• Kent McCord is an American film and television actor best known for his role in the NBC television series “Adam-12”
• He had a successful acting career with over 100 appearances in films and television shows
• He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, having served as its first Vice President
• He was a big fan of motor racing, having participated in a number of races
• He had a net worth of over $1.3 million and currently lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife.



Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthSeptember 26, 1942
SpouseCynthia Lee Doty
FactHe has played the same character (Officer Jim Reed) in four different series: Dragnet 1967 (1967), Adam-12 (1968), The D.A. (1971) and Emergency! (1972).


Kent McCord is an American film and television actor, most popular for his role in the NBC television series “Adam-12” as Officer Jim Reed. He is a long time member of the Screen Actors Guild and has served as its first vice president.

Early Life and Educational Background

Kent Franklin McWhirter was born on the 26th September 1942, in Los Angeles, California USA to Laura and Bert McWhirter. He spent his childhood in the town of Baldwin Park, California. At the mere age of 8, he had to take care of his first horse, Toby and just two years later he began working at his father’s gas station. Thanks to the help of a family friend, Kent began working at the Brackett Field Airport in La Verne on weekends, and during the summer for a period of five years.

Kent McCord

Posted by Kent McCord on Saturday, November 23, 2013

Initially, he was too young to receive pay —just 12 years old— so they provided him with flying lessons instead.

After matriculating from Baldwin Park High School, Kent attended Citrus Junior College with plans of becoming a football coach and physical education instructor. A star football player at high school, he was offered a football scholarship at the University of Utah and accepted. In 1961, a friend asked if he would like to take part in a game of touch football. As luck would have it, Elvis Presley lead the opposing team, while Kent played on the team captained by Ricky Nelson, with whom he subsequently formed a close friendship, and kick-started his acting career.

Career

Actor

His friendship with Ricky Nelson lead to frequent guest roles on his television show, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”, appearing in 44 episodes of the series over the years. He also earned small roles in three of Elvis Presley’s films: “Girl Happy”, “Roustabout” and “Viva Las Vegas”. In 1965, he was signed by Universal Studios, and given more small roles as an extra or stunt double in “Message from Beyond”, “Virginian” and “McHale’s Navy” under the stage name Kent McCord. His appearances in Jack Webb’s “Dragnet” attracted the attention of the show’s producers and he was cast in one of the lead roles alongside Martin Milner in the cop drama “Adam-12”.

The show became one of the most internationally successful shows in television history, and constantly topped ratings. The series had a total of 174 episodes that are still aired today. He would continue to partner with Milner in films and television shows up until his demise in 2015 at the age of 83.

He subsequently appeared in television shows such as “Galactica 1980”,”Baa Baa Black Sheep” and “Unsub” and the films “Airplane II: The Sequel”, “Predator 2” and “Return of The Living Dead part III”. His most recent roles include “Woman’s Story”, “Megiddo – The Omega Man Code”, “Run Ronnie Run” and “Tides of War” in 2005.

He has had a largely successful acting career with over 100 appearances in films and television shows.

Racing

One of his favorite perks of being part of “Adam-12” was being a guest trackside at the Indianapolis 500 race. He went on to compete in various races and events, such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, Toyota Pro Celebrity Challenge in New York and California as well as IMSA and the Sports Car Club of America.

Association with Screen Actors Guild (SAG)

In 1972, Kent was elected to the National Board and ‘… have fought to keep our union open, inclusive and prepared for the future’. He served on The Board of Directors and became their first Vice President in 1979, and again in 1981. He was also the Chairman of the Children’s Committee, aiming to protect child actors globally, and the Chair of the Hollywood Division Board and treasurer.

Kent McCord

He ran for SAG presidency in 2003 but lost to Melissa Gilbert, 50% to 42%. A Hollywood Executive Director said, ‘… McCord’s formidable service and diverse experience continually improve the lives of working actors’.

Charities

The actor supports a number of foundations and charities, including the City of Hope National Medical Center, and Beckman Research Institute in Duarte, California, a center for the prevention, treatment and cure of various life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes, coupled with state-of-the-art patient care and cutting edge research. He was a member of the Celebrity All Stars Basketball team for ten years that played across Southern California to raise money for charities.

