On December 10, the late actor, who made his mark as Pete Cochran in the 1960s police drama, died quietly “surrounded by his loved ones after living a full and vibrant life,” according to his publicist in a press release.

According to the statement, Cole’s talent and magnetic presence made him a defining figure of the era. “The Mod Squad not only made him a household star, but it also broke new ground by addressing issues of racial and social justice, with Cole’s acting adding authenticity and heart to the series.

Beyond his career, people will remember Michael Cole for his warm and generous spirit, according to the statement. “He was well-known among friends and family for his humor, charisma, and infinite compassion, and he brightened up every room he visited. A storyteller at heart, he had a knack for making people around him feel special, either entertaining them with memories from his Hollywood days or giving advice from his extraordinary journey.”

His contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure his memory will live on, despite the deep pain of his loss.

Cole was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and rose to notoriety with his breakout performance as Cochran in the late 1960s. The Mod Squad featured three “hippie” undercover detectives with “checkered pasts to infiltrate the counterculture and nail the adult criminals preying on clueless young Southern Californians,” according to the show’s official logline.

Their “youth squad” included three members: Peter, “whose wealthy parents kicked him out of their posh Beverly Hills home; Linc, a survivor of the ghetto; and Julie, a former hooker arrested for vagrancy.”

In addition to being a household celebrity, Cole’s portrayal frequently explored racial and social justice as the series addressed current societal concerns. The sitcom ran for five seasons, from 1968 to 1973, and featured Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III.

Cole went on to appear in Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman, and The Love Boat following the conclusion of The Mod Squad. In 1990, he portrayed adult Henry Bowers in Stephen King’s It miniseries adaptation. He also portrayed Harlan Barrett at General Hospital.

Cole also published a book, I Played the White Guy, in 2009, in which he discussed his decades-long career and provided a thorough description of his Hollywood experiences.

According to a press statement, Cole leaves behind his wife, Shelley; children; and a “wide circle of friends, family, and admirers.”