Chad Everett and Shelby Grant, two of the most popular actors of the 1970s, truly meant it when they swore: “…for better, for worse…to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
In a charming love story, Everett and Grant were married for 45 years and remained devoted to one another until Grant’s sudden death from an aneurysm in 2011.
Raymon Lee Cramton, who would become known as Everett, was a ruggedly attractive journeyman who began his career with Warner Bros.
Rock Hudson’s agent Henry Willson gave him the new name Chad Everett after he made an appearance in some advertisements. The modification, according to Everett, was much-needed because his original name was confusing: “Raymon, no ‘d,’ Cramton, no ‘p.’ “
The stunning blue-eyed Everett made his television debut in an episode of Surfside 6 in the 1960s. He has since starred in episodes of The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Melrose Place, Cold Case, Supernatural, and, most recently, Castle.
He also made cameos in Mulholland Drive, Psycho, Airplane II: The Sequel, Return of the Gunfighter, The Singing Nun, and Return of the Gunfighter.
However, his portrayal of the surgeon in the finely tailored scrubs made him famous in Hollywood.
When Everett was chosen to play the title role of Dr. Joe Gannon in the medical drama Medical Center, which ran from 1969 to 1976, he received his lucky break.
The award-winning drama called Calling Dr. Gannon held the top spot for medical programming on television until George Clooney and E.R. usurped it.
Fans flocked to him because of his chiseled cheekbones and attractive demeanor. Still, the charming Everett only had eyes for one woman, who held his undivided attention until his death in July 2012.
At the Riverside 500 race, he first encountered actor Shelby Grant while “on the prowl.”
The two fell in love at first sight but didn’t speak until they ran into each other again at the beach a few days later.
Grant claimed he sent her so many roses during their courtship that “my balcony looked like a burial ground.”
Everett and Grant were married in 1966 and had two daughters, Shannon and Katherine (Kate) before Grant gave up acting to focus on raising the family.
On the day of his marriage to Grant, Chad declared, “We’ve been soulmates for many lifetimes.”
Everett and Grant would reaffirm their wedding vows every seven years, with their daughters officiating.
In a conversation with The Closer, daughter Kate Thorp remarked, “My sister and I were officiants at two of their renewals.” They had a genuine regard for one another and were genuinely in love.
Everett was dedicated to Grant and the upbringing of Grant’s children.
“It was a blessing for us to grow up on a ranch. Our family was always together, whether playing tennis, swimming, horseback riding, or watching a football game.”
However, the “for worse” frequently follows the “for better.”
Everett, who owned 15% of the Medical Center, had some extra cash when the show finished, enabling him to live comfortably with his family.
Everett told People, “Maybe I was a little too comfortable.” His wife first addressed him about his drinking addiction in 1986. “At last, I said, ‘I am really in trouble.’ I went outside and said, “Father, you take it,” as I gazed up. I can no longer take it.”
“I am addicted to alcohol, but I am not going away to detox, Everett said as he invited his two kids into his bedroom for a conversation. I will do it here so you can witness what happens to someone when they allow drugs or alcohol to control them.”
Kate recalled her conversation with her father, saying, “He felt that if he could serve as an example, we’d known that not only is it, not a quick fix, but that people can get better.”
He persisted in his fight against alcohol, relying on the encouragement of his family, AA, and his steadfast faith.
Everett thanked his wife for unwavering support at his lowest ebb, stating she “never threatened to leave. I would hear her promise to be there for me. Without my family, I would have had severe problems.
Grant even supported her husband in court when Sheila Scott asserted that Everett was the father of her son Dale, born in 1973.
Scott pleaded guilty to harassment after approximately 20 years and 100 phone texts, including threats to kill Everett and his wife. According to AP News, Scott was given a psychological evaluation by a judge and instructed to stop publicly criticizing Everett. Still, even after his passing, she attacked his daughters on Twitter.
Lung cancer claimed Everett’s life in 2012. The 75-year-old actor is survived by his six grandchildren and two daughters.
He always understood that what matters is on the inside, Kate stated. He took great pride in his wife, kids, and grandchildren.
According to Shannon, “He could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room.”
Indeed, his wife and daughters were always the only significant individuals around.
The fact that Everett and his wife died just one year apart is tragic. Maybe, though, he couldn’t survive without her.
Ever catch Medical Center on television? Please share your Chad Everett memories with us!
