor in the groundbreaking 1960s TV crime drama "The Mod Squad," has died at the age of 84. passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones, according to his representative . "Beyond his career, will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit," Harris said in a statement.
"Known among friends and family for his wit, charm, and boundless compassion, he brought joy to every room he entered. "A storyteller at heart, he had a way of making those around him feel special, often regaling them with anecdotes from his Hollywood days or sharing wisdom from his remarkable journey." No cause of death has been disclosed yet.
A career defined by The Mod Squad breakthrough came in 1968 when he was cast as Pete Cochran, one of three young undercover cops on the hit ABC action-drama "The Mod Squad." The show, which ran until 1973, tackled controversial social issues of the time, including racial justice and youth rebellion. 's character, a troubled youth-turned-cop, earned him a loyal fanbase as viewers connected with his portrayal of redemption and growth.
The "Mod Squad" also featured , forming one of television's most iconic trios. With the deaths of Lipton in 2019 and Williams in 2021, was the last surviving member of the trio. The show's impact was recognized with three consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best TV Drama from 1970 to 1972.
The cast briefly reunited in 1979 for "The Return of Mod Squad." Following "The Mod Squad," continued his television career with guest roles in several popular series, including "CHiPs," "The Love Boat," "Wonder Woman," "Murder, She Wrote," and "7th Heaven.".
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Cole passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning Leer