Renowned American actor Kent McCord has had a successful career in the film industry since he rose to fame with his role in the TV series “Adam-12” in 1968. He is also married to Cynthia with whom he has three children.
At the French Hospital in downtown Los Angeles, California, on September 26, 1942, Bert and Laura McWhirter welcomed Kent McCord into the world as Kent Franklin McWhirter.
The boy began working at his father’s Richland gas station when he was ten years old. In 1954, Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, California was chartered.
As he was not yet 12 years old and could not legally be paid, his work was compensated by flying lessons. Before playing football at Baldwin Park High School, Kent worked there for five years.
After graduation, the young man attended Citrus Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern California in 1961 to work as a football coach and physical education teacher.
In February 1961, Kent was invited to play touch football for a team led by Ricky Nelson against opposition led by Elvis Presley.
After their friendship, Ricky cast him in the popular sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” In addition, Kent starred in several Elvis movies such as “Roundabout” and “Viva Las Vegas.”
In the 1960s, he got a contract with Universal Studios, which allowed him to star in the films “Dragnet” and “The Big Explosion”. His portrayal of the lead in Adam-12 alongside Martin Milner was optioned by writer Jack Webb.
As a result of the huge success of the series, Kent’s portrayal of Officer Jim Reed gained notoriety. “Adam-12” ran for 174 episodes from 1968 to 1975 on television.
The actor went on to play Barry Van Dyke in ABC’s “Galactica 1980” and NBC’s “UNSUB” in 1989 after the show ended.
In addition, he is active in the Screen Actors Guild, serving on its board of directors and vice president for four years. In 1999, Kent also received the prestigious Ralph Morgan Award.
Famous for his portrayal of Officer Jim Reed in the popular series “Adam-12”, which aired in 1968, it was won by Kent McCord.
Kent served as a backup officer for the Los Angeles School Police Department from 2005 to 2009 following his appearance on the series. He is getting a lot of appreciation for his excellent work in ‘Adam-12’.
The actor, who is known for leading a low-key life and being humble, never misses an opportunity to interact with his fans, inviting them for one-on-one conversations through a virtual Meet & Greet feature at GalaxyCon.
Kent revealed that while he has enjoyed hosting several online chats with his followers over the years, it is unfortunate that COVID-19 has prevented them from meeting in large gatherings.
As for the actor’s romantic life, on July 14, 1962, Kent married Cynthia Lee Doty, his high school sweetheart, and the two are now parents of three children.
Kristen McCord, his first child, was born in Los Angeles, California on February 28, 1963. Megan McCord, the second child of the family, was born on April 21, 1971, eight years after the first.
Both of Kent’s daughters work as actresses; Megan starred in “Women’s Story” in 2000, while Kristen starred with him in “Adam-12” and other films such as “Desperate” and “Glamazon: A Different Kind of Girl”.
In the last season of “Adam-12”, actress Kristin Harmon, who was also married to Ricky Nelson, the actor’s closest friend, played Kent’s on-screen wife Jean.
However, Cynthia was fine with Kristin portraying her on-screen husband because the show was making a lot of money and it was all a fantasy.
The actor’s attention was diverted from the series finale “Adam-12” just three days before the birth of their first son by Kent and his wife.
The actor devoted the following year to taking care of his family and the necessary renovations of his home. Kent explained:
“I’ve been working on some domestic projects that have piled up before and after this momentous occasion.
painting, landscaping, and remodeling. I only had time to finish half of my to-do list for the house.”
His preference to spend time at home with his family over accepting acting roles led him to turn down such offers.
Having completed several film projects in the past, Kent felt that taking a break from acting would not have a negative impact on his standing with the public.
The actor got Cynthia and himself a bike, and they loaded up and drove to 66 Santa Monica.
In addition to the fame and fortune he gained from his role in the popular TV series “Adam-12”, the actor formed lifelong friendships with several cast members.
After Cynthia and Kent met, they occasionally visited Martin and his wife Judy.
Another actor friend was the singer Julie London, who knew Cynthia and their three children. In addition to sharing the same birthday, Kent and Julie worked together on the films “Adam-12” and “Emergency” in 1972.
Julie and Kent got along well, even though Julie was 16 years Kent’s senior, and the actor called her on their birthday.
The famous film director John Ford was also a fan of the film Adam-12, who once visited the actor on the spot. He was seen conversing with Kent about various topics related to the show, such as the role of an actor and the process of making a television program.
Meanwhile, Kent appeared in several television series, such as “Dragnet,” “The D.A.: People vs. Saydo” and “Emergency: The Wedsworth-Townsend Act”, as his famous character “Adam-12”, an officer. Jim Reed.
Kent McCord’s remarkable journey from small-town boy to famous actor exemplifies both dedication and humility. McCord, who rose to prominence with his iconic role as Officer Jim Reed in Adam-12, has become a beloved figure in television history. His career, marked by notable roles in series such as “Dragnet” and “Emergency”, reflects his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Beyond his professional achievements, McCord’s personal life reveals a deep sense of devotion to his family. His abiding love for his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Lee Doty, and their three children prove his dedication to his career and his loved ones. Despite his fame and success, McCord’s choice to prioritize family life and engage in personal projects shows his true nature and the values he holds dear.
McCord’s influence extends beyond the screen. His involvement with the Screen Actors Guild and his continued contact with fans through virtual meet-and-greets highlight his commitment to the acting community and his appreciation for his audience. His relationships with fellow actors and industry legends such as Julie London and John Ford further underscore his respected place in the entertainment world.
In short, Kent McCord’s legacy is defined not only by his impressive career but also by his character and personal values. His story is a testament to how passion, hard work, and integrity can shape a fulfilling and impactful life.