Carole Cook dead: Sixteen Candles actress and Lucille Ball protege dies at 98
Heather Hamilton
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Actress Carole Cook died Wednesday in Beverly Hills, California just three days shy of her 99th birthday.
Cook’s husband Tom Troupe told Deadline that she died of heart failure at the age of 98.
She is perhaps best remembered as “Grandma Helen” in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles.
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The actress was born Mildred Frances Cook but changed her name after Lucille Ball suggested doing so. Ball proposed the name Carole in honor of movie star Carole Lombard, telling Cook: “Like her, you have the same healthy disrespect for all things in general.”
Cook worked alongside Ball on The Lucy Show from 1963-68, appearing in 18 episodes and often playing the role of Lucy Carmichael’s friend Thelma Green, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
She also starred in 1964’s The Incredible Mr. Limpet.
Cook’s career also featured three turns on Broadway, including originating the role of Blanche Daly in Romantic Comedy. She also starred as Maggie Jones in the Tony Award-winning musical 42nd Street.
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She also guest-starred on Grey’s Anatomy.
Cook is reportedly survived by her husband, stepson Christopher Troupe, and his wife, Regina Cocanougher. To honor Cook, the family has requested that donations be made to the Entertainment Community Fund in lieu of flowers.