Dennis Cole was an American actor known for his roles in The Felony Squad, Charlie’s Angels, and Murder, She Wrote. He had a successful career in television during the 1960s and 1970s, though his life was marked by personal tragedies and struggles.
Personal and Family Life
Dennis Cole was born on July 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. He faced a challenging childhood, as his parents divorced when he was young, and his father later committed suicide. Cole was married three times, including to actress Jaclyn Smith from 1978 to 1981. He had one son, Joe Cole, who tragically died in 1991 during a robbery attempt.
Career Highlights
Cole began his acting career in the daytime soap Paradise Bay in 1965, but rose to fame with his role as Detective Jim Briggs in The Felony Squad. He made numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows and also had a brief film career. Despite his good looks and talent, he struggled to transition to film and faced challenges due to personal issues, including a battle with alcohol.
Death and Legacy
Dennis Cole passed away on November 15, 2009, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from liver failure at the age of 69. His career was notable for his charm and performances in various television series, leaving behind a legacy that is remembered by his fans. Despite the hardships in his life, his contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Zombie Death House | 1988-12-01 | Derek Keillor |
| Cave-In! | 1983-06-19 | Ranger Gene Pearson |
| Dead End City | 1988-12-06 | Chief Felker |
| Wheels of Fire | 1985-04-11 | Harlan |
| Powderkeg | 1971-04-16 | Johnny Reach |
| The Connection | 1973-02-27 | Sy McGruder |
| Amateur Night | 1986-01-02 | Max Caan (Talent Scout) |
| The Comancheros | 1961-12-16 | Blonde Youth (uncredited) |
| Fatal Encounter | 1990-01-01 | Raymond Kirschner |
| Pretty Smart | 1987-03-13 | Richard Crawley |
| The Captive: The Longest Drive 2 | 1976-09-22 | Stormer |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Mitch Mercer |
| The A-Team | 1983-01-23 | Charles Lake |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | Dennis Kingsley |
| Charlie’s Angels | 1976-09-22 | Tony Bordinay |
| Felony Squad | 1966-09-12 | Det. Jim Briggs |