Relationships

Wife — Cynthia Lee Doty

The pair first met at Baldwin Park High School, and became high school sweethearts. Eventually they tied the knot on the 14th July 1962. They have three children together; two daughters and a son named Kristen, Megan and Michael respectively.

Who is Cynthia Lee Doty?

There is barely any information on Cynthia’s life before or after her marriage, as such details are kept extremely private. She stays out of the limelight unless supporting her husband on the red carpet at events and ceremonies.

Awards and Achievements

In 1999, Kent was rewarded by SAG with the Ralph Morgan Award in ‘honor of his devotion to the cause of actors’.

In 2000, Kent and Martin were rewarded with The Jack Webb Award by the Los Angeles Police Historical Society, for ‘their support of the LAPD and the community it serves’.

Hobbies, Favorite Things and Interesting Facts

  • Kent enjoys going for bike rides with his wife Cynthia, from their home to the Santa Monica Pier.
  • His star sign is Libra.
  • He is a huge fan of motor racing, and he’s participated in a number of races.
  • One of his most memorable moments on the sets of “Adam-12” was a visit from film director John Ford, who was a big fan of the show. McCord was in awe of the talented director he grew up admiring.
  • By the end of his airport job, Kent had logged more than 100 hours of flying time.
  • He was offered 20 football scholarships, post high school matriculation.
  • McCord and his co-star Milner hosted countless telethons nationwide, such as the Variety Club Telethon in Tennessee that featured icons such as Roger Miller, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. They also hosted the annual NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Appearance and Clothing Style

McCord is a male of Caucasian ethnicity and American nationality who has a height of 6ft 1in (1.86m). At the age of 78 years, he has maintained his fit body by regular cycling with his wife. He has green eyes, was once a natural brunette, and has no tattoos on his body. As to his clothing style, Kent prefers casual yet trendy clothing, varying from a simple shorts and shirt to dark suits and dress shoes.

Net Worth and Salary

As mentioned, McCord has had a lengthy career as an actor. Celebritynetworth.com estimates that Kent’s net worth is over $1.3 million, while his salary or income varies according to his commitments each year. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife.

General Info

Full NameKent McCord
Date Of BirthSeptember 26, 1942
Height1.87 m
ProfessionActor, Police officer
EducationUniversity of Southern California
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseCynthia Lee Doty
ChildrenKristen McCord, Megan McCord, Michael McCord
ParentsBert McWhirter, Laura McWhirter

Accomplishments

AwardsScreen Actors Guild Ralph Morgan Award
MoviesPhantom Below, Accidental Meeting, Return of the Living Dead 3, Predator 2, Airplane II: The Sequel, Roustabout, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet: Vol. 9
TV ShowsUnsub, Galactica 1980, Adam-12

Social profile links

Facts

#Fact
1On his 44th Birthday, he called Julie London on her 60th Birthday, who said: "What the blank is so happy about today?" McCord said, "Is Bobby there?".
2Shared the same birthday with Julie London, who was 16 years McCord's senior. She worked with him on both series: Adam-12 (1968) and Emergency! (1972).
3Is the longtime friend with the late Julie London, who was also friends with McCord's wife, Cynthia Lee, and their children.
4Appeared in Dragnet 1967: The Big Explosion (1967), as a police officer named Martin. He would later star on Adam-12 (1968), where his co-star would be Martin Milner.
5He has played the same character (Officer Jim Reed) in four different series: Dragnet 1967 (1967), Adam-12 (1968), The D.A. (1971) and Emergency! (1972).
6Elected Treasurer of the Screen Actors Guild [November 2001]
7Between 1961 and 1965, besides appearing on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (1952), he worked as an extra, bit player and stuntman.
8Started working when he was 10 years old, in his father's gas station. He earned 50 cents an hour. He worked at an airport all through high school.
9Is a fan of auto racing, especially the Indianapolis Speedway
10Elected to the Screen Actors Guild's National Board of Directors in 1972 and served on the Board for 11 years. He was twice elected First Vice President. He also chaired the Children's Committee, the Guild's Publications Committee, the Agents Relations Committee and represented the American acting community to The Federation Internationale des Acteurs (FIA).
11Appeared in over 40 episodes of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (1952) as one of Ricky Nelson's fraternity brothers. He got his start on that show because he was one of Ricky's bodyguards.
12Appeared with Adam-12 (1968) co-star Martin Milner in Nashville Beat (1989), a movie for The Nashville Network. McCord played an LAPD captain going to visit his friend, Milner, an ex-LA cop who became a Nashville cop.
13Married his high school sweetheart, has three children: Kristen McCord (who appeared on his show, Adam-12 (1968)), Megan McCord (who appeared in Pine Canyon Is Burning (1977)), and Michael.
14Won the Screen Actors Guild's prestigious Ralph Morgan Award in June of 1999

