Dabney Coleman, the Actor Who Specialized in Curmudgeons, Dies Aged 92
Coleman, whose career in film and TV spanned six decades, was best known for roles in movies such as ‘Nine to Five’, ‘Tootsie’, ‘Dragnet’ and ‘War Games’.
(L to R) Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman in 'Nine to Five.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Preview:
- Actor Dabney Coleman has died.
- He was 92.
- Coleman will be remembered for playing grumpy authority types and baddies in movies such as ‘9 to 5’.
Dabney Coleman, who spun a career for playing curmudgeonly types who are taken down a peg or 10 by the heroes of the films and shows in which he appears, has died. He was 92.
Despite his on-screen reputation as a grump, he’s remembered as kind, if complicated man in real life.
Related Article: Jennifer Aniston Will Co-Produce the Remake of 1980 comedy ‘9 to 5’
Dabney Coleman: Early Life and Career
(L to R) Jessica Lange, Dustin Hoffman, Dabney Coleman and George Gaynes in 'Tootsie'. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Coleman was born in 1932 in Austin, Texas. Following his father’s death, he was raised by his mother, and attended the Virginia Military Institute before serving in the Army and then studying law at the University of Texas.
Shortly before graduating, Coleman elected to drop out and pursued acting, moving to New York where he was trained by Sanford Meisner.
He made his Broadway debut in 1961’s ‘A Call on Kuprin’, which launched a successful stage career, which he then spun into a wide variety of guest roles on TV shows including ‘Kojak’, ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, ‘The Outer Limits’, ‘Dr. Kildare’ and ‘Bonanza’.
More recently, he was seen on the likes of ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘Yellowstone’.
Dabney Coleman: Film Work
(L to R) Dabney Coleman and Henry Thomas in 1984's 'Cloak & Dagger'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Appearing first in 1965’s ‘The Slender Thread’, Coleman’s movie career was almost as eclectic as his TV work, initially focused on small roles in movies such as ‘The Towering Inferno’.
Yet he’ll be best recalled for playing sexist boss Franklin Hart Jr. in ‘Nine to Five’, providing a perfect foil for Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. He enjoyed a far more friendly relationship with Fonda’s character, the next year, in ‘On Golden Pond’.
Other notable film work includes ‘WarGames’, ‘Tootsie’, 'Cloak & Dagger', ‘The Muppets Take Manhattan’, ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’, ‘You’ve Got Mail’, and ‘Moonlight Mile’. His most recent cinematic role was in Warren Beatty’s ‘Rules Don’t Apply’.
Ben Stiller was among those who paid tribute following news of Coleman’s death:
The great Dabney Coleman literally created, or defined, really - in a uniquely singular way — an archetype as a character actor. He was so good at what he did it’s hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him. Xxx
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 17, 2024
Dabney Coleman Dies: Family’s Statement
Dabney Coleman as John Dutton Sr. in Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone'. Credit: Paramount Network.
Coleman’s daughter Quincy confirmed his death in a statement:
“My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy… Eternally. And always, ‘A goddamn, good looking man.’”
Coleman was married and divorced twice, to Ann Courtney Harrell from 1957 to 1959, then to Jean Hale from 1961 to 1984. He is survived by his children, Meghan, Kelly, Randy and Quincy Coleman; and his grandchildren, Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello.
(L to R) Dabney Coleman and Lily Tomlin in 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Dabney Coleman Movies and TV Shows:
- 'Columbo' (1971 - 2003)
- 'The Towering Inferno' (1974)
- ‘North Dallas Forty' (1979)
- 'Melvin and Howard' (1980)
- 'Nine to Five' (1980)
- ‘On Golden Pond' (1981)
- 'Tootsie' (1982)
- 'Buffalo Bill' (1983 - 1984)
- 'WarGames' (1983)
- 'The Muppets Take Manhattan' (1984)
- 'Cloak & Dagger' (1984)
- ‘The Man with One Red Shoe' (1985)
- 'Dragnet' (1987)
- 'The Beverly Hillbillies' (1993)
- 'Clifford' (1994)
- 'You've Got Mail' (1998)
- 'Inspector Gadget' (1999)
- 'Stuart Little' (1999)
- 'Moonlight Mile' (2002)
- 'NCIS' (2003 - 2024)
- 'Domino' (2005)
- 'Boardwalk Empire' (2010 - 2014)
- 'Ray Donovan' (2013 - 2020)
- 'Rules Don't Apply' (2016)
- 'Yellowstone' (2018 - 2023)
Buy Dabney Coleman Movies On Amazon
