General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal the passing of yet another former GH star-Michael Cole, known for his role as Harlan Barrett, at 84. Michael was also very well known for another ABC primetime show, he played Pete Cochran on The Mod Squad.
General Hospital Spoilers – Harlan Barrett Was Brenda And Julia Barrett’s Father
Longtime viewers will remember Harlan was the father of Brenda and Julia Barrett (Vanessa Marcil, Crystal Carson). In 1991, Harlan Barrett made his way to Port Charles with the mission of salvaging the sunken “S.S. Tracy.”
Upon his arrival, he recognized Bill Eckert’s (Anthony Geary) innovative approach to raising the ship and promptly appointed him as the chief engineer for Barrett Industries.
Alongside Leopold Taub (Chip Lucia), Cesar Faison (Anders Hove), and Lord Larry Ashton (Hugo Napier), Barrett established a cartel that monopolized international trade by utilizing a hazardous carcinogen known as carbon disulfide.
This toxic substance was produced at a canning facility, cleverly disguised to mask their true intentions; later, Paul Hornsby (Richard Burgi) joined.
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GH Spoilers – The Mod Squad Years
Cole became well-known for his part as Cochran in the 1960s police show. He acted alongside Marion Ross, 96, who played Louise Johnson and other late stars like Peggy Lipton, Clarence Williams III, and Tige Andrews who played Captain Adam Greer.
“The Mod Squad” premiered in 1968 and ran for 5 seasons on ABC until 1973. The series focused on three undercover cops with troubled pasts who worked to expose adult criminals targeting naive young people in Southern California.
Each member of the “youth squad” symbolized the main fears of society at that time: Peter (Cole), who was kicked out by his wealthy parents; Lincoln “Linc” Hayes (Williams), who grew up in the ghetto; and Julie Barnes (Lipton), a former sex worker arrested for vagrancy.
General Hospital Spoilers – After Mod Squad
Mod Squad was groundbreaking, addressing issues of race, social justice, and current societal challenges, receiving six Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nominations over its five seasons.
While working on the series, Cole was in a serious car accident that caused him to go through the windshield, resulting in 123 stitches, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
After the show ended, Cole appeared in various series such as “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Love Boat,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Fantasy Island.”
In the 1990s, he played Henry Bowers in the mini-series of Stephen King’s “It” before joining “General Hospital.” He continued to take on smaller roles in the early 2000s, including an appearance on “ER.”
GH Spoilers – Cole Passed Away Peacefully
Cole passed away peacefully on December 10, surrounded by his loved ones, as confirmed by his representative in a press release-the cause of his death was not disclosed.
In 2009, Cole published a memoir titled “I Played the White Guy,” which shared his journey and experiences in the entertainment industry.
The press release highlighted that Cole’s talent and captivating presence made him a significant figure of his time.
“His representative noted that “Michael Cole will be remembered for his kind and generous nature,” as well as for “his humor, charm, and endless compassion, which brought happiness to everyone around him.”
General Hospital Spoilers – Condolences To Cole’s Family And Friends
Cole’s representative shared, “He was a true storyteller, effortlessly making everyone feel valued. He often captivated those around him with tales from his time in Hollywood and offered insights from his extraordinary life.” The statement went on to say, “Though we mourn his passing, his impact on the arts and his unwavering kindness will keep his spirit alive.”
Cole leaves behind his third wife, Shelley, his children, and a vast network of friends, family, and admirers. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Cole’s loved ones during this difficult time.
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