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Kevin Dobson (1943–2020), starred in “Kojak,” “Knots Landing”

by Linnea Crowther

Kevin Dobson was an actor best known for his roles in “Kojak” and “Knots Landing.”

From daytime to prime time

Dobson got his start on TV in daytime soap operas – first in a brief role in “One Life to Live” in 1968, and then in a variety of roles in “The Doctors.” He landed his first major role in 1973, playing Detective Bobby Crocker in “Kojak” for the show’s entire five-season run. In 198s, Dobson joined the cast of “Knots Landing” as Mack MacKenzie. He won five Soap Opera Digest Awards for his performance over 11 years, including Outstanding Hero and Favorite Super Couple, with Michele Lee. Later, Dobson had a recurring role in “Days of Our Lives,” where he was the fourth and final actor to play Mickey Horton, as well as in “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Dobson frequently guest starred on TV shows including “The Mod Squad,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Nash Bridges,” and “CSI.” He appeared in movies including “Midway” (1976), “1408” (2007), and an uncredited appearance in “Klute” (1971).

Dobson on his “Kojak” audition

“I was a military policeman in the Army, so I knew how to hold a gun and throw somebody against a wall. I got a call [the next night] asking if I’d sign a contract.” —from a 2016 interview with Boomer magazine

Tributes to Kevin Dobson

Full obituary: Variety

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