Famous American Actor Kent McCord has enjoyed a solid career in the movie industry since rising to fame in the series “Adam-12” in 1968. He also married his wife Cynthia, and the pair have become parents to three kids.
Kent Franklin McWhirter was born on September 26, 1942, at French Hospital in downtown Los Angeles, California, to Bert and Laura McWhirter.
The child began working at his father’s Richland gas station when he was ten years old, and in 1954, he found a position at Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, California.
He wasn’t quite 12 years old. Thus, he couldn’t be legally compensated, so in exchange for his labor, he was given flying lessons. Kent worked there for five years before attending Baldwin Park High School and playing football.
Following graduation, he attended Citrus Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern California in 1961 to pursue a career as a physical education instructor and football coach.
Kent was asked to play in a touch football game in February 1961 on a team headed by Ricky Nelson against opponents led by Elvis Presley.
He and Ricky became friends after that, and the former put him in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” “Viva Las Vegas” and “Roustabout” were two Elvis films in which Kent appeared.
He obtained a deal with Universal Studios in the 1960s, which led to roles in films such as “Dragnet” and “The Big Explosion.” His performance in the previous lead led producer Jack Webb to place the Actor opposite Martin Milner in “Adam-12.”
The show was a big success, and Kent’s character, Officer Jim Reed, became one of the most well-known characters in television history. The 174-episode television series “Adam-12” aired from 1968 to 1975.
Kent McCord rose to prominence in the hit series “Adam-12,” which premiered in 1968, as Officer Jim Reed.
Kent worked as a reserve officer for the Los Angeles School Police Department from 2005 until 2009 after appearing in the series. His amazing performance in “Adam-12” has earned him a lot of accolades.
The Actor, who is known for his humility and low-key lifestyle, never misses an opportunity to meet with his fans, inviting them to a virtual Meet and Greet at GalaxyCon.
Kent revealed that he has conducted a few online talks with his fans over the years, which he appreciates, but that they are unable to meet in big groups owing to COVID-19’s effects.
In terms of his personal life, Kent married Cynthia Lee Doty, his high school sweetheart, on July 14, 1962, and the pair has three children.
Kent revealed that he has conducted a few online talks with his fans over the years, which he appreciates, but that they are unable to meet in big groups owing to COVID-19’s effects.
In terms of his personal life, Kent married Cynthia Lee Doty, his high school sweetheart, on July 14, 1962, and the pair has three children.
During the final season of “Adam-12,” Kent’s on-screen wife, Jean, was played by Actress Kristin Harmon, who was also married to the Actor’s best friend, Ricky Nelson.
Cynthia, on the other hand, didn’t mind Kristin playing her husband’s on-screen wife because it was all in good fun, and the money from the show was coming in.
Kent and his wife welcomed their first son just three days before the final episode of “Adam-12,” diverting the Actor’s attention away from the series conclusion.
For the next year, the Actor concentrated on providing for his family and refurbishing his home to his specifications. Kent clarified:
“Before and after that big event, I tackled projects that had piled up at home. Remodeling, painting, and landscaping. I hadn’t had time to do half the things I wanted to do around the house.”
He then declined to perform gigs since he preferred to be with his family.
Kent believed that his popularity with fans would not diminish if he opted to take a vacation from performing after working on many movie projects in the previous years.
The Actor and Cynthia bought bicycles and would ride them down Route 66 in Santa Monica.
Aside from the fame and fortune that came with his role in the successful television show “Adam-12,” the Actor formed lasting acquaintances with some of the cast members.
Kent and Martin Miller became friends, and the Actor and Cynthia visited Martin and his wife, Judy, on occasion.
Cynthia and her three children were also acquaintances of the Actor, who knew singer Julie London. Kent and Julie were born on the same day, and in 1972, they collaborated on the films “Adam-12” and “Emergency.”
Despite the fact that Julie is 16 years her senior, she and Kent had a nice relationship, and the Actor would contact her on their birthdays.
In addition, legendary film director John Ford was a fan of “Adam-12,” and he once paid a visit to the set. He was seen discussing many parts of the show with Kent, including the Actor’s role and what goes into making a TV show.
Meanwhile, Kent has appeared in many episodes as Officer Jim Reed, the classic “Adam-12” character, including “Dragnet,” “The D.A: People Vs. Saydo,” and “Emergency: The Wedsworth-Townsend Act.”