Does anyone know why they changed actors for the role of Captain Dobey from the pilot to the regular series????? I can't remember the name of the actor who played Captain Dobey in the pilot episode but he was a somewhat famous actor from the 1970's in terms of television shows. I wonder why they didn't keep him?

Signed,
Respectfully,
Dutch

Wasn't his name Bernie Hamilton? Does anyone know if he's still alive?

Richard Ward was the first Capt Dobey. He wasn't able to be in the show due to other commitments so they had Bernie Hamilton be Capt Dobey in the show which was the Capt Dobey we all know. His real life wife Lynne Hamilton played his wife Edith on the show & she was also Fred Sanfords girlfriend Donna on Sanford & Son. & Bernie Hamilton was also on Sanford & Son as the cop that was on there with Officer Hoppy before the one we're all familiar with was on there...