Kevin Dobson, star of ‘Knots Landing’ and ‘Kojak,’ dead at 77

STOCKTON, Calif. — Actor Kevin Dobson, best known for starring in two long-running TV dramas, “Kojak” and “Knots Landing,” died Sunday at the age of 77.

Multiple media outlets reported a heart attack as the cause of death, but Dobson’s rep, Arthur Toretzk, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died after struggling with an autoimmune deficiency.

Dobson most notably starred as Telly Savalas’ “eager young partner” Bobby Crocker on “Kojak” from 1973 to 1978, and as Michele Lee’s husband, Mack MacKenzie, on “Knots Landing” from 1982 to 1993, THR reported.

Born March 18, 1943, in Queens and raised in Jackson Heights, New York, Dobson worked as a trainman, brakeman and conductor on the Long Island Railroad followed by a few years as a waiter before pursuing an acting career, Forbes reported.

His lengthy and versatile career also included daytime stints on “One Life to Live,” “Days of Our Lives” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” as well as appearing in nearly three dozen made-for-TV movies, numerous full-length feature films and starring in stage productions of “Twelve Angry Men,” “Art” and “The Impossible Years,” THR reported.

Known in the military community for his frequent visits to Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide, Dobson twice served as chairman of the VA’s National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and was recognized for his volunteer work by former President George H.W. Bush in the Oval Office. He also hosted the Veterans Inaugural Balls for Bush and former President Bill Clinton, THR reported.

According to Forbes, Dobson is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan; a daughter, Mariah Dobson; and two sons, Patrick Dobson and Sean Dobson.

Cox Media Group