Bob Dornan | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 46th district |
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In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1997 |
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Preceded by | New District |
Succeeded by | Loretta Sanchez |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 38th district |
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In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1993 |
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Preceded by | Jerry M. Patterson |
Succeeded by | Steve Horn |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 27th district |
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In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1983 |
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Preceded by | Alphonzo E. Bell, Jr. |
Succeeded by | Mel Levine |
Personal details | |
Born |
Robert Kenneth Dornan April 3, 1933 New York City, New York |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Sallie Hansen (m. April 16, 1955) |
Alma mater | Loyola University of Los Angeles |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Robert Kenneth "Bob" Dornan (born April 3, 1933) is a Republican and former member of the United States House of Representatives from California.
A boisterous former actor and television talk show host, Dornan had a flair for the dramatic that drew supporters and detractors well beyond his congressional districts. Though never a major power in Washington, he became one of the most well-known members of the House of Representatives and has been described as "one of the leading firebrands among American politicians."
Dornan was born in New York City, New York, the son of Gertrude Consuelo (McFadden) and Harry Joseph Dornan. He attended Loyola University of Los Angeles (later renamed Loyola Marymount University) until 1953. At age 19, Dornan volunteered to join the United States Air Force. During his time in the USAF, he survived two emergency parachute ejections and two "dead stick" forced landings (including one of an F-100). Dornan also served as a photographer during the Vietnam War and flew relief flights into Biafra. He was an active duty serviceman in USAF until 1958, reaching the rank of Captain. He then served in the Air Force Reserve until 1975.
Bob Dornan took an active role in the civil rights movement. He took part in the historic 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr. The following year he helped register African Americans to vote in Mississippi.
Dornan was involved in the entertainment industry. He starred in the film The Starfighters, cast as Lt. Witkowski, an Air Force pilot who was the son of a U.S. congressman. The Starfighters aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000.