Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Carole Cook, a favorite of famed comedienne Lucille Ball who notched up a stellar resume including numerous turns on Broadway and decades-spanning appearances in popular films, died on Wednesday at the age of 98.
Cook’s husband,actor Tom Troupe, 94, said the cause of death was heart failure, according to multiple reports. She would have turned 99 on Saturday.
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Originally from Abilene, Texas, Cook — born Mildred Frances Cook — was brought to Los Angeles on the behest of Ball, who met with her and eventually helped establish her stage name. The fellow actors worked together onThe Lucy Showfrom 1963 to 1968 as well as spinoffHere’s Lucyfrom 1969 to 1974, and remained close friends through Ball’s death in 1989.
Cook’s standout credits on stage included the role of Maggie Jones in the Tony Award-winning musical42nd Street,as well as Blanche Dailey in Broadway’sRomantic Comedy.
In film, in addition toSixteen Candles, she will be well-remembered as Don Knotts' wife Bessie Limpet in 1964’sThe Incredible Mr. Limpet, as well as a host of appearances in titles includingAmerican Gigolo,Palm Springs Weekend, The Gauntlet, Grandview, U.S.A., Summer LoversandA Very Sordid Wedding.
Cook also made her mark in television as well, appearing in the the long-running seriesGrey’s Anatomy, among others.
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“Where’s John Wilkes Booth when you need him?” was her comment, when the outlet asked about an incident regarding a Trump banner unfurled at a theater performance in Los Angeles.
source: people.com