Pictures

Movies

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Tides of War2005TV MovieVice Admiral Sommerville
Farscape1999-2003TV SeriesJack Crichton
Run Ronnie Run2002Rescue Show Announcer
Megiddo: The Omega Code 22001
Woman's Story2000Buckley Warner
JAG1998-2000TV SeriesCapt. Henry Delario / Rear Admiral Paul Whelan
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction2000TV SeriesGeneral Henry 'Light-Horse Harry' Lee
Silk Stalkings1996-1998TV SeriesD.A. Craig Alexander
Pacific Blue1997-1998TV SeriesBrolin Jorgenson
Mike Hammer, Private Eye1997TV SeriesAnthony Ropa
Diagnosis Murder1997TV SeriesDetective Stang
Doomsday Rock1997TV Movie
Renegade1995-1997TV SeriesJack Hendricks Marshal Jack Hendricks
Dark Skies1997TV SeriesDick Loengard
With Criminal Intent1995
SeaQuest 20321994-1995TV SeriesCommander Scott Keller
Accidental Meeting1994TV MovieJack Parris
Dark Justice1993TV SeriesMcKinnon
Return of the Living Dead III1993Colonel John Reynolds
Illicit Behavior1992Dr. Halperin
The New Adam-121990-1991TV SeriesLieutenant Jim Reed / Store Owner
Murder, She Wrote1991TV SeriesGeorge Harris
MacGyver1990TV SeriesNovis Riley
Predator 21990Captain B. Pilgrim
Nashville Beat1989TV MovieLieutenant Mike Delaney
Monsters1989TV SeriesTom Solo
Unsub1989TV SeriesAlan McWhirter
The Highwayman1988TV Series
21 Jump Street1988TV SeriesTom Hanson Sr.
Private Eye1988TV Series
J.J. Starbuck1987TV SeriesMartin
Airplane II: The Sequel1982Unger
Galactica 19801980TV SeriesCaptain Troy
The Love Boat1980TV SeriesHoward Samuels
Heaven Only Knows1979TV Movie
Telethon1977TV MovieTom Galvin
Pine Canyon Is Burning1977TV MovieCaptain William Stone
Black Sheep Squadron1976TV SeriesCapt. Charles W. Dobson
Marcus Welby, M.D.1976TV SeriesScott Fritchie
Adam-121968-1975TV SeriesOfficer Jim Reed
Sonic Boom1974Short
Beg, Borrow, or Steal1973TV MovieLester Yates
Emergency!1972TV SeriesOfficer Jim Reed
The D.A.1971TV SeriesOfficer Jim Reed
Breakout1970TV MovieHunter
Dragnet 19661969TV MovieBrewster - Desk Clerk (uncredited)
The Outsider1968TV SeriesBill Elison
Dragnet 19671967-1968TV SeriesOfficer Reed / Officer / Officer Jim Reed / ...
Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?1968
Jigsaw1968
Shadow Over Elveron1968TV MovieJessie's Boyfriend (as Kent McWhirter)
The Outsider1967TV MovieOfficer Dutton
Ironside1967TV SeriesPatrolman Kellogg
The Virginian1966-1967TV SeriesBill Lee / Hotel Clerk
Run for Your Life1966-1967TV SeriesPoliceman / Mike Ramsey
The Young Warriors1966
Pistols 'n' Petticoats1966TV SeriesCousin Fred
McHale's Navy1966TV SeriesThe Courier
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet1962-1966TV SeriesKent / Fraternity brother at party / Student in Hallway
The War Lord1965Extra (uncredited)
Billie1965Student in Bleachers (uncredited)
Girl Happy1965uncredited
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!1965Football Player (uncredited)
The Disorderly Orderly1964Pre-Opening Credit Hospital Intern (uncredited)
Roustabout1964Carnival Worker (uncredited)
The Americanization of Emily1964Soldier (uncredited)
The Lieutenant1964TV SeriesMarine Officer in Waiting Room
Viva Las Vegas1964Casino Patron (uncredited)
Kissin' Cousins1964Extra (uncredited)
Seven Days in May1964Presidential Aide (uncredited)

