Carole Cook was a talented American actress who graced the stage and screen for over six decades. With her charming personality and distinctive acting skills, she gained immense popularity and admiration from fans and critics alike. Let's take a look at her life, career, and achievements. (January 14, 1924 – January 11, 2023)
Early life
Carole Cook was born on January 14, 1924, in Abilene, Texas, as Mildred Frances Cook, to Leland Preston (L.P.) Cook Sr. and Maudine. She developed a passion for acting and studied Greek drama at Baylor University. After graduation, she worked in regional theatre and made her theatrical debut in New York in 1954.
Film and television
Cook's career took off after she caught the eye of Lucille Ball, who offered her a job in her production company, Desilu Studios. Cook appeared on several episodes of Ball's popular
television shows, including The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. She also landed significant roles in feature films such as The Incredible Mr. Limpet, American Gigolo, Sixteen Candles, and Grandview, U.S.A. Cook's versatility as an actress earned her various roles in television shows like Darkroom, Knight Rider, Emergency!, Magnum, P.I., McMillan and Wife, Murder, She Wrote, Dynasty, Charlie's Angels, Cagney & Lacey, Grey's Anatomy, and many more.
Theatre
Cook's achievements in theatre are equally impressive. She starred in the original Broadway productions of 42nd Street, Romantic Comedy, and Hello, Dolly!, where she was the second actress after Carol Channing to play the role of Dolly Levi. She also made her theatrical debut in the 1956 off-Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, playing the role of Mrs. Peacham, which starred Lotte Lenya.
Personal life
Cook was married to actor and writer Tom Troupe from 1964 until her death in 2023. Lucille B
all was her matron of honor at the wedding. Cook was known for her witty remarks and a quick sense of humor, but in 2018, she made headlines for her controversial statement. When a reporter asked her opinion about an actor who grabbed a Trump 2020 sign during a performance of the musical Frozen, she replied, "Where's John Wilkes Booth when you need him?" Her comment received widespread criticism.
Carole Cook was an accomplished actress who won the hearts of audiences with her talent and charm. Her contribution to theatre and film will always be remembered. She passed away on January 11, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California, due to heart failure at the age of 98.
Filmography
Throughout her career, Cook appeared in several films, television shows, and theatre productions. Some of her most notable works include:
Film
The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964)
American Gigolo (1980)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Grandview, U.S.A. (1984)
Summer Lovers (1982)
Palm Springs Weekend (1963)
Television
The Lucy Show (1963–1968)
Here's Lucy (1968–1974)
Darkroom (1981)
Knight Rider (1985)
Emergency! (1974–1977)
Magnum, P.I. (1981)
McMillan & Wife (1976)
Murder, She Wrote (1985–1991)
Dynasty (1986)
Charlie's Angels (1980)
Cagney & Lacey (1982)
Grey's Anatomy (2008)
Theatre
The Threepenny Opera (1956)
42nd Street (1980)
Romantic Comedy (1979)
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