Remembering Dabney Coleman: A Tribute to the Iconic Character Actor

Dabney Coleman, the renowned character actor known for his roles as smarmy villains, has passed away at the age of 92. His daughter, Quincy Coleman, confirmed the news in a statement. Coleman’s career spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on movies and television.

The actor’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he portrayed the corrupt mayor in the satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” The show, initially deemed too outrageous for networks, found success through syndication and quickly became a cult favorite. Coleman’s deadpan delivery and comedic timing made him a standout among film and network executives.

Throughout his career, Coleman appeared in a variety of popular films, including “War Games,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “The Towering Inferno.” He received critical acclaim for his work in television as well, winning a Golden Globe for “The Slap Maxwell Story” and an Emmy Award for best supporting actor in “Sworn to Silence.” Recent credits include appearances in “Ray Donovan” and a recurring role on “Boardwalk Empire,” for which he received two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Coleman became an iconic figure with his portrayal of the sexist boss in the hit film “9 to 5.” His ability to embody obnoxious characters was further showcased in “Tootsie,” where he played the director of a soap opera. His versatility was evident in a wide range of films such as “North Dallas Forty,” “Cloak and Dagger,” and “Moonlight Mile.”

While his film career thrived, Coleman’s success on television was more limited. Despite starring in several network comedies, only one series, “Buffalo Bill,” lasted longer than two seasons. Some critics questioned whether a lead character with no redeeming qualities could attract a mass audience. However, Coleman’s talent shone through in projects like “The Slap Maxwell Story,” “Apple Pie,” and “The Guardian.”

Behind the bravado of his characters, Coleman was a reserved and shy man. He attributed his shyness to being the youngest of four children and losing his father at an early age. Despite this, he developed a passion for acting and pursued it after meeting Zachry Scott, a fellow actor.

Born in Austin, Texas, Coleman had a diverse educational background, including time at the Virginia Military Academy and the University of Texas. He ultimately decided to pursue acting after his encounter with Scott. Early in his career, Coleman appeared in various television shows and films, including “Ben Casey,” “Dr Kildare,” and “The Towering Inferno.” He also had a brief stint on Broadway in 1961.

Coleman is survived by his four children and several grandchildren. His impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered for generations to come. As Ben Stiller aptly put it, “He literally created an archetype as a character actor. It’s hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him.” Dabney Coleman’s legacy will continue to inspire future actors and entertain audiences for years to come.