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Tamara Dobson Obituary
Dobson, 59, died Monday of complications from pneumonia and multiple sclerosis at the Keswick Multi-Care Center, where she had lived for the past two years, her publicist said.
At 6 feet, 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall, Dobson was striking as the kung-fu fighting government agent Cleopatra Jones in 1973. She reprised the role in 1975's "Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold."
"She was not afraid to start a trend," said her brother, Peter Dobson, of Houston. "She designed a lot of the clothing that so many women emulated."
Dobson also appeared in "Come Back, Charleston Blue," "Norman, Is That You?" "Murder at the World Series" and "Chained Heat."
She had TV roles in the early 1980s in "Jason of Star Command" and "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."
Dobson lived most of her adult life in New York, her family said. She was diagnosed six years ago with multiple sclerosis.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
610 Entries
Pearl Brown
June 7, 2025
I just happened to be watching Cleopatra Jones on T.V. and was so happy they still showed her movies, she was so Beautiful, and she will never be forgotten, I really loved her style, This year is 2025 and I wish she was still alive......God Bless Her...
Chastity Jackson
May 9, 2025
Rest well beautiful soul.
Melanie King
September 26, 2024
I still watch her movies in2024 WAS my favorite female as well as Leon favorite male RIP QUEEN
nancy jackson
May 13, 2024
in my younger years my friends used to say i looked like you ito am tall and it is an honer to have my friends say i look like yoU IM STILL WATCHING THIS MOVIE IN 2024
How you can show support
Rosita Evans
September 23, 2023
What treasured & beautiful memories/legacy you left, Tamara. Love u always & forever?
Van Washington
June 3, 2023
Rest in heaven Miss Dobson, you will be missed (Love you Cleo)
Gina
April 29, 2023
Tamara Dobson was a beautiful black queen!! Love You.
Felicia Miller
February 11, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this BEAUTIFUL black woman. I STILL watch Cleopatra Jones to this day ..as a matter of fact, I'm watching it now. It's on HBO Max! Rest in Heaven Ms. Tamara Dobson. You are missed greatly.
Kim Brown
April 21, 2022
You are still thought of and missed! RIHP Tamara!
Nissi'
April 12, 2022
Ms. Tamara, taught that us as black women how to be "tuff as nails," yet be a woman of class....
Ele Green
April 4, 2022
You are still missed and loved
Dianne Spigner-Rogers
April 4, 2022
She was such a beautiful black "Queen" gone to soon. Continue to Rest In Paradise
Charlene Varner-Jones
April 3, 2022
My favorite actress, so talented, stylish and beautiful!!!
Venus
March 21, 2021
I wish she were still with us. I am so inspired by her as an artist and Black woman. Rest in peace, Angel.
Ronald Tate
December 8, 2020
She was a beautiful actress ❤
ANNIE HALL
March 10, 2020
So tall and so beautiful we miss you
Yaz Jé
January 20, 2020
In this month of Black History, we certainly remember ones such as Ms. Dobson. She was one of the trailblazers and set the stage, leaving a door of opportunity wide open for those African American actresses following in her footsteps. She was talented with class. She left her mark and she is now resting in God's Memory, and when she hears His Voice, she will awaken from that deep sleep to a world where death well be no more, no pain, no sickness, nor any outcry. We look forward to that blessed time.
Greggory Overton
December 28, 2019
My dear this great working with you In our movies. Rest in peace God loves you and you are with him enjoying everlasting life.
Mildred Green
December 16, 2019
Everlasting beauty...
Rosalyn Bell
November 13, 2019
We miss you so much I still look at your movies even today 2019. We will always love and remember you. Love Rosalyn. Atlanta Georgia
Charles Quinn
November 9, 2019
American Icon.
Linda Irons
November 7, 2019
I love all Her movies. May GOD Keep His Arms Around You.
Crystal Smith
August 25, 2019
Sorry for the loss of Tamara Dobson, remember her well. Not her personal friend didn't know what to pick. No her from TV. Strong black figure of tall statue. Great Actress To the Family, my Deepest Sympathy , late , but God Bless. From me, Crystal Smith ,
August 18, 2019
Loved her character in the Cleopatra Jones series, ....i recieved an autographed photo from her when mailed her a birthday card the year "...Casinio of Gold" was released! Boy was I excited, she thanked me me for the greeting! I was resididing in Washinton DC , then. I always thought she was so fabulous !
Natalie Julian
August 15, 2019
I used to watch her in cleopatra jones on tv loved her we were born on the same day may 14 rest in peace
Video Leo
July 12, 2019
She was very talented as well as sexy l really enjoy her movies especially Cleopatra Jones she will surely be miss
Sherry Drye
June 20, 2019
I first learned about Ms. Tamara Dobson from the movie Cleopatra Jones when I left the show from seeing the movie you couldn't tell me that I wasn't her I admire her so much May U Rest In The Arms Of The Lord Rest On Queen ♥♥Miss U!
Patricia Lafleche
March 14, 2019
She was an awesome actress since I viewed her on the film Chained Heat. I never saw her in any other films just the one I indicated. She was one tough lady and big and tall. I wish I were tall like she was. I read about how she died from respiratory problems from congestion due to severe blocking of her lungs.
