“9 to 5” and “Tootsie” star Dabney Coleman has died at the age of 92

Films

From Nicky Cox

Dabney Coleman, best known for his role in “9 to 5,” has died at the age of 92.

The Hollywood icon’s daughter, Quincy Coleman, told Page Six that he “took his last breath on earth peacefully and exquisitely” at his home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday.

“My father shaped his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul full of passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” she said in the statement. “While he lived, he handled this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.”

She continued, “As a teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and a blessing in life and in death, for his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy…forever.”

Dabney’s cause of death is unclear.

The Texas native began working in the entertainment industry in the 1960s. However, his big breakthrough came a decade later when he landed the role of Merle Jeeter in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.”

“(‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’) was a big turning point. That was The “It was a turning point in my career,” he told AV Club in 2012.

“That’s kind of where it all started in terms of people believing that I could do comedy, especially that negative, snarky, cynical type. I was pretty good at doing that kind of humor,” he explained.

“So that was a big turning point and it was a lot of fun. In my opinion, it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done.”

In 1980, Dabney solidified his ability to play world-class goofballs after being cast as Franklin Hart Jr. in “9 to 5.”

The father of four played a devilish boss who oversaw characters Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, for whom he had nothing but praise.

“All were well established,” he told the outlet. “To varying degrees, but all already extremely successful. Almost icons in their field, if you want to break it down that way.”

He continued, “And here’s this guy from ‘Mary Hartman,’ which isn’t too shabby, but it was late-night television. In any case, I think all three did their best to make me feel like I was an equal. There is no other way to put it. When it comes to my status and talent, they all made me feel extremely safe and very supportive.”

Dabney’s other notable roles include Ron Carlisle in Tootsie, Nelson Fox in You’ve Got Mail and Bill Bittinger in Buffalo Bill.

He has made nearly 180 acting appearances over his decades-long career, with his most recent appearance coming in 2019 for an episode of Yellowstone.

Dabney was nominated for six Emmy Awards, winning one for his work in “Sworn to Silence” (1987).

He was also nominated for three Golden Globes and took home the hardware in 1988 for his performance in “The Slap Maxwell Story.”

Dabney, who was not married at the time of his death, is survived by his four children – Meghan, Kelly, Randy and Quincy – and five grandchildren.