A Hollywood Love Story for the Ages

In the glamorous world of 1970s Hollywood, Chad Everett and Shelby Grant stood out as an exceptional couple who shared a love that spanned 45 remarkable years. Their devotion to each other was unwavering, until Grant’s untimely passing in 2011 due to an aneurysm. Today, let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the captivating love story of two beloved actors.

A Star is Born

Chad Everett, born Raymon Lee Cramton, was a ruggedly attractive actor who made his mark in Hollywood. His journey to stardom began with Warner Bros, and it was Rock Hudson’s agent, Henry Willson, who suggested the name change to Chad Everett. This change was necessary as his original name was a bit confusing: "Raymon, no ‘d,’ Cramton, no ‘p.’"

With his mesmerizing blue eyes, Everett made his television debut in the 1960s on an episode of Surfside 6. He soon became a familiar face on popular TV shows like The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Melrose Place, Cold Case, Supernatural, and Castle. He also left a lasting impression with his memorable cameos in movies like Mulholland Drive, Psycho, Airplane II: The Sequel, Return of the Gunfighter, and The Singing Nun. However, it was his portrayal of the endearing surgeon in the hit medical drama Medical Center that truly solidified his status as a Hollywood legend.

The Surgeon Who Stole Hearts

Being chosen for the role of Dr. Joe Gannon in Medical Center was Everett’s lucky break. This award-winning drama, known for episodes like "Calling Dr. Gannon," held the top spot for medical programming on television until it was surpassed by the groundbreaking series, E.R., starring George Clooney.

Fans adored Everett for his chiseled cheekbones and undeniable charm. But beneath the fame and popularity, Everett only had eyes for one woman. It was during the Riverside 500 race that he first laid eyes on the beautiful actor Shelby Grant. Love struck them both instantly, and destiny brought them together again just a few days later at the beach.

Love Blossoms and Vows Are Made

During their courtship, Everett showered Grant with a seemingly endless supply of roses, adorning her balcony like a vibrant garden. In 1966, they exchanged their vows and embarked on a journey of love and commitment. Together, they had two daughters, Shannon and Katherine (Kate). Grant made the decision to step away from acting and focus on raising their family.

On their wedding day, Chad declared, "We’ve been soulmates for many lifetimes." To reaffirm their love, Everett and Grant renewed their vows every seven years, with their daughters officiating the ceremonies. Their unwavering love and respect for each other were undeniable, evident to everyone who had the privilege of witnessing their bond.

A Tale of Family and Personal Battles

Everett’s dedication extended beyond Grant; he was also fully committed to raising her children as his own. Growing up on a ranch provided their family with countless precious moments. They cherished quality time together, whether it was playing tennis, swimming, horseback riding, or simply enjoying a football game.

Inevitably, life presented challenges along with the good times. When Medical Center ended, Everett, who owned 15% of the show, found himself with financial security to provide a comfortable life for his family. However, this comfort led him down a dangerous path of alcohol addiction.

In 1986, Grant confronted him about his drinking problem. It was a turning point when Everett finally admitted, "I am really in trouble." Seeking to set an example for his children, he bravely decided to face his addiction head-on and invited them into his bedroom for a frank conversation. He wanted them to witness the consequences of allowing drugs or alcohol to control one’s life.

Everett’s battle against alcoholism was relentless. With the unwavering support of his family, Alcoholics Anonymous, and his strong faith, he never gave up. He expressed profound gratitude to Grant for standing by his side during his lowest moments, always reassuring him of her unwavering commitment. Without his family’s love and support, Everett knew he would have faced insurmountable hardships.

Unshakeable Love in the Face of Challenges

Grant’s support for Everett extended even to the courtroom. A woman named Sheila Scott falsely claimed that Everett was the father of her son Dale, born in 1973. Scott harassed Everett and his wife for nearly two decades, making threatening phone calls and sending messages. Eventually, she pled guilty to harassment and was legally instructed to cease public criticism of Everett. Unfortunately, even after his passing, she continued to attack his daughters on social media.

Everett’s life came to an end in 2012 due to lung cancer, just one year after the tragic loss of his beloved wife. He was 75 years old at the time. He is survived by his two daughters and six grandchildren. Throughout his life, Everett understood that what truly mattered was the love and connection he shared with his family. He took immense pride in his wife, children, and grandchildren.

According to Shannon, "He could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room." For Everett, his wife and daughters were always the most significant individuals in his life. Their deep connection was undeniable, and his passing just a year after Grant’s serves as a poignant reminder of the profound love they shared. Perhaps he couldn’t bear to live without her.

We Want to Hear from You!

Did you ever catch an episode of Medical Center on television? We’d love to hear your cherished memories of Chad Everett. Join us in celebrating the remarkable legacy of this beloved actor and the extraordinary love story he shared with Shelby Grant.