Dabney Coleman, a mustachioed character actor known for playing smarmy villains, has passed away at the age of 92. His daughter confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. Coleman’s career spanned two decades before he found success in 1976 with his role as the corrupt mayor in the satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” He went on to become a well-known face in popular films like “War Games,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “The Towering Inferno.”
Coleman received critical acclaim for his work, winning a Golden Globe for “The Slap Maxwell Story” and an Emmy Award for his supporting role in “Sworn to Silence.” He appeared in well-known films like “9 to 5,” “On Golden Pond,” and “Tootsie,” showcasing his talent for playing obnoxious and often unlikable characters. Despite his success in film, Coleman struggled to find the same level of recognition on television, with many of his series failing to capture a mass audience.
Throughout his career, Coleman displayed a wide range of performances, from comedic villains to more serious roles as authority figures. He also had success in voice acting, portraying characters in animated series like “Recess.” Despite his on-screen bravado, Coleman described himself as shy, attributing his nature to being the youngest child in his family and the loss of his father at a young age. As he aged, he continued to take on challenging roles, playing pompous authority figures in films like “My Date With the President’s Daughter.”
Born in 1932 in Austin, Texas, Coleman initially pursued a career in law before being convinced by actor Zachry Scott to pursue acting. He made his way to New York to study acting and later found success on television in shows like “Ben Casey” and “Dr. Kildare.” Coleman’s acting career also included a stint on Broadway and a role as Kevin Costner’s father in the series “Yellowstone.” He is survived by four children.
Dabney Coleman’s legacy as a versatile character actor who excelled in playing complex and often unlikable characters will continue to be celebrated by fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact on film and television, leaving behind a body of work that showcased his talent and versatility as an actor. Coleman’s performances in iconic films like “9 to 5” and “Tootsie” will be remembered as some of the highlights of his career, cementing his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment world.
