January 14 1924 - January 11, 2023

Born Miildred Frances Cook in Abilene, Texas, Carole was discovered in 1958 by Lucille Ball who put her under contract at Desilu and promptly changed her name after her dear friend Carole Lombard. Carole became Lucy's protege and appeared for years alongside her mentor on Here’s Lucy and The Lucy Show, even dubbing her voice on occasion when Lucy had to make singing appearances. 

In 1965 Carole went on to be the second actress to ever play the title role of Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!. She later originated the role of Blanche Dailey in Romantic Comedy on Broadway as well as Maggie Jones in the original Broadway production of 42nd Street.

On screen Carole was best known for her iconic portrayal of "Grandma Helen" in the 80's classic Sixteen Candles as well as "Mrs. Dobrun," the mature client of Richard Gere, in American Gigolo. From Laverne and Shirley and Murder She Wrote to Dynasty and Grey’s Anatomy, Carole was a fixture in Hollywood well into her 90's.