Chad Everett, a charismatic actor with a career spanning several decades, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his captivating performances and timeless contributions. Born on June 11, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana, Everett’s journey in the world of acting began with a burning passion for the craft that would ultimately shape his illustrious career.
Early in his life, Everett’s family moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where he developed an interest in theater and the performing arts. His talent and dedication led him to study drama at Wayne State University, setting the stage for a remarkable career in Hollywood. Everett’s breakthrough came in the 1960s when he landed a role in the popular television series “The Dakotas.” This marked the beginning of a prolific era for the actor, as he went on to become a familiar face on both the big and small screens.
One of Everett’s most iconic roles was as Dr. Joe Gannon in the medical drama “Medical Center,” which ran from 1969 to 1976. His portrayal of the compassionate and dedicated doctor earned him widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying his status as a leading man in the industry.
Everett’s magnetic screen presence and versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between genres, showcasing his range in projects such as “Centennial,” “The Firechasers,” and “The Rousters.”
As the years went by, Everett continued to evolve as an actor, adapting to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
Despite being one of the biggest heartthrobs of his generation, Everett only had eyes for one woman – Shelby Grant, whom he loved unconditionally until his demise in 2011. Read on to learn more about Everett and how his marriage with Grant lasted until the end.
After appearing in some commercials, Everett met Henry Wilson, who groomed him to be the actor he is right now. Everett changed his name from Raymon Lee Cramton to Chad Everett because of how his name would confuse people – Raymon with no ‘D’ and Cramton with no ‘P. ’
Everett met Grant at a Riverside 500 race car event where he was “on the prowl” back then. Apparently, it was love at first sight, but they didn’t talk until days later when they chanced upon each other again on the beach.
Grant remembered that when Everett was still courting her, he had sent so many flowers that their balcony looked like a “burial ground.”
Eventually, the two tied the knot in 1966 and had two children – Shannon and Katherine. Everett declared that he and Grant were “soulmates for many lifetimes.”
Reportedly, every seven years, Everett and Grant renewed their marriage vows and their daughters officiated the ceremony twice.
“My sister and I were officiants at two of their renewals. They were deeply in love and truly had respect for each other,” Katherine told The Closer Magazine in an interview.
Not only was Everett a dedicated doctor in front of the camera, but he was also a very involved father when it came to raising his two beautiful daughters.
“We were fortunate to grow up on a ranch. Whether playing tennis, swimming, horseback riding, or just watching a football game together, our family life was always just that–family together!” Katherine attended.
Everett and Grant’s family grew up comfortable because their father earned plenty of fortune while he was still playing the endearing doctor in “Medical Center.”
“Medical Center” ran until 1976. The show, also called “Calling Dr. Gannon,” was one of the biggest television shows at the time, until it was dethroned by George Clooney’s “ER.”
When the show ended, Everett was already a showrunner of the television hit show, which meant that he would take home 15% of the show’s revenue.
However, Everett’s life wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. He also experienced turmoil and challenges – alcoholism.
“Maybe I was a little too comfortable,” he told People Magazine in an interview when he was confronted in 1986 by his wife about his addiction. “Finally I said, ‘I am really in trouble.’ I stepped outside, and I looked up and I said, ‘Father, you take it. I can’t handle it anymore.’”
Eventually, Everett woke up to reality and realized that he had to turn in a new leaf.
“I am addicted to alcohol, and I am not going away to detox. I am going to do it here so that you can see what happens to someone if you let a substance take control of you,” Everett recalled telling his daughters.
Everett fought for freedom from his addiction, he even turned to Alcoholics Anonymous for support. At one point in his life, he was also engaged in a legal battle with Sheila Scott who claimed that he was the father of his child.
It was reported that Scott was ordered to refrain from making public claims against Everett. Until the end, Grant stood by him during the controversial period of their lives. Sadly, Everett succumbed to lung cancer in 2012, before Grant died of a brain aneurysm in 2011.
“He always recognized that it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” Kate told The Closer Magazine. “He was proudest of his wife, children and grandchildren.”
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