Late L.A. Local Member and Veteran Honored for Philanthropic Work

In memory of SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local member and Los Angeles Local Military Committee Chair Kevin Dobson, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America renamed its food distribution program the Kevin Dobson Memorial Food to Life Program. 

Dobson, a member of the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local, passed away on Sept. 6. His film and television career began in the 1960s after serving in the U.S. Army, and he is best known in the industry for his work on Kojak (1973-1979) and Knots Landing (1979-1993).

He was also an active member of various SAG-AFTRA national and local committees, particularly those serving military veterans, seniors and performers with disabilities. Under his leadership as Los Angeles Military Committee chair — formerly known as the Los Angeles Military Personnel and Family Support Committee — the committee’s mission expanded to create educational programs and offered programs to help support union veteran members’ efforts to promote themselves for industry roles. 

In addition to his union-based volunteerism, Dobson supported many other programs and organizations dedicated to veterans, including the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and the American Legion. 

The Los Angeles Local is grateful for his work and sends condolences to his family. 

The Kevin Dobson Memorial Food to Life Program serves seniors, veterans and those in need within the Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, and its operations are managed through the efforts of volunteers. Although originally intended to last only six months, it quickly became a long-term project and currently delivers 21 meals per week to recipients. For more information about the program or to donate, please visit its website at foodtolife.org.