Carole Cook is dead but not forgotten as the seasoned Broadway, and TV star who played Lucille Ball’s protégé took her last breath in Beverly Hills, her husband confirmed. Cook’s birth name was Mildred Frances Cook. She was one of Leland Preston Cook Sr. and Maudine’s four kids.
The Grey’s Anatomy star started acting in 1959, becoming a Broadway favorite before moving on to TV. One of her off-Broadway works was starring as Lotte Lenya in “The Threepenny Opera,” That same year, she featured on an episode of “Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse.” At age 39, she debuted her first film role in “Palm Springs.”
Simultaneously, Cook made guest appearances, working closely with Lucille Ball on “The Lucy Show,” When it ended in 1968, she still delighted fans in the revival, “Here’s Lucy.” As the years rolled by, the Texas native continued to work, maintaining her popularity in TV shows including “Murder, She Wrote,” “U.S. Marshal,” and the medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Sadly, the world woke up to an unexpected headline—Carol Cook Dead. But as many mourn, the legendary star will continue to be in their hearts, thanks to her contributions to the industry.
Carole Cook, a veteran actress beloved for her work on stage and screen, with credits including the 1984 John Hughes comedy “Sixteen Candles,” has died at 98, according to a statement from her agent. https://t.co/hkpvmIhYJN
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) January 12, 2023
Carole Cook Dead At 98
On January 11, 2022, Carole Cook passed away in Beverly Hills. The veteran star was three days shy of her 99th birthday, but sadly, she suffered a heart failure that ended her life suddenly. The “Steel Magnolia” star left behind a loving family, including her husband Tom Troupe, whom she worked with on two productions—”The Lion in Winter” and “The Gin Game.”
The CBS star is also survived by her stepson Christopher Troupe and his wife, Becky, as well as her sister, Regina Cocanougher, and a host of nieces and nephews. Carole Cook may be dead, but the world will continue to remember her charming personality, acting prowess, and the new definition she gave to friendship. She and Ball had the most enviable relationship. Though the women were friends and co-stars, Cook saw a mentor in her teammate.
Ball advised her to change her name as a tribute to her friend, comedienne Carole Lombard. When their friendship began, the red-haired beauty looked out for her friend. Cook recalled in a 2022 interview:
The actress followed this advice and made an enormous success out of her career, and even after Ball’s death, she cherished their bond.
