Chad Everett has died after a 1 1/2 year long battle with lung cancer (Photo courtesy of cbsnews.com)

Chad Everett has died after a 1 1/2 year long battle with lung cancer (Photo courtesy of cbsnews.com) (July 25, 2012)

DERRIK J. LANG,AP Entertainment Writer AP

10:51 a.m. EDT, July 25, 2012
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The star of the 1970s TV series "Medical
Center" who went on to appear in such films and shows as
"Mulholland Drive" and "Melrose Place" has died. Chad Everett
was 76.

Everett's daughter says he died Tuesday at his home in Los
Angeles after a year-and-a-half-long battle with lung cancer.
His acting career spanned more than 40 years and included guest
starring roles on such TV series as "The Love Boat," "Murder,
She Wrote" and "Without A Trace." He most recently appeared in
the TV series "Castle." His films credits include "The Jigsaw
Murders," "The Firechasers" and director Gus Van Sant's

According to Wikipedia, Everett was born Raymon Lee Cramton in South Bend, Indiana, to Virdeen Ruth (née Hopper) and Harry Clyde “Ted” Cramton.[1] He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, where he became interested in the theatre as a Fordson High School student.

After attending Wayne State University in Detroit, he headed to Hollywood and obtained a contract with Warner Brothers studio. Agent Henry Willson signed him and changed his name to Chad Everett. Everett claims he changed his name because he tired of explaining his real name, "Raymon-no-D, Cramton-no-P."

     
Everett is survived by his two daughters and six grandchildren.
He was married to actress Shelby Grant for 45 years until her death
last year.