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Veteran actor Michael Cole died at the age of 84 on December 10, surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life, his rep reported in a press release.
Although best known for playing Pete Cochran in the classic TV series The Mod Squad, he also had a stint in daytime playing Harlan Barrett on General Hospital.
Cole’s extensive resume includes television series like Police Story, Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder, and ER, as well as films like The Bubble, Nickel Mountain, and the TV miniseries Hit.
In 1991, Cole joined the cast of GH in the role of Harlan Barrett, a shady character who set his sights on Tracy Quartermaine. However, she soon saw his true nature. He joined forces with Leopold Taub, Cesar Faison, and Larry Ashton, but trying to bring Bill Eckert into the cartel proved Harlan’s downfall. To prove his loyalty, Bill was tasked with killing Robert Scorpio, but Harlan saw that the men faked the shooting. When he went to kill Robert himself, Bill shot him dead.
Harlan’s daughter Julia split up with Bill, and his other daughter Brenda arrived in Port Charles the following year to claim her inheritance.
Beyond his career, Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit. The statement continued, “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.”
While his loss is deeply felt, his contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure his memory will live on.
Cole is survived by his third wife, Shelley Fong, and his three children. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