Syrene Garnett
February 15, 2019
Miss you Lady
BILL CROCKETT
February 10, 2019
Tamara and I were friends when I attended the Maryland Institute in 1968. We would dance at the Arts Balls because we were both tall and made a striking couple coming down the grand marble staircase in costume.
Ms Shellye Owens-Parker
January 20, 2019
She was the example of a strong black woman, in every way. With style beauty and grace.
Fj
October 3, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Tamara Dobson.
Rosalind Denson
September 21, 2018
I knew at the time when Ms. Tamara Dobson passed. I just got through watching her movie on TCM tonight. I never tire watching her movies. I decided to do a search on her movie and I ran across her guestbook. Ms. Tamara Dobson was beautiful and stunning. She was a Queen and a class act. Her movies were so empowering. She was a jewel and is missed. She represented our culture in the industry beautifully. Rest on Queen.
Sylvia Laws
January 30, 2018
Love You!❤❤♥♥
Janette Square
January 11, 2018
Just saw her today on beat the clock and went to Google - sad to learn of her death - first thing I said when I saw her Cleopatra Jones whom I admired as a kid. She was a good looking chick with beautiful captivating eyes and that combat stare was alluring she was my idol - pleasant memories.
Tony Heathe
December 1, 2017
Yes, she was dynamic, stunting and a true pioneer of her time.
Tanya Hairston
December 1, 2017
I just learned of Tamara Dobson's passing as I was listening to the Black History piece on Tom Joiner, honoring her this morning. As a child, I enjoyed watching her movies. It was great seeing a strong, black, beautiful woman on the big screen. She was a positive image for African American women, and for our people in general . She was also a trailblazer in the movie industry during that time peroid. My condolences to her family and friends. Gone way to soon!
Tanya Hairston
East Cleveland, Ohio
D A
November 20, 2017
PHENOMINAL,CLASSY, ACTRESS!!! The candle symbol of her will never burn out. The mold is broken.
Christina Kamara
November 14, 2017
Gone but never forgotten rest in paridise dear Queen.
September 30, 2017
Tall and beautiful
September 22, 2017
I loved her movies she made a path for other female actresses
she was so pre tty
iris moore
September 22, 2017
Iris moore
CK Richardson
September 21, 2017
She was my Shero. Missing you much
Michelle Cowherd
September 21, 2017
I was born on your birthday 21y later...I've always admired your beauty and talent. May god rest your soul. No more pain.
Charles Campbell
September 19, 2017
She was my hero, Beautiful and tall! And very attractive!
Warren Jackson
September 19, 2017
I was a huge fan of Ms. Dobsons,tall black and beautiful I was mezmerized by her beauty...the beautiful ones always leave us too soon.
Charles Campbell
August 30, 2017
J wanted to marry you!
Bernadette Shelton
August 13, 2017
I had the distinct pleasure of attending Coppin State College with Tamara long before she went to New York. She came from a well respected family here in Maryland.I did not learn of her death until months after her passiing. R.I.P. my friend.
Carnelia
August 11, 2017
Before my time but I loved you in your movies shine on!
ANDREA TAYLOR
July 18, 2017
I'm late in discovering Tamara Dobson. I was born the year Cleopatra Jones came out. Her legacy still lives on. It's in all of us that truly admired her. She was a tall woman that didn't try to hide her height like so many others. She had striking beauty and talent. She made her mark in the world and she will continue to be discovered throughout time. For myself she will be missed.
Shkita Allen, Allen
July 17, 2017
Though i was a little girl as i watched Ms. Dobson on the big screen, she was and remains one of my favorite. She was the epitomy and sheer definition of a sassy, classy, smart, but didnt take no stuff sista! May her legacy live on and as her soul rest in peace!!
July 16, 2017
YOU will be miss more than you know she is a old school star their are not anymore like her RIP Cleo.
Helen Davis
July 16, 2017
We miss you .
Jacquelyn Wheeler
July 16, 2017
Sorry to here of the sunset of Tamara Dobson. What a BEAUTIFUL WOMEN.
andrea Milligan
July 16, 2017
My condolences to the family.. She was a beautiful being inside and out.
July 16, 2017
Ms Dobson was a great actress in fact I'm watching one of her films now. We miss you.
Ms J Washington DC
Cynthia Acton
June 24, 2017
RIP TAMARA! GOD GOT YOU NOW.
Cynthia Acton
June 24, 2017
I am sorry to hear this she was a very attractive actress, Cleopatra Jones is one of my favorite movies. Prayers go up for her family.
Ms. C
June 4, 2017
I just the movie, Cleopatra Jones with Ms. Dobson and Bernie Casey. Great duo and meaningful movie. I understand this is years later after her death, I believe it is never too late to honor someone. May the angels of Jesus continue to wrap their wings around Tamara Dobson. God bless Ms. Dobson and her family.
Melody Hall
June 4, 2017
I'm totally shocked I just found out today she passed. May you Rest In Sweet Paradise.
