Renowned 'Mod Squad' actor (84) and literature author passes away
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The Australian entertainment community joins the world in mourning the loss of a television icon who passed away at 84.
Known for his pivotal role in the groundbreaking series The Mod Squad and his later work on General Hospital.
The Australian literary community is also in mourning following the tragic and untimely death of one of its most esteemed members.
An award-winning author and a beacon of the Australian literary scene was killed in a horrific incident at Kings Park in Perth.
Michael Cole's passing was confirmed by his representative, Rachel Harris, who stated that he 'passed away peacefully' surrounded by loved ones after a 'full and vibrant life.'
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the legacy he leaves behind is indelible.
His breakout role came in the late 1960s with The Mod Squad, an ABC action series ahead of its time.
The show, which ran from 1968 to 1973, followed three young undercover cops, played by Cole, Clarence Williams III, and Peggy Lipton, as they navigated the complexities of law enforcement while tackling contemporary social issues.
The series did not shy away from discussions on racial and social justice.
Cole's portrayal of Pete Cochran, a troubled youth who found purpose and redemption through his work on the squad, resonated with audiences and cemented his place in television history.
His character, Cochran, symbolised the era's youth counterculture, and his performance earned the show a trio of consecutive Golden Globe nominations for best TV drama.
The cultural impact of The Mod Squad was such that in 1979, Cole and his co-stars reunited for the TV movie The Return of Mod Squad, rekindling the magic that captivated viewers a decade earlier.
After The Mod Squad, Cole's career continued to flourish.
He graced the small screen with appearances in beloved series such as Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, CHIPs, Murder, She Wrote, and 7th Heaven.
In the early '90s, he took on a recurring role in the medical drama General Hospital, playing Harlan Barrett across more than 60 episodes.
Beyond his screen presence, Cole was also an author.
He shared his life and career experiences in his 2018 memoir, I Played the White Guy.
His final acting role was in the 2010 short film Father's Day, but his influence extended far beyond his on-screen appearances.
Cole was described as having a 'warm and generous spirit,' He was known for his wit, charm, and compassion.
He was a storyteller, often sharing anecdotes and wisdom from his remarkable journey, bringing joy and a sense of specialness to those around him.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, the tranquillity of Kings Park was shattered.
Brenda Walker, 67, was crossing Kings Park Road when she was struck by a speeding Toyota Yaris hatchback near Outram St just before 7 am.
The impact was devastating, and despite the urgent medical attention she received, Walker succumbed to her critical injuries at Royal Perth Hospital.
She was the author of several award-winning novels, including Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night, and Poe’s Cat, which have touched the lives of countless readers with their depth and insight.
Born in Grafton, NSW, Walker's intellectual journey was as remarkable as her literary one.
She studied at the University of New England in Armidale before earning a PhD in English at the Australian National University.
Her academic prowess led her to Perth in 1984, where she became a Winthrop professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
The university has expressed deep sorrow over losing such a 'much-loved and respected staff member,' and students and colleagues echo this sentiment.
A former pupil, Alan Fyfe, took to social media to pay tribute to Walker, describing her as a life-changing teacher whose encouragement and astute methods left an indelible mark on his life.
'Brenda’s passing is a massive loss to Australian literature,' Fyfe wrote, acknowledging the many others who share his sentiment and have been influenced by her brilliant writing and mentorship.
She left behind a legacy of profound narratives and a heartbroken family, including her brother, Don Walker of Cold Chisel fame, and her mother, author Shirley Walker.
The driver of the vehicle, 30-year-old Brazilian national Lucas Martins Da Silva, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody.
CCTV footage and multiple eyewitness accounts formed part of the evidence against him.
Credit: YouTube
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Michael Cole and Brenda Walker and all who feel the weight of this loss.
May they rest in peace.
Known for his pivotal role in the groundbreaking series The Mod Squad and his later work on General Hospital.
The Australian literary community is also in mourning following the tragic and untimely death of one of its most esteemed members.
An award-winning author and a beacon of the Australian literary scene was killed in a horrific incident at Kings Park in Perth.
Michael Cole's passing was confirmed by his representative, Rachel Harris, who stated that he 'passed away peacefully' surrounded by loved ones after a 'full and vibrant life.'
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the legacy he leaves behind is indelible.
His breakout role came in the late 1960s with The Mod Squad, an ABC action series ahead of its time.
Michael Cole, known for a famous role in The Mod Squad, passed away at 84. Credit: Facebook
The show, which ran from 1968 to 1973, followed three young undercover cops, played by Cole, Clarence Williams III, and Peggy Lipton, as they navigated the complexities of law enforcement while tackling contemporary social issues.
The series did not shy away from discussions on racial and social justice.
Cole's portrayal of Pete Cochran, a troubled youth who found purpose and redemption through his work on the squad, resonated with audiences and cemented his place in television history.
His character, Cochran, symbolised the era's youth counterculture, and his performance earned the show a trio of consecutive Golden Globe nominations for best TV drama.
The cultural impact of The Mod Squad was such that in 1979, Cole and his co-stars reunited for the TV movie The Return of Mod Squad, rekindling the magic that captivated viewers a decade earlier.
After The Mod Squad, Cole's career continued to flourish.
He graced the small screen with appearances in beloved series such as Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, CHIPs, Murder, She Wrote, and 7th Heaven.
In the early '90s, he took on a recurring role in the medical drama General Hospital, playing Harlan Barrett across more than 60 episodes.
Beyond his screen presence, Cole was also an author.
He shared his life and career experiences in his 2018 memoir, I Played the White Guy.
His final acting role was in the 2010 short film Father's Day, but his influence extended far beyond his on-screen appearances.
Cole was described as having a 'warm and generous spirit,' He was known for his wit, charm, and compassion.
He was a storyteller, often sharing anecdotes and wisdom from his remarkable journey, bringing joy and a sense of specialness to those around him.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, the tranquillity of Kings Park was shattered.
Brenda Walker, 67, was crossing Kings Park Road when she was struck by a speeding Toyota Yaris hatchback near Outram St just before 7 am.
The impact was devastating, and despite the urgent medical attention she received, Walker succumbed to her critical injuries at Royal Perth Hospital.
Award-winning Australian author Brenda Walker died in an accident at Kings Park, Perth. Credit: Facebook
She was the author of several award-winning novels, including Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night, and Poe’s Cat, which have touched the lives of countless readers with their depth and insight.
Born in Grafton, NSW, Walker's intellectual journey was as remarkable as her literary one.
She studied at the University of New England in Armidale before earning a PhD in English at the Australian National University.
Her academic prowess led her to Perth in 1984, where she became a Winthrop professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
The university has expressed deep sorrow over losing such a 'much-loved and respected staff member,' and students and colleagues echo this sentiment.
A former pupil, Alan Fyfe, took to social media to pay tribute to Walker, describing her as a life-changing teacher whose encouragement and astute methods left an indelible mark on his life.
'Brenda’s passing is a massive loss to Australian literature,' Fyfe wrote, acknowledging the many others who share his sentiment and have been influenced by her brilliant writing and mentorship.
She left behind a legacy of profound narratives and a heartbroken family, including her brother, Don Walker of Cold Chisel fame, and her mother, author Shirley Walker.
The driver of the vehicle, 30-year-old Brazilian national Lucas Martins Da Silva, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody.
CCTV footage and multiple eyewitness accounts formed part of the evidence against him.
Credit: YouTube
May they rest in peace.
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