Kent McCord - A Look At A Screen Life
Table of Contents
- Biography of Kent McCord
- Early Life and Background of Kent McCord
- What Was Kent McCord's Start in the Industry?
- Transitioning from College Dreams for Kent McCord
- Kent McCord's Memorable Screen Roles
- How Did Kent McCord Impact Film and TV?
- What is Kent McCord Doing Post-Acting?
- Kent McCord's Ongoing Activities and Interests
For anyone who has spent time watching television or movies from the latter half of the twentieth century, the face of Kent McCord is very likely a familiar sight. This American actor, whose presence graced numerous productions, certainly made a lasting impression on viewers. He brought various characters to life across different genres, becoming a recognizable figure for many generations of fans, so it's almost a given that you've seen him somewhere.
From playing a dedicated police officer to appearing in action-packed thrillers and even comedic spoofs, his range was quite broad. After many years in front of the camera, he has, in some respects, shifted his focus, but his contributions to entertainment remain a significant part of his story. You might be curious, actually, about what he's been up to since stepping away from regular acting roles.
This discussion will offer a closer look at the life and professional journey of this interesting individual. We will explore his beginnings, some of the noteworthy projects he took part in, and what keeps him busy these days. It's a chance, in a way, to appreciate the career of someone who helped shape a lot of our viewing experiences, you know, over several decades.
Biography of Kent McCord
The story of Kent McCord, the person we know from our screens, begins in a very specific place and time. He is an American performer who decided to step away from acting as a regular profession. Born on September 26, 1942, his earliest days were spent in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. This setting, with its deep connection to the entertainment world, certainly provided a unique backdrop for a young person growing up, and perhaps, just a little, hinted at the path he would eventually choose.
Early Life and Background of Kent McCord
His full name at birth was Kent Franklin McWhirter. His parents were Bert and Laura McWhirter, who raised him in the Los Angeles area. Being born in such a place, especially in the early 1940s, probably meant growing up surrounded by stories and opportunities connected to film and television, even if his initial ambitions lay elsewhere. He holds American citizenship, and his family background is described as Caucasian, providing a bit more detail about his personal origins, you know, as a person.
Here is a quick look at some personal details about Kent McCord:
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| Detail | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Kent Franklin McWhirter | |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1942 | |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA | |
| Nationality | American | |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian | |
| Parents | Bert and Laura McWhirter |
What Was Kent McCord's Start in the Industry?
Before becoming a familiar face on screens, Kent McCord had a different career path in mind. His early academic pursuits pointed him in a direction quite separate from the performing arts. This shift, from one set of goals to another, is often interesting to consider when looking at someone's professional journey. It shows how life, you know, can sometimes take unexpected turns, leading to different kinds of accomplishments.
Transitioning from College Dreams for Kent McCord
Initially, Kent McCord had plans to become an instructor in physical education and a coach for football. He began his higher learning at Citrus Junior College. In 1961, he made a move to the University of Southern California to continue his studies in this field. He successfully completed his college education in 1964. It’s quite fascinating, actually, how someone with such clear athletic and educational aspirations eventually found himself drawn to the world of acting, almost as if fate had a different plan.
An interesting moment that might have nudged him toward a different path happened in February of 1961. A friend extended an invitation to Kent, asking if he would like to participate in a game of touch football. While this seems like a simple social event, sometimes these casual connections can lead to bigger things, setting the stage, perhaps, for future introductions or opportunities that might have steered Kent McCord away from coaching and into performing, more or less by chance.
Kent McCord's Memorable Screen Roles
After finishing his college studies in 1964, Kent McCord embarked on a very busy period in his professional life. He became involved in a great many projects, appearing in a total of seventy-five movies and television series before he decided to step back from regular acting work. This sheer volume of appearances suggests a person who was quite dedicated to his craft, and certainly, very much in demand, you know, for a long stretch of time.
How Did Kent McCord Impact Film and TV?
Kent McCord is particularly well-remembered for his parts in several films that have remained popular. Among these are "Predator 2," which came out in 1990, and "Airplane II." These roles show his versatility, as one is a science fiction action piece and the other is a comedic follow-up. He also made appearances in other films like "Return of the Living Dead 3," which, you know, further demonstrates his willingness to take on different kinds of projects, from intense action to, perhaps, something a little more unsettling.
His presence was also felt across numerous television productions. He showed up in classic shows such as "Dragnet," where he played the character of Jim Reed for a good number of years, from 1968 to 1975. This particular role placed him in a very visible position, portraying a regular police officer patrolling the streets of Los Angeles alongside a partner. It’s a performance that, quite honestly, became a defining part of his career for many viewers, establishing him as a familiar and trusted face on the small screen.
Beyond "Dragnet," Kent McCord also featured in other television series like "Galactica 1980" and "Farscape." These roles, spanning different eras and genres, from police procedural to science fiction, really highlight the breadth of his acting journey. He certainly moved between various kinds of stories and characters, showing a genuine ability to adapt to what was needed for each production, basically, making him a versatile performer.
In the 1970s, specifically, Kent McCord was part of a very popular series that depicted the daily work of law enforcement. He played Officer Jim Reed, working alongside Officer Pete Malloy, who was portrayed by Martin Milner. Their characters were shown battling crime on the demanding streets of Los Angeles. There’s even a special mention of a thank you note from "Marty & Kent," which suggests a close working relationship and perhaps a lasting friendship between the two actors, showing, you know, a bit of the human connection behind the scenes.
What is Kent McCord Doing Post-Acting?
Even though Kent McCord has stepped away from regular acting work, his life remains quite full and active. He hasn't completely removed himself from the world that once occupied so much of his time. This continuation of involvement, even in a different capacity, often shows a deep affection for one's past profession, or at least a desire to stay connected to the community he was a part of for so long, you know, in a meaningful way.
Kent McCord's Ongoing Activities and Interests
Currently, Kent McCord is no longer taking on acting roles, but he maintains a connection with the Screen Actors Guild. This organization represents performers, so his continued participation suggests a dedication to the well-being of his fellow artists and the professional standards of the industry. It’s interesting, too, that he also has a passion for race car driving, and has been involved in various events related to this hobby. This shows a very different side to his personality, a pursuit that combines excitement with skill, and is, in a way, quite a contrast to the controlled environment of a film set.
His official website provides a good place for people to learn more about his life, his professional journey, and even his personal interests. It’s a resource designed to give fans and curious individuals a deeper look into who Kent McCord is, beyond just the characters he played. The site, apparently, also hosts a photo gallery, which is a neat feature for those who want to see exclusive media clips and images that might not be available elsewhere, giving a more personal glimpse, you know, into his world.
This digital collection offers a chance to simply click on a small image to make it bigger or to start playing a media file. It’s like a personal archive of clippings, pictures, and various mementos from his career. Having such a resource available allows people to really explore his past work and appreciate the visual record of his time in front of the camera, and frankly, it's a pretty thoughtful way to share his story with the public.
A particular image that stands out in some collections shows Kent McCord on the left, alongside his friend Ricky Nelson. This kind of personal photograph provides a warm glimpse into his life outside of his professional obligations, highlighting his connections with others. It reminds us that behind every public figure is a person with relationships and friendships, which is, in a way, pretty cool to see.
Kent McCord - Movies & Autographed Portraits Through The DecadesMovies
Pictures of Kent McCord
Pictures of Kent McCord
