Tamara Dobson

Tamara Janice Dobson (May 14, 1947 – October 2, 2006) was an American actress and fashion model. Beginning her career in modeling during the late 1960s, Dobson became best known for her title role as government agent Cleopatra "Cleo" Jones the 1973 Blaxploitation film Cleopatra Jones and its 1975 sequel Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold.[3][5]

Tamara Dobson
Dobson in Cleopatra Jones (1973)
Born
Tamara Janice Dobson

(1947-05-14)May 14, 1947[1]
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
DiedOctober 2, 2006(2006-10-02) (aged 59)[1][2]
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Resting placeWoodlawn Cemetery, Woodlawn, Maryland, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
EducationMaryland Institute College of Art[2]
Occupation
Years active1969–1987
Known forCleopatra Jones – Cleopatra Jones, Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3][4]

Early life and education

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Dobson was the second of four children born to Melvin and Evelyn Dobson (née Russell).[6] Dobson started as a beautician. Dobson started her modeling career doing fashion shows at her school, Maryland Institute College of Art, where she also received her degree in fashion illustration.[4] While studying, Dobson was discovered in 1969 and began to film commercials and modeled.

Career

After school, Dobson moved from Maryland to New York to model and act full-time. Dobson modeled for Jet Magazine sometime during her early modeling career.[6] Dobson eventually became a fashion model for Vogue Magazine, in addition to modeling for Essence magazine.[4][7] She was also in TV commercials for Revlon, Fabergé, and Chanel.[4] Dobson is also recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Tallest Leading Lady in Film", standing at 6 foot 2 inches.[3][4] Aside from Cleopatra Jones, Dobson had roles in other films such as; Come Back, Charleston Blue, Chained Heat and Norman... Is That You?

Dobson also starred in episode 13 of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century as Doctor Delora Bayliss [8] and in Season 2 of Jason of Star Command.

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
1972Come Back, Charleston BlueUncredited[9]
1972FuzzRochelle
1973Cleopatra JonesCleopatra "Cleo" Jones
1975Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold
1976Norman... Is That You?Audrey
1977Murder at the World SeriesLisaTV movie
1979Jason of Star CommandSamantha12 episodes
1979Buck Rogers in the 25th CenturyDelora Bayliss1 episode
1983Chained HeatDuchess
1984AmazonsRosalund Joseph(final film role)

References
  1. Lentz III, Harris M. (24 October 2008). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2006: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre. ISBN 9780786452118. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  2. McCann, Bob (21 December 2009). Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television (Tamara Dobson). ISBN 9780786458042. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  3. "(JET Magazine) Tamara Dobson, 59: Known For 'Cleopatra Jones' Film Roles". Google Books. Johnson Publishing Company. 23 October 2006. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  4. "Smart, Tall and Beautiful, Tamara Dobson | African American Registry". www.aaregistry.org. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
  5. "Tamara Dobson, 59; Former Model Starred in 'Cleopatra Jones' Movies". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  6. Thompson, M. Cordell (13 September 1973). "(JET Magazine) Tamara Dobson: Tall, Tough And Talented Actor". Google Books. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  7. David Michael Ettlin (October 6, 2006). "Cleopatra Jones star Tamara Dobson dies at 59". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0533102/fullcredits
  9. "Tamara Dobson, 59, Model and Actress, Dies". The New York Times. October 6, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  10. "Actress Tamara Dobson, 59, starred as 'Cleopatra Jones'". Baltimore Sun. October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
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