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Michael Cole, who starred as Pete Cochran on the hit counterculture drama _Mod Squad _and later played Harlan Barrett on _General Hospital _during a 50-year acting career, has died. He was
84. His reps at BMF announced the news, but did not provide details. Born July 3, 1940 in Madison WI, Cole was one of the three young hippies-turned-cops alongside Julie (Peggy Lipton) and
Link (Clarence Williams III) in _Mod Squad_, which debuted in September 1968 on ABC. “One White, One Black, One Blonde” read the promo materials for the series, which was aimed at a youthful
audience during a turbulent time. The trio was given a choice: fight crime or be sent to jail themselves. They chose the former, under the tutelage of Capt. Adam Greer (Tige Andrews).
Executive produced by Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas, _Mod Squad _tapped into the zeitgeist of the late ’60s, portraying a positive image for the counterculture of the moment by tackling
such issues as the Vietnam war, racism and social justice. Linc, Julie and Pete blended into the scene, using stealth to track and capture their targets. It aired for five seasons through
May 1973. WATCH ON DEADLINE Cole continued to work steadily in TV and film, making guest appearances on shows and exploring roles in theater. He had an arc for several months on _General
Hospital _in 1991, playing Harlan Barrett, the crooked chief engineer for Barrett Industries who hooks up with a cartel and is hired to kill Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers). Instead, he is
shot dead by Bill Eckert (Anthony Geary), who was protesting his friend Scorpio. He also guest-starred in dozens of television series throughout his career, including _ER, 7th Heaven,
Diagnosis Murder, Murder She Wrote, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat _and _Gunsmoke,_ which was first major television credit in 1966. His film work included 2007’s _Mr. Brooks_ and
2000’s_ The Apostate_, among others. DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO Though his career spanned decades, he remained humble about his achievements, often expressing gratitude for the opportunities he
had and the fans who supported him. In 2009, Cole published his memoir, _I Played the White Guy_, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and his personal journey,
offering readers an intimate look into his life and career. In 2009, Cole published his memoir, _I Played the White Guy_, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and
his personal journey, offering readers an intimate look into his life and career. Michael Cole is survived by his wife, Shelley; his children; and extended family. _Denise Petski contributed
to this report._