The Mod Squad was a popular Crime Drama that ran during the late 1960′s and early 1970′s. I remember watching it with my parents when I was a young kid and would bet that I have not seen the show at all over the past nearly 4 decades. The show centered on three young, hip, crime-fighters played by Michael Cole, Clarence Williams III, and Peggy Lipton. The show was nominated for Six Emmy Awards and Eight Golden Globe Awards during it’s run. Peggy Lipton won the 1971 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama.
The show ended in 1973 when I was just 8 years old.
So, where are The Mod Squad Actors today?
Michael Cole (Pete Cochran) continued active in Television over the years, appearing on shows such as “The Love Boat”, “Fantasy Island”, “Chips”, “Vegas”, “7th Heaven”, “ER”, and many others. He also appeared in the recent Kevin Costner film “Mr. Brooks”.
Clarence Williams III (Lincoln Hayes) is a well-respected character actor in films and on Television. His TV credits include shows such as “Hill Street Blues”, “Miami Vice”, “Cold Case”, “Law and Order”, “Everybody Hates Chris”, “Burn Notice” and many others. He has appeared in films such as “Purple Rain”, “American Gangster”, “The General’s Daughter”, “Reindeer Games”, “Life” and many others.
Peggy Lipton (Julie Barnes) married Music Producer Quincy Jones in 1974 and retired from acting to raise a family. She and Quincy Jones divorced in 1990. She returned to acting and appeared in TV shows such as “Twin Peaks”, “Wings”, and “Rules of Engagement”. She has also appeared in films such as “Black or White”, “The Postman”, and the recent “When in Rome”. Her daughter, Rashida Jones, has appeared on TV in “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” and also co-starred in the recent hit film “I Love You, Man”.
Peggy Lipton is one of the most kind and gracious people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Our kids were in the same school while she was married to Quincy. Peggy is an amazing person not affected by her notoriety and has a wonderful sense of humor. Quincy would sometimes get annoyed by our kidding each other & bantering/ribbing each other. Don’t get me wrong Quincy has a great sense of humor. Our mutual friends at the time Joanna and her husband Sidney were constant companions were always amused by our Antics. Peggy is a hugely overlooked talent, who can hold her own against any Hollywood actress, including Ms. Streep. In fact, I like Peggy better and I have had personal experience with both of them. In addition, I used to act & produce films myself and have worked with Ms. keaton, Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Clint Eastwood, Richard Burton, Linda Evans, David Soul, Lee Marvin, etc. So, I know talent when I see it and Peggy can hold her own with the best of them. I hope she gets the opportunity to prove it and reward the rest of us by getting to be entertained. I am also a big Clarence Williams,III fan who is a gifted character actor. Never met him but enjoyed his work.
I think people should make positive comments when earned, rather than focus on the negatives, which life delivers enough of just living.