Dennis Cole was the kind of actor who seemed tailor-made for Hollywood stardom in the 1970s—handsome, muscular, and undeniably charismatic. With his all-American looks and a physique that could rival any action hero’s, Dennis Cole had everything going for him. Before stepping into the spotlight, he actually started out as an athletic model, appearing on the covers of various muscle magazines—a fact that certainly helped launch his entertainment career.
It wasn’t long before Dennis Cole transitioned from modeling to acting, initially taking on stunt work and minor roles. But things changed dramatically in 1966 when he landed the lead role of rookie cop Jim Briggs on the popular detective series The Felony Squad. That role put Dennis Cole squarely in the public eye and marked the beginning of his rise as a TV star. Over the course of the show’s three-season run, Dennis Cole became a familiar face in American households, known for his charm and rugged presence.
Throughout the ‘70s, Dennis Cole continued to build his resume, often portraying strong, good-looking characters on television. He starred in short-lived but notable series like Bearcats! and Bracken’s World, further cementing his image as a dependable leading man—even if mainstream movie stardom remained just out of reach. Off-screen, his high-profile marriage to Jaclyn Smith, famously known from Charlie’s Angels, brought even more attention to Dennis Cole. Though the relationship ended in divorce, it kept his name in the headlines during a pivotal time in his career.
As the years went by, Dennis Cole found himself increasingly cast in low-budget action films—projects that, unfortunately, didn’t do much to elevate his status in Hollywood. By then, the industry’s perception of Dennis Cole as a former heartthrob began to fade. A far more painful chapter came in 1991 when Dennis Cole’s only son, Joey, was tragically murdered during a robbery attempt. The devastating loss deeply affected Dennis Cole, leading him to step away from roles involving violence—a decision that significantly limited the types of parts available to him.
Eventually, Dennis Cole made the choice to retire from acting in the early 2000s. Seeking a new path, he shifted gears and launched a real estate business in Florida, staying away from the limelight he once inhabited. Dennis Cole passed away in 2009 due to renal failure, leaving behind a legacy defined by both promise and personal hardship. Despite never quite reaching the A-list heights some predicted, Dennis Cole remains a memorable figure from a transformative era in television history.
When it comes to Dennis Cole’s film career, his highest rated movie stands out as a real highlight, showcasing the best of his work on screen. Over the years, fans and critics alike have taken notice of Dennis Cole’s performances, and among all the films he’s been in, there’s one that consistently receives top marks. On the flip side, Dennis Cole has also had roles in movies that didn’t quite hit the same high notes—his lowest rated film tends to come up in discussions about where the story or execution may have fallen short. While Dennis Cole brought talent and dedication to every project, the contrast between his highest and lowest rated movies really reflects the ups and downs that can come with a long-standing career in Hollywood. Dennis Cole certainly made his mark, and looking at these two extremes gives a clearer picture of his journey as an actor.