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet1963-1964TV Series performer - 2 episodes

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Nashville Beat1989TV Movie story

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Nashville Beat1989TV Movie executive producer

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Hollywood Squares2004TV SeriesHimself - Panelist
8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards2002TV SpecialHimself
Behind the Music2001TV Series documentaryHimself
E! True Hollywood Story2000-2001TV Series documentaryNarrator
All-Star Party for 'Dutch' Reagan1985TV SpecialHimself
Battle of the Network Stars VIII1980TV SpecialHimself - ABC Team
Tattletales1975TV SeriesHimself
The Hollywood Squares1969-1975TV SeriesHimself - Panelist
Dinah!1974TV SeriesHimself
The Dean Martin Show1973TV SeriesHimself
RCA's Opening Night1973TV MovieHimself
The Mike Douglas Show1973TV SeriesHimself - Co-Host
Laugh-In1972-1973TV SeriesHimself
Celebrity Bowling1972-1973TV SeriesHimself
The Merv Griffin Show1972TV SeriesHimself
The Virginia Graham Show1971TV SeriesHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1970TV SeriesHimself
You Don't Say1969TV SeriesHimself
Today1968TV SeriesHimself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dark Skies1997TV SeriesDick Loengard
21 Jump Street1990TV SeriesTom Hanson Sr.
Conquest of the Earth1981TV MovieCaptain Troy

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
1999Ralph Morgan AwardScreen Actors Guild Awards

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

2 Comments

  1. John Richmond Reply

    Dear Kent,
    I am an 80 year old man that spent 5 plus years as a police officer in Montreal. I get ME TV here at my home and I get Adam 12. daily during the week. I have probably watched each and every show at least 5 times each. You and Martin made such a great team and played the part perfectly. I want to thank you for the enjoyment that you two have given myself. I’m still watching the shows and probably won’t stop.
    Secondly, I want you to know that my darling wife passed away on Sept. 26, 2013, also my late fathers birthday, which I believe is your birthday. I won’t forget and thank you again from the bottom of my heart for the pleasure you have given me, also bringing back my memories. Your admirer, John Richmond

  2. Carole (Candy DeFrisco Reply

    I Went to Baldwin Park High School w you Kent. You were a traffic person n gentlemen. I admired u n Cynthia. So sweet n down to earth. I believe Cynthia took me under her wing in our freshmen year. Did’t know or keep connected but I never forgot her n her sweet sincere ways. My name was Candy known by most n ur wife hosted a party for me @ 16 I believe. Now I will be 78 in May which the party was for my birthday n the guys put money in a box n I bought the pretty cloths outfits I loved for years.The story has more to it but will leave it at that. I’m happy u have a lovely n beautiful family n life n career. May u continue w a happy n safe life in this pandemic. Wish we could talk future n have u n ur family over for a authentic Italian dinner. I have two grown daughters 12 years a part n two beautiful n loving hearts in my Alec first born 27 years old handsome man who looks a lot like U Kent n gorgeous 21 year old that ironically looks like u Cynthia at that age. She’s 21 Julia n is engaged. Grandson has light hair takes after his dads blond side of the family n has some French in him. Hope u will receive this note. Where has life went!! Gone fast but not forgotten sincerely Candy Monrovia Ca.

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