Kent McCord is an American actor best known for his role as Officer Jim Reed on the television series Adam-12 and for his steady work across film and television since the 1960s. This profile summarizes his career background, key credits, and publicly available information reported by IMDb and other reference sources. Below you will find verified highlights, a look at major professional milestones, and insights useful for research or personal interest without speculative commentary or time-sensitive framing.
Early Career and Entry Into Acting
Kent McCord began his professional acting career in the early 1960s, taking small roles in film and television as he built experience and name recognition. His earliest credited performances reflect the typical progression of character actors of the era, moving from bit parts to more visible supporting roles. His work on Adam-12, which premiered in 1968, established him as a recognizable face in television and remains his most enduring association for many viewers.
Initial Interest and Training
Before gaining attention for roles in police procedurals and action-adventure series, McCord pursued training and early stage work that informed his on-camera presence. His transition to television aligned with the growing demand for mid-budget series in syndication and network schedules during the late 1960s.
Notable Television Roles
Across television, McCord built a durable presence in both recurring and guest-starring capacities. His most prominent series credit is Adam-12, where he portrayed Officer Jim Reed across multiple seasons, contributing to the show’s realistic depiction of patrol work. In addition, he appeared in long-running crime and drama series that relied on steady character actors to anchor ensemble casts.
Adam-12 Impact and Presence
On Adam-12, McCord’s performance as Reed complemented his co-stars and helped establish the procedural tone that defined the series. The role required genuine stunt work, restrained dialogue delivery, and consistent scheduling within a tightly produced format. His contributions to the series remain well documented in syndication and retrospective coverage.
Film Work and Key Collaborations
Alongside television, McCord appeared in a range of films spanning multiple genres, from action thrillers to crime dramas. He frequently worked with directors who valued disciplined, low-profile performances, and he maintained a steady presence on screens large and small. The following table details key attributes of his notable work.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Notable Role | Officer Jim Reed, Adam-12 (1968–1975) | IMDB, Production Credits |
| Long-Term Television Association | Regular series role spanning multiple seasons | Network archives, IMDb |
| Typical Genre Focus | Crime drama, police procedural, action | Production records, cast listings |
| Documented Collaborations | Work with producers and directors on syndicated and network series | IMDB, industry databases |
Later Career and Public Profile
In later decades, McCord continued to accept roles on television and in direct-to-video projects, maintaining a schedule that reflected the availability of character actor work in a changing market. Public discussion of his career has focused largely on his performance as Officer Reed and the lasting recognition of Adam-12 among viewers interested in classic police dramas.
IMDB and Source Transparency
IMDB and similar databases list McCord’s extensive credits, including production years, episode appearances, and occasional uncredited work where documented. Cross-referencing these entries with official studio records helps confirm which roles are consistently attributed to him and which may reflect uncredited or informal performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Kent McCord best known for? He is best known for playing Officer Jim Reed on the television series Adam-12.
- Does Kent McCord have a Wikipedia page? Yes, he has a Wikipedia page that provides an overview of his career and selected credits.
- Are there other notable actors from Adam-12? Yes, the series featured Martin Milner and other actors who contributed to its long run and authentic police procedural style.
- Is Kent McCord still acting? He has continued to accept roles, though his work has become less frequent in recent years, consistent with many character actors of his generation.
- How can I verify his credits? Credits listed on IMDB, studio press kits, and industry databases provide consistent records of his appearances across film and television.
Comparisons to Similar Career Paths
McCord’s career path reflects that of other character actors who built reputations through reliable performances in recurring or supporting roles. The following comparison highlights aspects of consistency and professional trajectory.
| Career Element | Kent McCord | Typical Character Actor Trajectory |
|---|---|---|
| Breakout Role | Officer Jim Reed on Adam-12 | Role in a long-running series or genre production |
| Primary Genre Focus | Crime drama, police procedural, action | Consistent alignment with market demand |
| Longevity Factors | Reliable performance, scheduling consistency, adaptability | Ability to sustain work across format changes |
| Documented Recognition | IMDB, syndication, fan forums | Ongoing visibility in niche and general audiences |
Summary and Practical Takeaways
Kent McCord’s career offers a clear example of how character actors can build lasting recognition through consistent work in a focused genre. His prominent role in Adam-12, combined with steady appearances in film and television, demonstrates the value of reliability and professionalism in performance. For researchers, collectors, or fans, IMDB and comparable databases remain useful tools for verifying credits and tracing the evolution of his work over time.