Tamara Dobson

Tamara Dobson

Dobson as Cleopatra Jones, 1973.
Born Tamara Janice Dobson
May 14, 1947
Baltimore, Maryland
U.S.
Died October 2, 2006 (aged 59)
Baltimore, Maryland
U.S.
Cause of death
 Complications from Pneumonia and Multiple Sclerosis
Nationality American
Education Maryland Institute College of Art
Occupation Actress, Model
Years active 1969-1987

Tamara Janice Dobson (May 14, 1947 - October 2, 2006) was an African-American actress and fashion model. Though she appeared in a few films in Hollywood, she became best known for her title roles in the 1973 Blaxploitation film Cleopatra Jones and its 1975 sequel Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold.[1]

Life and Career

Dobson was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She started as a beautician. While working, she received her degree in Fashion Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art. While studying, she was discovered in 1969 and began to film commercials and modeling. After school, she moved from Maryland to New York to model and act full-time. Dobson, who stood 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), eventually became a fashion model for Vogue Magazine.[2] Reportedly there was animosity between Dobson and Pam Grier with Dobson's publicist writing that "Miss Dobson refuses to appear in the same book much less on the same page as Miss Grier" and "Miss Dobson also has refused to participate in the same celebrity events in which Miss Grier is involved". Dobson's animosity was believed to be due to her refusing to do nude scenes in films as opposed to Pam Grier.[3]

Death

Dobson died on October 2, 2006 in her native Baltimore, Maryland, of complications from pneumonia and multiple sclerosis, at the age of 59.[4][5]

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ "Tamara Dobson, 59; Former Model Starred in `Cleopatra Jones' Movies". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  2. ↑ "Cleopatra Jones star Tamara Dobson dies at 59". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  3. ↑ p.94 Sims, Yvonne D. Women of Blaxploitation: How the Black Action Film Heroine Changed American Popular Culture McFarland, 24 Aug 2006
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Tamara Dobson, 59, Model and Actress, Dies". The New York Times. October 6, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  5. ↑ "Actress Tamara Dobson, 59, starred as `Cleopatra Jones'". Baltimore Sun. October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2011-01-30.

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