NEW YORK _ Kevin Dobson, who made his mark starring in "Kojak," "Knots Landing" and a host of movie and television appearances, died Sunday.
He was 77.
The U.S. Army veteran's death was announced on the Facebook page of the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, with a simple, "Army Veteran, Veterans Rights Activist, Film and Television Actor Kevin Dobson has passed away. He was 77 Years Old. Condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace."
Dobson was chairman of the San Joaquin County group, reported USA Today.
The cause was a heart attack, reported Forbes. His rep, Arthur Toretzk, told The Hollywood Reporter that Dobson died in a Stockton, California, hospital Sunday evening amid a struggle with an immune deficiency.
Born in Queens, New York, Dobson got his acting start after working as a Long Island Railroad conductor, among other jobs.
From 1973 to 1978, he played Telly Savalas' eager young partner, Detective Bobby Crocker on "Kojak" and returned for the reunion movie, in which he had been moved up to assistant district attorney.
On "Knots Landing," Dobson starred from the fourth to 14th seasons as M. "Mack" Patrick MacKenzie, alongside screen wife Michele Lee.
Dobson won five Soap Opera Digest Awards for "Knots Landing," reported Forbes. He also starred in a 1997 and 2005 miniseries and reunion special, respectively, Forbes said.
