James Dobson

James "Jimmy" Dobson (October 2, 1920 – December 6, 1987) was an American actor. He appeared in numerous Broadway, film and television roles. Metacritic stated that Dobson was a “supporting actor; he often played military men and appeared in many Westerns.” He is best-known as Lieutenant Pudge McCabe in the John Wayne film Flying Leathernecks. He was the dialogue director for the McMillan and Wife television series and also played various roles in a few of the episodes. He was Steward Anderson in The Love Boat TV series. Early life and education The oldest child of Leta (nee McAmis) and Benjamin Dobson, James "Jimmy" Dobson was born in Greeneville, Tennessee on October 2, 1920. Dobson's father was a longtime postal employee for the city of Greenville. James had a younger brother named John Dobson, who is also deceased. John was a librarian at the University of Tennessee. The Greeneville Sun stated that Dobson "played ball, loved to swim and loved to ride his bike." At an early age, Dobson realized that he had an innate ability to entertain people. He was an active participant in the Greeneville High School drama club. After graduation, he enrolled at Tusculum College, now known as Tusculum University. Dobson was in the college drama club. He was also in the drama club while attending the University of Tennessee. There, he won a trip to Hollywood. The Associated Press stated that "Dobson decided to become an actor after visiting Hollywood." Career Before moving to Hollywood, Dobson first moved to New York City. There, he worked as a stage actor for Life with Father, The Wind is 90, The Firebrand of Florence, and Mr. Adam. He was also a voice actor for radio shows, most notable was Archie Andrews. He, along with Cy Walter and Richard Kollmar, wrote a song together, I'll Never Tire of You. It was recorded in New York City on November 12, 1941, by the Sam Donahue Orchestra as a RCA Victor - Bluebird 78 rpm single. (Interesting to note: Dobson and Kollmar both attended Tusculum College, suggesting a possible connection as to why they worked together, and with Walter, to write I'll Never Tire of You.) Dobson eventually moved to Hollywood after living in New York for a few years. During his long-lived career, he appeared in numerous film and television productions. John Wayne was fond of Dobson. They worked in a few films together. Dobson appeared with President Reagan and his wife Nancy in Hellcats of the Navy.