Kevin Dobson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kevin Dobson
Dobson in Kojak (1975)
Born	Kevin Patrick Dobson (1943-03-18)March 18, 1943 Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, U.S.
Died	September 6, 2020(2020-09-06) (aged 77) Stockton, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1968–2017
Spouse(s)	Susan Dobson ​ (m. 1968)​
Children	3

Kevin Patrick Dobson (born March 18, 1943 – died September 6, 2020) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles on television. He played Detective Bobby Crocker in the crime show Kojak. He was also known as M. Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie in the soap opera Knots Landing.

Early Life

Kevin Dobson was born in Jackson Heights, New York. His family had roots in Ireland. He was one of seven children. His father worked as a janitor, and his mother was a stay-at-home parent.

Before becoming an actor, Dobson had other jobs. He worked for the Long Island Rail Road as a trainman and conductor. After that, he worked as a waiter for a few years.

Acting Career Highlights

Dobson began his acting career with small roles. He appeared in the 1971 film Klute. He also had parts in TV shows like The Mod Squad and Emergency!.

Starring in Kojak

In 1972, Dobson signed a contract with Universal Studios. This led to his most famous role as Detective Bobby Crocker. He played the young partner of Lt. Theo Kojak, played by Telly Savalas, in the TV series Kojak.

Dobson tried out for the role twice and didn't get it. He tried a third time and finally won the part. He stayed on Kojak for all five seasons, from 1973 to 1978. He and Telly Savalas became good friends. They even worked together again in a 1990 TV movie called Kojak: It's Always Something.

Life After Kojak

In 1981, Dobson starred in the CBS series Shannon. He played a police officer who was a single dad. However, this show was canceled after only nine episodes.

A more successful role came in 1982. Dobson joined the popular show Knots Landing. He played M. Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie. He was on the show from its fourth season until it ended in 1993. He won five Soap Opera Digest Awards for his work on Knots Landing. He later reunited with his co-stars for a miniseries in 1997.

Film and Stage Roles

Dobson also acted in several movies. He was in the World War II film Midway (1976). He played Ensign George H. Gay Jr., a pilot who was the only survivor of a torpedo squadron. He also had a role in the 1981 romantic comedy All Night Long. Later, he appeared as a priest in the 2007 horror film 1408.

On stage, Dobson starred in the play 'Art' in Chicago. He also appeared in many other plays across the United States. He once said that actors should be happy to be typecast, meaning known for a certain type of role.

Helping Veterans

Dobson was a former soldier in the Army. He cared deeply about helping hospitalized veterans. He served twice as the chairman of the National Salute To Hospitalized Veterans. He received awards for his work, including the AMVETS Silver Helmet Peace Award.

Personal Life and Passing

Kevin Dobson married his wife, Susan, in 1968. They had three children: Mariah, Patrick, and Sean.

Dobson passed away on September 6, 2020, at the age of 77. He had been dealing with a health condition.

Filmography

Films

Television