'Sixteen Candles' Star Carole Cook Dies Holding Husband's Hand 3 Days Shy of Her 99th Birthday

• Legendary actress Carole Cook passed away with her husband of 59 years by her bedside.

• She once lived with Lucille Ball and had a fruitful career.

• The actress had a 59-year-long marriage with her husband, Tom, who was a real gentleman.

Carole Cook passed away at age 98 on January 11, 2023. The actress was known for playing Grandma Helen's role in the 1980s on "Sixteen Candles" and was Lucille Ball's friend and collaborator.

One scene saw her exclaiming over Samantha, her onscreen teenage granddaughter, before grabbing the child's growing curves. The role of Samantha was played by none other than Molly Ringwald.

Others would recall Cook in "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" in 1964, where she played Bessie Limpet, Don Knotts' wife. She also starred in "Palm Springs Weekend," "Grandview, U.S.A.," "American Gigolo," "The Gauntlet," "A Very Sordid Wedding," and "Summer Lovers."

Among many series, the actress also featured in 2005's "Grey's Anatomy." Robert Malcolm, her representative, confirmed the news of her death, sharing how the star had died three days before her 99th birthday.

The star arrived in Hollywood from Texas in 1959, and her first role was on an episode of "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse." She was born Mildred Frances Cook before Ball convinced her to change her name to honor Carole Lombard, her most admired actress.

From 1963 to 1968, Cook starred alongside Ball on "The Lucy Show" for 18 episodes. She played the role of Thelma Green, Lucy Carmichael's friend, and from 1967 to 1974, she appeared in five installments of "Here's Lucy."

The late actress and Ball were good friends, and the former even lived in the latter's home after she divorced Desi Arnaz. Ball took Cook as her protégée, and she later appeared in 1980's "Magnum, P.I." and 1981's "Dynasty."

In 2004, the "Sixteen Candles" actress starred in "The Incredibles" and continued to have an active stage career and supported many AIDS charities. Luckily, the star wasn't alone when she passed on.

How Did Carole Die?

Malcolm revealed that Cook was one of his favorite clients and died from heart failure. He shared how she'd gone to the hospital but returned a week before her death, and January 14, 2023, would've been her birthday.

The late star's representative said she went peacefully with her husband by her side. He paid tribute to her by describing her as an outrageous woman who was "wonderfully gifted" but could say dirty things that never offended the listener.

Malcolm said she was lovely, incredibly talented, and loved what she did. In 1964, Ball served as Cook's matron of honor when she tied the knot with Tom Troupe, who survived along with her stepson Christopher Troupe and his wife Becky, her sister Regina, and her nephews and nieces.

On January 12, 2023, Cook's nephew, Mark Cocanougher, took to the Carole Cook Fan Club on Facebook to honor the late star. Alongside a photo of her sporting her red hair, eyebrows, and matching lipstick, Cocanougher shared:

"Carole departed in peace and comfort having lived a long and wonderful life doing the work that she loved. She made many friends, and I know they will all miss her spirit, humor, and talent on the stage, and for life in general."

Cook's nephew sadly revealed that she took her last breath at 1:58 p.m. He shared how she had been at home in her comfortable bed, with him and her husband by her side when she passed.

He [Mark Cocanougher] concluded his touching post by sharing how it was "pretty great" that [Carole] Cook would be remembered fondly.

Cocanougher said he and Tom had held each of Cook's hands as she went away peacefully. He also shared how her "loving" stepson and his wife had visited the actress and had a "wonderful" time with her on the previous Sunday.

Cook's nephew noted how having Christer and Becky visit that day was a good thing as their presence comforted all who were present. The late star was comfortable when she died, knowing she'd lived a wonderful and long life.

Cocanougher revealed that his aunt had done the work she loved and cherished. Cook had built many bonds with friends, and her nephew believed those people would miss her humor, spirit, and talent on stage.

He concluded his touching post by sharing how it was "pretty great" that Cook would be remembered fondly. The late actress had been well-loved by her husband of 59 years, who was described as a real gentleman.

Tom allegedly opened the car door for his wife on all occasions, and he always gave her his hand so they could walk side by side. Our team sends their condolences to Cook's friends and family.

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