Dennis Cole
USABiography of Dennis Cole
Dennis Cole was an American actor who began his career as a model for sports magazines before transitioning to television. Born and raised in Detroit on July 19, 1940, Dennis had a challenging upbringing. His father, Joseph Cole, was a well-known musician in the 1940s and 1950s but struggled with alcoholism, as did Dennis's mother. When he was young, his parents divorced, and his father later tragically took his own life.
Despite his troubled family background, Dennis found success in the entertainment industry. He started his acting career with small roles, but his breakthrough came when he portrayed a detective in an episode of the crime drama "Felony Squad," which aired from 1966 to 1969 on ABC. He then gained recognition for his role as stuntman Davy Evans in the series "Bracken's World" during the 1969-1970 season.
In 1971, Dennis starred in the western series "Bearcats!" alongside Australian actor Rod Taylor. The show, set in the early 20th century and centered around a $2,000 sports car, lasted for 13 episodes. Throughout his career, Dennis appeared as a guest star in various popular television shows, including "Murder, She Wrote," "Mike Hammer," "Charlie's Angels," "Fantasy Island," "Police Story," and "Medical Center."
From 1981 to 1982, he played Lance Prentiss in the soap opera "The Young and the Restless," which first aired in 1973 and continues to this day. Dennis made his final television appearance in 1998 in an episode of "Pacific Blue."
However, Dennis faced personal struggles throughout his life, including three failed marriages and chronic alcoholism, which led to the end of his Hollywood career. His second wife was actress Jacqueline Smith, known for her role as Kelly Garrett in "Charlie's Angels."
In a tragic turn of events, Dennis's only son, Joe Cole, from his first marriage to Sarah Bergeon, was killed in a robbery in 1991 at the age of 30. The crime remains unsolved. Devastated by his son's death, Dennis distanced himself from projects involving violence and ultimately retired from acting.
After his retirement, Dennis married for the third time to Marjorie Fritz and relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, they established "Celebrity Realty, Inc.," a real estate agency. Despite his personal troubles, Dennis actively supported charitable organizations for over 20 years, particularly those focused on cancer research and helping sick children.
On November 2, 2007, Dennis Cole made headlines when he was arrested for obstructing justice. He barricaded himself in his own home during a divorce proceeding, which raised suspicions of domestic violence. The police had to forcibly remove him from the house and place him under arrest.
Dennis Cole passed away on November 15, 2009, at the age of 69, due to kidney failure. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, he left behind a legacy as a successful actor and a devoted advocate for charitable causes.