Cora Martin
June 4, 2017
Rest Tamara, God's Got You Now*
R~I~P'
Isby Isby
May 27, 2017
Man she was my fav Rest in Peace pretty lady
Cookie Wilson
May 20, 2017
Rest in Heaven
You are missed.....
Lady Dee
February 23, 2017
Ms. Dobson was my idol. . .still is to this day. I sew and I fashioned several of her outfits from Cleopatra Jones and wore them proudly back in the day. Not quite her height, I'm close to 6 ft., but once I put on my platform shoes, I was her!
Loved her spirit--Rest in peace, Ms. Dobson
Lauren Wilson
February 17, 2017
Fly High...Ms.Dobson
ED BREVING
February 12, 2017
THANK YOU
ED BREVING
February 12, 2017
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TALENT AND EMPOWERMENT
Tena Leverette
January 16, 2017
So beautiful, rest in peace in Gods care.
Nikita Callon
December 23, 2016
Another gifted black GOD has brought home a shining star in the sky
Lorraine Shannon Owens
December 19, 2016
As a young African-American woman I was awestruck at her masterful character Cleopatra Jones. And because of her I fell in love with Corvettes...which I received as a gift for graduation with a BA.
Barbara Payton
December 17, 2016
Rest In Peace
December 17, 2016
Sleep in PEACE Queen Tamara Dodson. Condolences to the family.
Arlene Simon
November 25, 2016
Was a beautiful black woman.will never be forgoten
Arlene Simon
November 25, 2016
To the family.God is your strength.still watching cleopatra jones and the Casino gold.Will keep u in prayer God bless
Yvette Harris
November 20, 2016
What a beautiful, talented actress Tamara was. I just finished watching Cleopatra Jones and was wondering what she was doing these days. I am truly sorry for your loss. I did not know that she had passed. Tamara (Cleopatra Jones) will live in my heart forever.
Sugar Best
November 20, 2016
Wow! I am so surprised to here of Cleopatra's passing. She was very young! I was just watching her on bounce TV just now and I enjoyed her movie. I was curious to know more about her and then to learn of this is very shocking. May her soul rest in peace. Such a beautiful statuesque woman. Tall like myself. Blessings to her family.
Red Red
November 20, 2016
I am watching the movie Cleopatra Jones as I write this....What a Beautiful women she was.
R.I.H.
Kim
November 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss I was an avid fan f Ms Dobson,looked up to her growing up as a child.She will be GREATLY MISSED.May God be with the family,forever.
KIM SHIPPY-SPARTANBURG,S.C.
ED BREVING
October 22, 2016
YAHWEH AND YAHSHUA BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU
Tamara Alston
October 19, 2016
it is an honor to be tamed after you.
Van W.
October 2, 2016
In 1973 I saw "Cleopatra Jones" and to me you were that strong positive Black Sista that I strive to have......RIP Miss Dobson,gone but not forgotten!
Chastity Jackson
October 2, 2016
I can remember the fist time I see Cleopatra Jones, was 20 yrs old and I am 36 now. I was like she is a one,beautiful black woman. Ms. Dobson left her mark on this world.
Victor Lopez
July 22, 2016
i admired her so much she was a very beautiful woman i had no idea she had passed on may she r.i.p. till this day i still watch her top movies such as Cleopatra Jones and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold you will always be remembered "PEACE"
Victor
Michigan
Ingrid Terrell.
July 12, 2016
Resr in Peace my friend whom I admire I love your .movies you was an inspiration in my lige
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
A tall beauty who played tough and rough in several 1970's movies. I still watch CLEOPATRA JONES, thanks for playing in strong roles for black women, it meant the world to me as well as others....YOU PAVED THE WAY FOR SO MANY OTHERS....RIP MY SISTER
Michelle Whitmore
April 22, 2016
Just finished watching Cleopatra Jones,she was my idol when I was coming up,I had no idea she was deceased. May she RIH
Connie Royal
April 9, 2016
I remember going to the movies to see Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold....such a beautiful woman, so very stylish and elegant. Rest in peace Ms. Dobson.
anthony dennis
March 30, 2016
the sister was outta sight!r.i.p
marcia balde
March 29, 2016
Just finish watching her movie on bounce.
#beautiful,# gorgeous
I admire her
RIP lady your sure going be missed.
Necy Jackson
March 13, 2016
I loved her movies and beautifulness on the screen. Fairwell Tararm
THEDA
March 13, 2016
RIP...CLEOPATRA JONES. ...ALWAYS A FAN JUST WATCHED YOUR MOVIE AND HAD TO LOOK YOU UP...AND TO MY SURPRISE YOU'RE IN YOUR HEAVENLY HOME. ...HEAVEN NEEDED AN ANGEL
Darnell McGhee
March 13, 2016
She was a beautiful tall sexy woman
MISS GLADY THOMAS
March 13, 2016
Just finished watching Cleopatra Jones just like seeing it for the FRIST time always enjoy the show GLAD watch u.R.I.P.
Darlene
March 12, 2016
I always admired you.
Adriana Durrah
March 12, 2016
Rest in peace
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