I Played the White Guy

by Michael Cole

In his raw and unflinching memoir, Michael Cole, co-star of ABC’s iconic show, THE MOD SQUAD writes about his role as Pete Cochran in the groundbreaking program that dealt with issues never before seen on television - racism, drug abuse, child abuse, the Vietnam War.

Michael gives an often humorous and always brutally honest account of his life, his career, his meteoric highs and suicidal lows. For the first time, he reveals what it was like to be famous, idolized by millions, and recognized all over the world, while at the same time struggling with internal demons - insecurities fostered by abandonment and rejection, and fueled by alcohol. Readers will find his Hollywood stories entertaining, but it is the author’s hope that others will be inspired by his story of redemption as he continues to cherish his life one day at a time.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2018

About the author

Michael Cole (born July 3, 1940) is an American actor. He is known for his role as Pete Cochran on the television crime drama The Mod Squad (1968–1973).

Reviews

[Jamie McSorley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly written. I think this is how I would describe this book to someone who asked me about it. While I am what you would call a FAN of Mr. Cole, I never imagined feeling the raw emotion I feel after reading this book. Michael has literally opened the door to his soul here and it is so well written and so beautifully told, it is as if you were having a conversation with him rather than reading a book about him. When someone lets you in and allows you to really SEE them for who they are, their dreams, their fears, their imperfections....they are trusting you with all that they are. This is so much more than a memoir. It is a gift of trust and love and faith and hope. It is a story of life long pain and then a final step into dealing with that pain so that the one thing in your life that matters the most, being loved by someone, can finally take the place of that pain. Thank you for your bravery here Michael. Thank you for trusting us with your story and perhaps even inspiring others. LOVE was on the other side of your pain and I thank God you found it.

[Laura Ogorzat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and just couldn’t put it down! “I Played the White Guy” is the story of Michael Cole of “The Mod Squad”. His childhood was far from idyllic as he describes in this raw and honest retrospective. He describes his struggles with abandonment, alcoholism and sudden fame and loss. His loving relationship with his co-stars that has lasted to this day speaks volumes as to why the Mod Squad was so successful as well as the ground breaking material the show covered over its five year run. This book also includes a beautiful love story as he describes meeting his dear wife Shelley and how she helped to turn his life around. The author writes as if he is sitting next to you telling you a story, from the first page I wanted to sit and listen some more!

[Jennifer Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of love. This is a story of love so deep as to conquer a 40 year addiction. In this story Mr. Cole gives us an honest look at humanity, youth,and the gift of imperfection. A courageous and relatable trip through the detours a life takes. The author writes with an empathetic vulnerability that makes for great realism. The characters are fully human especially his brother, mother, and amazingly strong wife, who ultimately gives him the final push to reach the mountaintop. It's engaging, heartbreaking and uncomfortable, but also warm, uplifting and gives you faith in the human spirit. One might even believe they're a better person for having read it.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite shows when I was a teen was The Mod Squad. In this book, Michael Cole, who 'played the white guy' doesn't hold anything back from his tough childhood that fired his anger and alcoholism during his teen years and inspired his portrayal of Pete Cochran. Great reading.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many young girls in the late sixties, I loved The Mod Squad, including actor Michael Cole. Several years ago, I read his costar, Peggy Lipton's autobiography and it was really good. This one, however, is dismal. It's basically just more like a pamphlet for AA, as the only thing he discusses in any detail is his drinking and getting sober eventually. While that is all well and good, I wuld have liked more about his life and working years. He glosses over all relationships, other than his third and current wife, and even that is barely covered. An example, he and the current wife were both diagnosed with and recovered from cancer in a single short paragraph of the book!! Bottom line, I wouldn't tell anyone to bother reading this at all. Also, it's cheaply printed and the photos are blurry black and whites.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful Read on a Favorite Actor

When I was in my teens, I loved watching actor Michael Cole in "The Mod Squad". His acting was so intense, that I literally got cold chills. Reading Mr. Cole's biography was an eye opening heart sending experience in to his private innermost self. Mr. Cole's life was tough, growing up poor,becoming an alcoholic and fighting his inner demons could have taken their toll on any person.But it is his courage and sensitivity that
Shine through the story. Kudos to Mr. Cole for this insightful book!

[Margot Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t get past Michael Cole’s blatantly false claim that he attended a large party in 1968 hosted by Roman Polanski and his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, at their Hollywood Hills house the night before Sharon Tate was murdered.

First, he gets the year wrong (she was killed in 1969, not 1968). Secondly, by all accounts Polanski was out of the country when she was murdered, certainly not hosting a party at home the night before the murder.

Hard to take the rest of this memoir seriously in light of the above.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this one in bits and pieces. In all honesty, I know Michael and Shelley and love them dearly. It was hard for me to read about all the struggles that he had growing up which is why I couldn’t read it all at once. I will say that reading this book is like having a conversation with Michael. I felt like he was telling us all a story. And then of course I teared up a little when it got to Shelley’s chapter! So proud of you both!! Mod Squad fans will not be disappointed. :)

[Seth Arnopole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t expect me to be objective - this man is a member of my family, and I love him dearly. I can say that I Played the White Guy (the perfect title for this autobiography) captures Michael’s voice effectively. Many of the stories are new to me, so it’s nice to get to read them and learn more about his life.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book. I was a big Mod Squad fan back in the day. Michaels' life was not what I expected...hard life growing up. I'm glad he met the love of his life and is happy now. Also was happy to read he has reconciled with his children. In the end, it's all about love, family, and friends.

[Yolanda Rodriguez Byrd]

Loved reading this book about my very first Hollywood crush. Warts and all. Felt more like being in the middle of a conversation than reading a book. I was saddened when I had reached the end, I enjoyed it so.

[Lucilia Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it was nostalgia kicking in, but I loved this, just as I loved Michael in the Mod Squad and all his made-for-tv movies :)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot be objective. I love Michael Cole. And what comes through in his raw, simple narrative are all of the reasons why I'm justified in loving him and his work. As a fan of the Mod Squad, I will watch episodes in the future through the prism of Michael's story, which was gut wrenching, hilarious, frightening, and inspiring. It is a short little book and I read it on Kindle--I just kept scrolling and before I knew it, it was over!

[Mary Plaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very rare to read a book that grabs your attention from the beginning to the end. This book accomplishes that and more. Michael Cole opens his heart and his life to his readers, and he holds nothing back. From his poor beginnings to international stardom, his struggles with addiction and how he overcame that to become the man he is today is a tribute to his inner strength and determination to succeed. Wonderfully written, it is sad, humorous and uplifting. I highly recommend this book.