Kent McCord- A Look At His Life And Work
There are some individuals who leave a lasting impression on the entertainment world, someone whose presence on screen feels genuinely familiar. We are going to take a closer look at a person who spent many years bringing characters to life for audiences everywhere. His journey from a young man with a different career path in mind to a recognized face on television and in films is quite interesting, too it's almost a story about unexpected turns and lasting friendships.
This individual, a Los Angeles native, found himself drawn into a profession that was perhaps not his first thought when he was younger. His early days saw him pursuing an interest in physical fitness and coaching, a path that would eventually lead him to a pivotal moment where he crossed paths with someone who would become a very close companion, and that person helped open the door to a whole new way of life. It’s a story that shows how one meeting can truly change everything for someone, you know?
From playing a dedicated police officer on a popular show to appearing in movies that made people laugh or sit on the edge of their seats, this actor made his mark. He also kept up with other passions, like being involved with the Screen Actors Guild and enjoying the excitement of race car events. His story, in a way, is about more than just acting; it’s about a full life, filled with various pursuits and relationships that mattered, so it's a good one to hear about.
Table of Contents
- Early Life of Kent McCord
- Personal Details About Kent McCord
- How Did Kent McCord Start Acting?
- Memorable Roles and Kent McCord On Screen
- Kent McCord Beyond the Camera
- What About Kent McCord and His Time on Adam-12?
- A Look at Kent McCord and His Personal Connections
- Where Can You Find More About Kent McCord?
Early Life of Kent McCord
The person we are talking about, Kent Franklin McWhirter, came into the world in Los Angeles, California, on September 26, 1942. His mom and dad were Bert and Laura McWhirter, and they raised him in a place that would later become the center of his working life. When he was a young man, he had a different kind of ambition, actually. He pictured himself as someone who would teach physical education and coach football. This was a pretty clear goal for him, and he worked toward it, you know, by going to school.
He started his higher learning at Citrus Junior College. Then, in 1961, he made the choice to move his studies over to the University of Southern California. This shift was all part of his plan to get the knowledge and abilities he needed to pursue his chosen path in sports education. Little did he know, this move would lead him to something quite different, something that would shape his whole future, so it's interesting how things turn out, isn't it? His time there was, in some respects, more than just about books and classes; it was about meeting people.
Personal Details About Kent McCord
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kent Franklin McWhirter |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Parents | Bert McWhirter, Laura McWhirter |
| Spouse | Cynthia Lee Doty |
| Education | Citrus Junior College, University of Southern California |
| Occupation | Retired American Actor |
How Did Kent McCord Start Acting?
It's fascinating how a simple invitation can change the entire direction of a person's working life, and that's pretty much what happened for Kent McCord. Back in February of 1961, while he was still at the University of Southern California, a friend of his asked him if he would like to take part in a touch football game. Now, this wasn't just any regular game of football, actually. It turned out to be a rather special event, the kind that only happens once in a while, you know?
This particular game had some truly well-known people involved. Kent McCord found himself playing on a group led by Ricky Nelson, a famous singer and actor of the time. And if that wasn't enough, the group they were playing against was going to be led by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Imagine that, playing football with such big names! It must have been quite the experience for him, and it definitely stood out, I mean, it's not every day you get to do something like that, is it?
As a direct result of being part of this very special football game, Kent McCord began to build a strong bond with Ricky Nelson. Their connection grew quickly, and it was this very friendship that, almost immediately, led to Kent's very first chance to get into the acting business. So, what started as a casual game of football turned into the beginning of a whole new career path for him, which is pretty incredible when you think about it. It really goes to show how unexpected opportunities can appear, sometimes just from being in the right place at the right moment.
Memorable Roles and Kent McCord On Screen
After he finished his college studies in 1964, Kent McCord went on to appear in a great many movies and television shows, actually, before he decided to step away from acting around 2000. He took on parts in about 75 different productions, which is a pretty impressive number of roles for someone to have during their working life. He became a familiar face to many people who watched television and went to see films, and his presence on screen was often a welcome sight for those who enjoyed his performances, you know?
Among the various parts he played, some really stood out and became well-known. For example, he had a part in the film *Predator 2*, which came out in 1990. This movie was a science fiction action picture, and his involvement in it showed his ability to be part of different kinds of stories. He also appeared in *Airplane II*, a movie that was known for its humor and comedic situations. These two films, in particular, are often mentioned when people talk about his career, so they were quite significant for him.
But his work wasn't just limited to big screen movies. Kent McCord also showed up in a number of television programs that were popular during their time. He had roles in shows like *Dragnet*, which was a police procedural series that many people watched. He was also in *Galactica 1980*, a science fiction show that continued a well-liked story. And later on, he made appearances in *Farscape*, another science fiction series that gained a following. These television roles helped him reach a wide audience, and he was quite good at adapting to the different styles of these productions, you know, from drama to something more fantastical.
