TITLE: In memory of actress and native Texan Carole Cook.

SUMMARY: In memory of actress and native Texan Carole Cook.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family, friends, and fans across Texas and the nation mourn the loss of celebrated actress and Abilene native Carole Cook, who passed away on January 11, 2023, at the age of 98; and WHEREAS, Born Mildred Frances Cook on January 14, 1924, Carole Cook graduated in 1945 from Baylor University, where she studied Greek drama; after working in regional theater, she made it to Broadway in 1954 in a revival of Threepenny Opera;she was in a production of Kismet in Warren, Ohio, when she was contacted by legendary actress Lucille Ball, who encouraged her to travel to California to audition for her Desilu Workshop company of young actors; it was Ms. Ball who would later suggest she change her name and offered "Carole" in honor of her friend Carole Lombard, because the two shared "the same healthy disrespect for all things in general"; and WHEREAS, Ms. Cook signed with Desilu, and in 1960, she made her television debut in U.S. Marshal;known for her appearances on The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy,she had memorable turns on countless television shows, including Starsky and Hutch,Charlie's Angels,Knight Rider,Laverne and Shirley,The Love Boat,Murder, She Wrote,and Grey's Anatomy;and WHEREAS, Along the way, Ms. Cook garnered roles in numerous films; in 1963, she appeared in Palm Springs Weekend,and the following year, she costarred with Don Knotts in The Incredible Mr. Limpet;in the 1980s, she was cast in American Gigolo and Grandview, U.S.A.,and she won acclaim for her comedic role as Molly Ringwald's grandmother in Sixteen Candles;and WHEREAS, In addition to her extensive work in film and television, Ms. Cook was the star of several stage productions; she followed Carol Channing as the second actress to portray Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! and went on to perform in the original Broadway productions of Romantic Comedy and 42nd Street;moreover, she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her work on the national tour of Steel Magnolias,and in 2023, the Texas Cultural Trust honored her with its Medal of Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre; and WHEREAS, Ms. Cook married actor Tom Troupe in March 1964, and the couple enjoyed a rewarding union that spanned nearly six decades; over the years, they acted together in such plays as The Lion in Winter and Father's Day and raised money for those living with HIV/AIDS; and WHEREAS, Whether on stage, screen, or film, Carole Cook delighted audiences with humor, irreverence, and prodigious talent, and her work will forever remain a source of joy and inspiration; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Carole Cook and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her husband, Tom Troupe; to her stepson, Christopher, and his wife, Becky; to her sister, Regina; to her nieces and nephews; and to all who mourn her passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Carole Cook. Darby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 60 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 22, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House