Dabney Coleman, a prolific character actor known for his portrayal of abrasive and egotistical characters, passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Santa Monica, California on May 16, 2024. His daughter Quincy confirmed the news, describing her father as having a “curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire, and humor.”
Coleman’s career spanned nearly seven decades, starting in the 1960s with appearances in popular TV shows like “The Fugitive,” “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” and “The Outer Limits.” He gained widespread recognition for his role as the misogynistic boss Franklin Hart Jr. in the 1980 film “9 to 5,” starring alongside Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda.
Despite his acclaimed performance in the TV show “Buffalo Bill,” which earned him an Emmy nomination, Coleman’s subsequent projects struggled to find success. Nevertheless, he continued to deliver memorable performances in films like “Tootsie,” “On Golden Pond,” “WarGames,” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
Born in 1932 in Austin, Texas, Coleman served in the Army before pursuing a career in acting. He studied at Sanford Meisner’s Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City before moving to California in the early 1960s to begin his acting career.
Coleman’s legacy lives on through his four children, Quincy, Meghan, Kelly, and Randy, as well as his five grandchildren. Reflecting on his career later in life, Coleman expressed joy in playing diverse and outlandish roles, noting that acting allowed him to explore aspects of life he might not have otherwise experienced.
