Carole Cook was an actress known for roles in movies and TV shows including “Sixteen Candles,” “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” and “The Lucy Show.”
- Died: January 11, 2023 (Who else died on January 11?)
- Details of death: Died in Beverly Hills, California of heart failure at the age of 98.
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Acting career
Cook’s long career was jumpstarted by Lucille Ball (1911–1989), her friend who brought her to Los Angeles and gave her roles on “The Lucy Show” and “Here’s Lucy.” In 1964, she starred opposite Don Knotts (1924–2006) in “The Incredible Mr. Limpet.” One of Cook’s best-remembered roles was in “Sixteen Candles,” playing Grandma Helen. Her other movies included “American Gigolo” and “Grandville, U.S.A.” Also a prolific stage actress, Cook originated the role of Maggie Joes in “42nd Street” on Broadway and continued in the touring cast. Her other Broadway shows included “Romantic Comedy,” and she was the second actress after Carol Channing (1921–2019) to play the title role in “Hello, Dolly!” Cook was widely seen on TV for decades, including a recurring role on “Dynasty” as Cora Van Husen as well as guest appearances on such shows as “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” “Chico and the Man,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Knight Rider,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Cook on her favorite roles
“I can’t really say. It’d be like a mother saying she prefers one child to another. However, I did love playing Dolly Levi. She’s such a strong character and doesn’t follow the rules. I did ‘Hello Dolly’ in Australia for two years. I had a blast doing ‘Grease.’ I mean I got to ride a donkey and be a smart-ass—perfect for me. I loved the role that I played on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ because it meant something. … For the movies, I had a ball on ‘Sixteen Candles’ and working with Richard Gere in ‘American Gigolo’ … well, it was Richard Gere. I love him.” —from an interview for Queer Voices
Tributes to Carole Cook
Full obituary: People
