Aussie fans mourn Mod Squad star Michael Cole after his death aged 84 and recall his infamous drunken Logies appearance

Australian fans have shared their heartfelt tributes after Mod Squad star Michael Cole died aged 84.

The American actor, who was notably the last surviving star of the 1960s police drama, passed away on Tuesday morning.

Following the sad news, his fans quickly took to social media to share kind words about the star and fondly remember his years starring in Mod Squad.

But many Australians also remembered him for an entirely different reason, arguing that he was better known Down Under for delivering one of the ‘best Logies moments ever’.

Michael made history in 1973 when he became the first person to say “s**t” during a live broadcast during a car crash.

More than 2,000 Aussies stuck in people’s minds and complained when his speech was removed from the replay of another broadcast later that same week.

Recalling the now infamous moment after his death, one fan lovingly wrote, “RIP Michael Cole. Made for one of the best Logies moments ever.’

While another Australian said: ‘RIP Michael Cole. Remembered by many Australians for saying the s-word at the Logies.’

Other fans looked back more broadly on his years starring in Mod Squad when they shared tributes to X, formerly known as Titter.

“Man, I watched Mod Squad as a kid. I thought they were all so cool. RIP Michael Cole,” someone tweeted.

Another wrote: “Rest in peace Michael Cole, the cool hip star of the hit TV series The Mod Squad!”

A third commented: ‘It was my favorite…and I watched it every week.…RIP Michael Cole…’

While another added: ‘The 3 coolest cops ever…Pete, Julie and Linc together again. RIP Michael Cole.”

Michael’s representatives confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, writing that he passed away peacefully while “surrounded by his loved ones.”

The American actor was notably the last surviving star of the 1960s police drama, but is also remembered by Australians for making history by saying ‘s**t’ during the live broadcast of Logies in 1973.

Michael’s representatives confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, writing that he passed away peacefully while “surrounded by his loved ones” (he is pictured in 2005)

They praised the star, who played Pete Cochran in hit crime drama The Mod Squad, for ‘living a full and vibrant life’.

“Cole’s talent, combined with his magnetic presence, made him a defining figure of the era,” a statement read.

‘The Mod Squad not only made him a household name, but also broke barriers by addressing themes of racial and social justice, with Cole’s performance helping to bring authenticity and heart to the series.

“Beyond his career, Michael Cole will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit.

“Known by friends and family for his humor, charm and boundless compassion, he brought joy to every room he entered.

‘He was a storyteller through and through and knew how to make those around him feel special, often surprising them with anecdotes from his Hollywood days or sharing the wisdom of his remarkable journey.

“While his loss is deeply felt, his contributions to the arts and his enduring kindness ensure that his memory lives on.”

Michael is survived by his third wife, Shelley Funes, whom he married in 1996, and his children from his first two marriages.

Michael (right) played Pete Cochran in the hit crime drama The Mod Squad alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III for five seasons from 1968 to 1973

A cause of death has not yet been given.

Michael was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1940 and began his acting career in the mid-1960s.

After landing roles in Gunsmoke, Chuka and The Bubble, he made his breakthrough in Hollywood with his role as Peter ‘Pete’ Cochran, an undercover agent with The Mod Squad.

The show aired for five seasons, from 1968 to 1973.

He starred alongside Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III. Cole was the last living Mod Squad star when Peggy died in 2019 and Clarence died in 2021.

In 1990, he played the adult Henry Bowers in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

He also played Harlan Barrett on General Hospital and his last credit was in the 2008 made-for-TV movie Grave Misconduct.

In his 2009 memoir, I Played the White Guy, he offered a candid look back at his decades-long career in Hollywood.