Everett was born in Indiana and raised in Dearborn, MI. After studying acting in college, he headed for Hollywood and soon thereafter made his screen debut in "Claudelle Inglish", the 1961 film based on an Erskine Caldwell novel. Within two years, he had landed his first regular role on the Western series "The Dakotas" (ABC, 1963). The actor seemed perfectly cast as the rugged American hero type. It was enough for MGM to sign him to a contract in 1964, long after the heyday of the studio system. But public tastes for heroes had changed, and Everett's MGM films did not ignite with the public. He was an executive trying to lure Debbie Reynolds from her habit to TV in "The Singing Nun" (1966), a half-Seminole in "Johnny Tiger" (1966) and a suitor for David Niven's daughter in "The Impossible Years" (1968). By "The Firechasers" (1970), Everett's big screen career was all but over.

Yet, the tall actor's chiseled good looks and husky voice proved perfect for the small screen. "Medical Center" made him a star. Unlike other successful series performers, however, Everett was never able to find a subsequent role that won audience's loyalty. "Hagen" (CBS, 1980) was a short-lived effort with the actor cast as a private investigator, while the raucous "The Rousters" (NBC, 1983-1984), an attempt to capitalize on Everett's previous Western roles, came at that network's lowest moment. After nearly a decade, during which he made a memorable appearance in the 1978-79 NBC miniseries "Centennial", Everett again made a stab at TV series playing an outdoor travel company operator in "McKenna" (ABC, 1994-95), but now he was the father figure.

During that decade, Everett confronted his alcoholism and after receiving treatment, continued to pursue his acting career. He made guest appearances on series (including four separate appearances as four different characters during the long run of "Murder, She Wrote") and the occasional TV-movie ("Thunder Boat Row", ABC 1989). But it was a two-episode stint on "Cybill" (CBS) in 1995 that revived his appeal. Now silver-haired, yet still charismatic, Everett was cast as a steamy love interest for star Cybill Shepherd. The positive critical and audience reaction led to subsequent appearances on such series as "Touched by an Angel" and "Caroline in the City" and a starring role in the made-for-cable movie "When Times Expires" (The Movie Channel, 1997).