Obituaries : Jimmy Dobson; Stage, TV Actor

James (Jimmy) Dobson, who played a series of juvenile roles on Broadway and in films before moving to television as a character actor on “Love Boat” and other series, died Sunday after suffering a heart attack in his Hollywood Hills home. He was 67.

A native of Tennessee, Dobson chose an acting career after winning a trip to Hollywood. He moved to New York and was seen on stage in “Life With Father,” “The Wind Is 90,” “Firebrand of Florence” and “Mr. Adam.” While there he also was heard for a time in the lead role on “Archie Andrews,” a radio dramatization of a comic strip.

His pictures included “The Red Badge of Courage,” “Flying Leathernecks,” “Hellcats of the Navy,” “The Tanks Are Coming,” “Force of Arms” and “The Rose Bowl Story.”

Most recently he had been dialogue director for “McMillan and Wife” and “Love Boat,” where he also played the role of Steward Anderson.

Survivors include a brother. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. today in the chapel at Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions to the Motion Picture and Television Relief Fund are asked.