He also took on parts in other films that might be remembered by some, such as *Return of the Living Dead 3*. This shows that he was willing to explore different types of movies, even those that might be a bit outside the mainstream. His willingness to take on various kinds of roles meant that audiences got to see him in many different situations, which, in a way, kept his work fresh and interesting for those who followed his career. It really speaks to his range as someone who could act in various productions.
Kent McCord Beyond the Camera
Even though he has stepped back from acting now, Kent McCord has not completely stopped being involved in things that matter to him. He has kept up his connection with the Screen Actors Guild, an organization that represents performers. This shows his continued commitment to the profession and to looking out for the people who work in it, which is, in some respects, a very good thing to do. It’s clear that he cares about the well-being of his fellow actors and the industry as a whole, you know?
Besides his ongoing involvement with the acting community, he also has a passion for race car events. He has taken part in various activities related to race cars, which suggests a love for speed and competition outside of his acting work. It’s interesting to see how someone can have such different interests, from the quiet intensity of performing to the loud excitement of racing. This hobby gives us a little glimpse into another side of his life, a side that is perhaps more about thrill and personal enjoyment, so it’s pretty cool that he has these other pursuits.
What About Kent McCord and His Time on Adam-12?
One of the most well-known and enduring roles that Kent McCord took on was that of Officer Jim Reed in the television series *Adam-12*. This show, which was about police officers working in Los Angeles, became a very popular program during the 1970s. It followed the daily lives and experiences of two officers, Pete Malloy, played by Martin Milner, and Jim Reed, played by Kent McCord, as they went about their duties on the busy streets of the city. Their partnership on screen was something that many viewers enjoyed watching, actually.
The series was quite successful and ran for a number of years. The seventh and final year of this well-regarded police show eventually became available for people to watch at home, with the last set of episodes being released for purchase. In this concluding period of the television program, the character of Officer Reed spent some time working in a different capacity, taking on the duties of a detective. This shift in his character’s role added a new dimension to the show and allowed viewers to see him in a slightly different light, which was, in a way, a nice change for the story.
The bond between Kent McCord and his co-star, Martin Milner, was clearly quite strong, even off-screen. To mark a special occasion, these two individuals, Marty Milner and Kent McCord, decided to place a full-page advertisement in The Hollywood Reporter, a well-known publication in the entertainment business. In this ad, they expressed their thanks to everyone they could think of who had supported them. This act really showed the appreciation they had for the people they worked with and for those who helped them along the way, so it was a very thoughtful gesture from them, you know?
A Look at Kent McCord and His Personal Connections
Beyond his work on screen and his other interests, Kent McCord has also had a very important person by his side throughout his life. His wife, Cynthia Lee Doty, has been a steady source of encouragement and backing for him. It's often said that behind every person who achieves things, there is someone who offers great support, and in this case, Cynthia has been just that for him. Their shared journey together has clearly been one where she has consistently provided a strong foundation, which is pretty wonderful, actually.
We already touched on his early friendship with Ricky Nelson, which started in a pretty unique way on a football field. This connection was not just a passing acquaintance; it was a bond that quickly grew into something meaningful and, as we know, even helped open doors for Kent McCord in the acting world. It’s a good example of how personal relationships can genuinely shape a person's path in life, sometimes in ways you might not expect, you know?
Where Can You Find More About Kent McCord?
For those who are interested in finding out more about Kent McCord's life, his working years, and his other pursuits, there are resources available. You can learn about his childhood, his family life, the things he has achieved, and even some fun facts about him by looking at his biography. This kind of information gives a fuller picture of who he is as a person, not just as an actor, which is often what people are curious about, you know?
There is also a photo gallery dedicated to Kent McCord, which offers exclusive media clips and images that you might not find anywhere else. These visual materials can provide a more direct and personal look at his career and life. Simply clicking on a small picture allows you to see a bigger version or to play a media file. This kind of access makes it easier for people to connect with his story and see moments from his past, which is, in a way, a very nice resource for fans and those who are just learning about him.
So, if you are curious about things like his age, his schooling, what he likes to do for fun, whether he has a wife or children, or even his financial standing, you can usually find this kind of information compiled in places that focus on public figures. These details help to fill out the picture of a person's life beyond just their professional work, giving a more complete sense of who they are. It’s good to have a comprehensive look, really, to understand the person as a whole.
This article has given a look at Kent McCord, covering his beginnings in Los Angeles, his early plans to be a physical education instructor and football coach, and how a chance football game with Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley led him to acting. We talked about his extensive work in about 75 movies and TV shows, including well-known parts in *Airplane II*, *Predator 2*, *Dragnet*, and especially his long-running role as Jim Reed on *Adam-12*. We also touched on his ongoing involvement with the Screen Actors Guild and his interest in race car events, as well as the support he receives from his wife, Cynthia Lee Doty. Finally, we mentioned where one might find more details about his life and career, including personal facts and a photo gallery.
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