John Dobbie started out his entertainment career as a dance band singer and pianist. He travelled to America in the early 1920s finding work as an actor and later touring Canada with Alla Nazimova. Dobbie returned to Australia in 1927 and after featuring in the silent film Jewelled Nights appeared in regularly in vaudeville, musicals, revues, while also co-starring in four George Wallace films. Following the outbreak of war he moved to Brisbane, playing a major role in entertaining troupes and co-managing the Cremorne Theatre. Dobbie later moved into radio as a presenter and sports announcer.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]