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Tamara
Dobson |
Fashionable Kung Fu
Queen of 1970s Blaxploitation Film Was Hollywood's First Black
Heroine
Actress Tamara Dobson -- best-remembered for her portrayal of
the kung fu-fighting, Afro-wearing, fashion-conscious government
super agent Cleopatra Jones -- died Monday of complications from
pneumonia and multiple sclerosis in a Baltimore rehabilitation
facility. She was 59 years old.
Born May 14, 1947, in Baltimore, Ms. Dobson was a former
beautician who earned a degree in fashion illustration from the
Maryland Institute of Art. She went on to work as a professional
model, appearing in magazines such as Vogue, Essence and
Mademoiselle. She also graced the cover of Redbook and posed for
a legendary fashion spread in Ebony magazine sporting her
signature giant Afro. In addition to appearing in television
commercials, she served as the face of Faberge's "Tigress" for
several years, and she appeared in ads for both Chanel and
Revlon's "Charlie" perfumes.
Ms. Dobson launched her film career in 1972 with a small role in
"Fuzz," playing Yul Brynner's girlfriend (the film also starred
Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch). Her big break came in 1973 when
she was cast in the title, pioneering role of "Cleopatra Jones,"
opposite Shelley Winters, Bernie Casey and Antonio Fargas. The
film, directed by Jack Starrett, and written and co- produced by
actor Max Julien ("The Mack"), introduced the first black super
heroine to the silver screen; prior to Ms. Dobson's role, the
blaxploitation genre had been distinguished primarily by black
males doing battle with the white establishment, crooked cops,
drug dealers and pimps. Her character inspired the creation of
other tough, black female leads in movies such as "Coffey,"
"Foxy Brown," "Get Christie Love," and "Black Belt Jones," and
Cleopatra Jones was parodied in "Austin Powers in Goldmember"
(2002), which starred Mike Myers and Beyonce Knowles as Foxxy
Cleopatra.
In 1975 Ms. Dobson reprised her super spy role in "Cleopatra
Jones and the Casino of Gold." A federal agent fighting the drug
trade in the United States and abroad, her character was often
likened to a female version of James Bond, every bit the fierce
fighter and fashion maven as the iconic spy. Known for her
3-foot-wide hat brims, colorful garb and flowing fur robes,
Cleopatra Jones' penchant for exotic clothing and super-sized
Afros inspired mid-1970s fashion trends, including the popular
waist-length, leather-trimmed fur jackets.
Boasting measurements of 38-26-39 at the peak of her career, Ms.
Dobson, who also trained in martial arts, cut a stunning figure.
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall, she was recognized by the Guinness
Book of World Records as the tallest leading lady in film.
"She was not afraid to start a trend. She designed a lot of the
clothing that so many women emulated. With the knowledge from
her degree and her natural creativity, she helped develop
elegant fashions, especially for tall women," says Dobson's
brother Peter.
Ms. Dobson continued to work throughout the late 1970s and early
1980s. Her film credits include: "Come Back, Charleston Blue"
(1972; starring Godfrey Cambridge); "Norman, Is That You?"
(1976, starring Redd Foxx and Pearl Bailey); "Murder at the
World Series" (1977, starring Lynda Day George); and "Chained
Heat" (1983, starring Stella Stevens and Linda Blair).
"Amazons," a made-for-TV movie directed by Paul Michael Glaser
("Starsky and Hutch") in 1984, was Dobson's last feature-length
film. Her other television roles were on "Jason of Star Command"
(during the 1980-81 season) and "Buck Rogers in the 25th
Century" (1980, as the evil doctor).
Ms. Dobson lived most of her adult life in New York, where she
and tennis legend Arthur Ashe became the first two
African-Americans to reside at the exclusive Carnegie House
Condominiums at 57th and 6th Streets. She was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis six years ago.
"It was tough going through that debilitating disease,
especially with her athleticism and involvement in karate,"
Peter Dobson says. "That was something she had to fight, and
that fight was horrendous ... and being a proud individual, the
fight was even harder for her."
"She was the perfect combination of power and kindness," he
added.
Ms. Dobson is survived by her brother, Peter, and sister,
Darilyn, a model who became known as the Palmer's Cocoa Butter
girl. She was also a devoted aunt to her brother's three
children: Kaleb, 10; Valyn, 12; and Aaron, 17.
Services are pending.
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