Dennis Cole was born on July 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up, he developed a love for sports and fitness, which led him to pursue a career as a model for men's fitness magazines. However, it wasn't long before he discovered a passion for acting and decided to try his hand at pursuing a career in Hollywood.
In the 1960s, Dennis Cole landed his breakout role as Detective Jim Briggs on the ABC crime drama series Felony Squad. His charismatic presence and strong acting skills quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to roles on other popular TV shows such as Fantasy Island and Trapper John, M.D.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Dennis Cole faced a devastating personal tragedy when his son, Joe, was shot dead during a robbery. This heartbreaking event deeply impacted Cole and led him to make the difficult decision to cease working on acting projects that contained violence.
Throughout his life, Dennis Cole was married and divorced three times. Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, he remained dedicated to his craft as an actor and continued to entertain audiences with his talent and charm.
Though Dennis Cole's career was cut short by personal tragedy, his contributions to the world of television will always be remembered. His performances on shows like Murder, She Wrote, where he made a guest appearance alongside Angela Lansbury, showcased his versatility as an actor and left a lasting impact on viewers.