‘The Lucy Show’ and ‘The Incredible Mr. Limpet’ star Carole Cook dies, age 98

Iconic actress and fosterling of Lucille Ball, Carole Cook, has died at the age of 98.

The star’s husband, Tom Troupe, told The Hollywood Reporter the actress had passed from heart failure on Wednesday, January 12, a mere three days before her 99th birthday.

Born Mildred Frances Cook in Abilene, Texas, on January 14, 1924, Cook rose to fame under the wing of Lucille Ball in the 1960s, who convinced Cook to change her name to Carole, after the esteemed Carole Lombard.

 

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Cook went on to appear in a 1959 episode of Ball’s Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, before going on to star in The Lucy Show as Lucy Carmichael’s friend Thelma Green as well as a number of episodes of Here’s Lucy. 

In 1964, Cook landed one of her most famed roles, starring as Bessie Limpet in The Incredible Mr. Limpet.

This led to her starring in three Broadway shows, including the 1965 production of Hello, Dolly!,  Romantic Comedy and 42nd Street.

The legendary actress’ incredible talent saw her star in a range of films and TV shows including The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, That Girl, McMillan & Wife, Chico and the Man, Magnum, P.I., Dynasty, Hart to Hart, Grey’s Anatomy, The Gauntlet, American Gigolo, Summer Lovers, and Home on the Range.

 

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Friends and fans of the acclaimed actress took to social media to share messages of condolences.

Today we lost one of the greats- Carole Cook was making people laugh since the 1950s- on TV, in movies and on stage. We became friends when we were in a Broadway play for a full year. At 98 that huge heart of hers just gave up. I love you Carole pic.twitter.com/XBJuOQLvn6

— Mia Farrow???????? (@MiaFarrow) January 12, 2023

I lost my dear friend today. Carole Cook went to that great Broadway in the sky and left us with no equal. We will never be quite the same. Thank you, Carole, for the greatest laughs! pic.twitter.com/EPqlJkVyyA

— Sharon Gless (@SharonGless) January 12, 2023

Carole Cook was THE absolute best! She would share countless stories with me about her bestie Lucille Ball and working with Don Knotts in my favorite flick The Incredible Mr. Limpet. Always vibrant & the life of the party – I will miss that red-headed ball of joy #CaroleCook pic.twitter.com/qATACu270U

— Carla Renata (@TheCurvyCritic) January 12, 2023

Carole Cook (1924 – 2023) , Rest in Peace. ????️ * 1964 image of Carole with her mentor, Lucille Ball. #CaroleCook pic.twitter.com/mc927EPUtl

— Russell Graves Jr (@Russ_Graves) January 11, 2023

The late Carole Cook, who just died at 98, was a legend for many things, not least of which THIS: pic.twitter.com/rcsKSNbG7O

— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) January 12, 2023

Cook is survived by her Husband Troupe, stepson Christopher, and his wife Becky, her sister Regina and nieces and nephews.