Shelby Grant

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Grant

Shelby Grant (October 19, 1936 – June 25, 2011), born Brenda Thompson, was an American actress whose credits included Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and Medical Center.

Early life

Thompson was born on October 19, 1936, in Orlando, Oklahoma to parents, Lawrence and Mae Thompson. She was raised in Wagoner, Oklahoma, and completed high school at Wagoner High School.

Thompson enrolled at Northeastern State College, now known as Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she studied drama and speech. She became Northeastern State's football queen in 1959. She also won the title of Northeastern Oklahoma Dairy Princess in 1959 as well.

Career

Grant appeared in local television commercials for KTUL-TV, based in Tulsa, after college. In 1962, she moved from Oklahoma to southern California to pursue an acting career. She initially worked as a teacher of special education and deaf students at Hollywood High School while trying to enter the entertainment industry.

Thompson was discovered by a 20th Century Fox talent scout. She changed her professional name to Shelby Grant. She "drew Shelby Grant out of a hat", according to an interview she gave to columnist, Hedda Hopper.

She debuted in television in a 1963 episode of Bonanza.[1] She soon became a contracted actor with 20th Century Fox. Her film roles under contract with Fox included The Pleasure Seekers in 1964, the 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage, Our Man Flint in 1966 and The Witchmaker in 1969. Her television credits grew to include Batman (episodes 7 and 8) and Marcus Welby, M.D..

Grant married her husband, actor Chad Everett, in a ceremony held on May 22, 1966, in Tucson, Arizona. Chad Everett had been on location in Tucson filming the 1967 movie, Return of the Gunfighter, at the time of their wedding. They had two daughters, Kate and Shannon. Grant appeared in her husband's television series, Medical Center, where he portrayed Dr. Joe Gannon from 1969 to 1976. Grant largely left acting to focus on philanthropy during her later life. She and her husband sponsored more than twenty heart surgeries for children.

Death

Shelby Grant died of a brain aneurysm in Westlake Village, California, on June 25, 2011, at the age of 74. She was survived by her husband of 45 years, actor Chad Everett; their two daughters, Katherine Thorp and Shannon Everett; and six grandchildren. Chad Everett died of lung cancer on July 24, 2012, at the age of 75, a little over a year after Shelby died.
Shelby Grant Everett passed away June 25, 2011, at the age of 74 from a sudden brain aneurysm.

Shelby was born in Oklahoma on Oct. 19, 1936, the daughter of Lawrence and Mae Thompson. After graduating from Oklahoma University, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She successfully became a contract player for 20th Century Fox and appeared in such classic films as the Fantastic Voyage (1966), Our Man Flint (1966), The Witchmaker (1969), and the Pleasure Seekers (1964). Shelby also had a long list of independent TV appearances on top rated shows like Marcus Welby, M.D., Batman, Bonanza, and multiple appearances on her husband Chad Everett's series Medical Center.

Shelby married actor Chad Everett on May 22, 1966, in Tucson, Ariz., while he was on location filming Return of The Gunfighter. Their daughters, Kate Thorp and Shannon Everett, graduated and attended San Diego State University and University Santa Barbara respectively. Shelby and Chad enjoyed a life of sport and philanthropy together.

Shelby played a mean game of tennis and equally fierce game of Bridge. She was very athletic and enjoyed Pilates, healthy food, and a nice Chardonnay. Shelby has been instrumental in the efforts to provide resources to US Soldiers and for saving the lives of children. Her relentless efforts allowed these children to receive life saving surgeries through the Gift of Life and Loma Linda Hospital. Chad and Shelby have personally sponsored more than 20 heart surgeries for needy children through The Gift of Life. Shelby and Chad recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Shelby is survived by her husband, Chad Everett; her daughters, Katherine Thorp, from San Rafael, Calif., and Shannon Everett, from Carlsbad, Calif.; her brother, James L. Thompson, from Chula Vista, Calif. Shelby had six grandchildren, Lauren Thorp, Connor Thorp, and Zachary Thorp, all from San Rafael, Calif., and Tosh Everett, Faith Everett, and Dawson Everett, all residing in Carlsbad, Calif. Shelby's ashes are with her family in Westlake Village.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to The Gift of Life, 475 Northern Blvd, Suite 22, Great Neck, NY 11021. A private memorial will be held in Westlake Village to celebrate Shelby's life and memory on Saturday, July 2* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Nov 13 2021, 0:14:08 UTC