Chad Everett, an actor best known for his starring role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the 70s TV drama Medical Center, has died after a year-and-a-half-long battle with lung cancer. He was 76.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1936, Everett graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit and shortly thereafter signed a contract with Warner Brothers studio.

Wikipedia notes Everett’s first notable role came in an episode of ABC’s 1960-1962 detective series Surfside 6.

From there, 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.”

In addition to the numerous television shows that he appeared in, Everett also spent a fair share of time in front of the movie cameras. His films credits include “The Jigsaw Murders,” “The Firechasers,” director Gus Van Sant’s remake of “Psycho,” “Airplane II: The Sequel” and more.

The AP reports Everett’s most unforgettable film role came in Mulholland Drive in which he’s “a lothario who engages in a steamy audition with a young ingeneue portrayed by Naomi Watts”.

Chad’s more recent roles included a stint on NBC’s Undercovers and a 2009 guest appearance on Supernatural, in which he played the older Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles).

Upon hearing of Everett’s passing, Supernatural star Jared Padalecki took to Twitter to express his sadness:

From Jensen and me… Rest In Peace Chad Everett. Gone too soon. The family has lost another.

— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) July 25, 2012

Chad Everett is survived by two daughters and six grandchildren. He had been married for 45 years to the late actress Shelby Grant, who died in June of 2011.

Chad Everett, ‘Medical Center’ Star, Dies at 76 is a post from: The Inquisitr