Dabney Coleman dead: Emmy-winning actor was 92 years old

Dabney Coleman, one of the best-known character actors of the late 20th century, has died at the age of 92. News of his death was confirmed by IndieWire.

In a statement obtained from his manager Jeffrey Goldberg, Coleman’s daughter Quincy wrote: “My father, Dabney Wharton Coleman, passed his last at his home in Santa Monica on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the age of 92 earthly breath.” My father shaped his time here on earth with an inquisitive mind, a generous heart and a soul burning with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity. While he lived, he went 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 a blessing in life and in death, for his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones, and his legacy…forever.”

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1932, Coleman served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in New York City with legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner. His acting career began in the New York theater scene, but he soon became a television fixture through a series of guest appearances on popular shows and roles in television movies.

His first major role on television was in 1983 on the NBC sitcom Buffalo Bill, in which he played the role of narcissistic talk show host Bill Bittinger, who made outrageous demands on his small television crew in Buffalo, New York. The role earned him his first two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

During the 1980s, Coleman became a nationally recognized film actor, best known for his villainous characters. His most famous role may have been “9 to 5,” in which he played Franklin Hart Jr., the boss on whom Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin teamed up to exact revenge. He embodied the character with the uncompromising bigotry, dishonesty and incompetence that allowed the film’s black comic premise to become a reality and helped make it one of the most popular films of the decade. He had similar success in films like “WarGames,” “Tootsie” and “The Muppets Take Manhattan.”

Coleman continued to alternate between film and television roles throughout his career. He received a total of six Primetime Emmy nominations, winning one in 1987 for his performance in the television film “Sworn to Silence.” He remained active until his final years, notably playing Commodore Louis Kaestner in 24 episodes of “Boardwalk Empire” from 2011 to 2014.

Coleman’s last role was in a 2019 episode of Yellowstone, where he made a memorable appearance as John Dutton Sr. He leaves behind four children and grandchildren.

His manager Jeffrey Goldberg said: “I would just like to add that it was a great privilege to have represented Dabney and to call him my friend. “He will be greatly missed.”