Tamara Dobson
Tamara Dobson | |
---|---|
model | |
Years active | 1969–1987 |
Known for | Cleopatra Jones – Cleopatra Jones, Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3][4] |
Tamara Janice Dobson (May 14, 1947 – October 2, 2006) was an American
Early life and education
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Dobson was the second of four children born to Melvin and Evelyn Dobson (née Russell).[6] She attended Western High School, an academically demanding all-girls institution. Her father sold tickets for the Pennsylvania Railroad and her mother was a beautician. The family was poor, but Tamara had the full complement of piano, tap and ballet lessons. Her parents sent her on to the Baltimore Institute of Art, and after she got her degree, she went on to qualify as a beautician, like her mother.
Dobson started as a
Career
After school, Dobson moved from Maryland to New York to model and act full-time. Dobson modeled for
Dobson also starred in episode 13 of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century as Doctor Delora Bayliss and in Season 2 of Jason of Star Command.
Work discrimination
Dobson experienced racial discrimination during her time working on films. When interviewed by The New York Times, Dobson said,
“I like being a woman,” she goes on. “I have the kind of job I want to do. I have been discriminated against, but not because I'm a woman. It's because I am black. I'm used to people not wanting to be with me because I'm black. Before they see me as being female, they see me as being black. The stigma that's been placed on you because you're black gives you enough kill to get you through the woman thing. It makes you angry! Yes, It's much tougher being black than being woman.” [8]
Health and death
Dobson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000.[2][3] She died on October 2, 2006, at Keswick Multi-Care Center in Baltimore, Maryland,[3] of complications from pneumonia and multiple sclerosis, at age 59.[2][9][10] Dobson never married or had children.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1972 | Come Back, Charleston Blue | Uncredited[9] | |
1972 | Fuzz | Rochelle | |
1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Cleopatra "Cleo" Jones | |
1975 | Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold | ||
1976 | Norman... Is That You? | Audrey | |
1977 | Murder at the World Series | Lisa | TV movie |
1979 | Jason of Star Command | Samantha | 12 episodes |
1979 | Buck Rogers in the 25th Century | Delora Bayliss | 1 episode |
1983 | Chained Heat | Duchess | |
1984 | Amazons | Rosalund Joseph | (final film role) |
References
- ^ ISBN 9780786452118. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
- ^ ISBN 9780786458042. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
- ^ a b c d e "(JET Magazine) Tamara Dobson, 59: Known For 'Cleopatra Jones' Film Roles". Google Books. Johnson Publishing Company. 23 October 2006. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
- ^ a b c d e "Smart, Tall and Beautiful, Tamara Dobson | African American Registry". www.aaregistry.org. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
- The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ^ a b Thompson, M. Cordell (13 September 1973). "(JET Magazine) Tamara Dobson: Tall, Tough And Talented Actor". Google Books. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
- ^ David Michael Ettlin (October 6, 2006). "Cleopatra Jones star Tamara Dobson dies at 59". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ^ Klemesrud, Judy (August 19, 1973). "Tamara Dobson—Not Super Fly But Super Woman". The New York Times. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ a b "Tamara Dobson, 59, Model and Actress, Dies". The New York Times. October 6, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- Baltimore Sun. October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
External links
- Tamara Dobson at IMDb
- Tamara Dobson at AllMovie
- Biography
- Actress Tamara Dobson, Star of 'Cleopatra Jones,' Dies At 59, Vibe.com
- The Cocoa Lounge Remembers Tamara Dobson, Biography, Cocoalounge.com