Quiz

Was the first choice for the lead role of the title character in Magnum P.I. (1980), but turned it down. The role was ultimately given to Tom Selleck.

In the U.S. Army, Dobson served as an MP during the Vietnam era. He was twice Chairman of the National Salute To Hospitalized Veterans ("If you love your country, thank a Vet"). He hosted two Veterans Inaugural Balls, one for President Bill Clinton and one for President George Bush. Dobson received the Silver Helmet Award and the American Legion Award.

A one-time semi-pro baseball player, his two sons have shared his passion for the sport. Son Sean attended Santa Barbara City College where he played baseball; son Patrick graduated attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, where he was an All-American third baseman.

Worked as a conductor for the Long Island Railroad.

As young unknown in the 1970s, Dobson was mentored in the business by Telly Savalas on Il tenente Kojak (1973). Dobson played Savalas's partner, Det. Bobby Crocker, for 115 episodes of the series. Years later, Savalas's (step)daughter, Nicollette Sheridan, co-starred with Dobson on California (1979). Nicolette considered Telly Savalas her father instead of stepfather.

The first winner of the ABC Superstars athletic competition, he and his wife, Susan Dobson, raise funds through the Kevin Dobson Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Institute, of which Susan has been a member of the Board of Directors.

Received a phone call from the producers of California (1979) about playing the role of a district attorney. At first, he was very unhappy about it, but then he liked it, and stood with his character for more than a decade.

Dobson's acting mentor, good friend, and former series' lead Telly Savalas, died on January 22, 1994, at age 72. (Savalas celebrated his 72nd birthday on January 21, 1994, with friends and family, and passed away, the following day.) Dobson was also good friends with Savalas's two children including his (step) daughter Nicolette Sheridan.

One of 7 siblings who were raised in Jackson Heights, Queens (New York City), Dobson's grandfather was an Irish-born decorated NYC police officer.

Friends with: Michele Lee, Joan Van Ark, Susan Sullivan, Kene Holiday and Larry Manetti.

Upon his death, Dobson was cremated. His daughter and two sons took custody of his ashes.

Best known by the public for his roles as Det. Bobby Crocker in Il tenente Kojak (1973) and as M. Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie in California (1979).

Understudied Jon Voight in a stage production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 1973.

Until his death, he had relocated from Los Angeles, California, to Stockton, California.

Has three children: Sean Dobson, Patrick Dobson and Mariah Dobson.

As a youth, Dobson was a devout fan of Telly Savalas's movies. Over a decade later, he auditioned and won the role of Savalas's young trusted partner in Il tenente Kojak (1973).

Created the character's name of Marion Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie on California (1979), after his real-life children. The "M" was for his daughter: Mariah, and (of course) the name "Patrick" was named after his son.

Had signed a contract with Universal Studios in 1972.

After almost a decade of being under contract with Universal Studios, he replaced Don Murray when he was auditioning for the role of California (1979) as M. Patrick "Mack" MacKenzie, because he was primarily under contract with CBS.

He was the chairman of the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County.

In January 2008, he played Juror 10 in a stage production of "12 Angry Men" in Toronto, Ontario.