Tootsie and 9 to 5 icon Dabney Coleman passes away at 92
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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a true Hollywood stalwart, Dabney Coleman, whose remarkable career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film and television industry.
The actor, renowned for his roles in iconic 80s films such as 9 to 5 and Tootsie, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, memorable performances, and a touch of class.
Dabney Coleman's journey through life was as rich and varied as the characters he portrayed on screen.
Born in 1932 in the heart of Austin, Texas, Coleman's early life was characterised by a pursuit of education and service.
He attended the prestigious Virginia Military Institute before studying law at the University of Texas.
Coleman's foray into acting began with a guest appearance on the television series Naked City in 1961.
This debut marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him grace the small screen in numerous beloved shows, including The Donna Reed Show, I Dream of Jeannie, and Columbo.
His versatility as an actor was further showcased in his roles in Law & Order: SVU, The Guardian, Boardwalk Empire, and Ray Donovan.
Perhaps one of his most memorable television roles was as Merle Jeeter in Norman Lear's satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a character he continued to portray in the spin-off Forever Fernwood.
But it was his portrayal of the chauvinistic boss Franklin Hart, Jr. in the 1980 hit film 9 to 5 that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. Starring alongside Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin, Coleman's performance was both hilariously on-point and a biting commentary on workplace inequality.
In the following year, Coleman starred in the critically acclaimed drama On Golden Pond before delivering another standout performance as Ron Carlisle in the hit romantic comedy Tootsie in 1982. His role in this film further demonstrated his ability to embody complex characters with a mix of humour and depth.
Coleman's talent was recognised with an Emmy Award in 1987 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Sworn to Silence.
His filmography also includes memorable roles in WarGames (1983), You've Got Mail (1997), and Stuart Little (1999).
In 2014, his contributions to the entertainment industry were immortalised with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Even in his later years, Coleman continued to act, earning his latest credit in a 2019 episode of Yellowstone, where he portrayed John Dutton Senior.
His daughter, Quincy Coleman, described his final moments as peaceful and exquisite, a fitting end for a man who lived with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul ignited with passion and humour.
She said that Coleman ‘took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely in his home on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at 1:50 p.m.’
‘My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humour that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery,’ she added.
Fans and stars in the industry paid tribute to the actor on social media, with one writing: ‘Dabney Coleman had the perfect character actor name, the best character actor moustache, the classic character actor chops. He was the best at playing guys who were the worst.’
‘Rest in peace, Dabney Coleman. Perhaps one of the greatest character actors ever. No one else could do cads, scoundrels, rogues, and curmudgeons, and make them living people like he did,’ another posted.
Kevin Costner, who worked with Coleman on Yellowstone, wrote: ‘One of the most heart wrenching scenes I’ve been a part of. What an honour to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace.’
Source: Entertainment Tonight/YouTube
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dabney Coleman’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
The actor, renowned for his roles in iconic 80s films such as 9 to 5 and Tootsie, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, memorable performances, and a touch of class.
Dabney Coleman's journey through life was as rich and varied as the characters he portrayed on screen.
Born in 1932 in the heart of Austin, Texas, Coleman's early life was characterised by a pursuit of education and service.
He attended the prestigious Virginia Military Institute before studying law at the University of Texas.
Dabney Coleman passed away at the age of 92. Image source: X (Twitter)
Coleman's foray into acting began with a guest appearance on the television series Naked City in 1961.
This debut marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him grace the small screen in numerous beloved shows, including The Donna Reed Show, I Dream of Jeannie, and Columbo.
His versatility as an actor was further showcased in his roles in Law & Order: SVU, The Guardian, Boardwalk Empire, and Ray Donovan.
Perhaps one of his most memorable television roles was as Merle Jeeter in Norman Lear's satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a character he continued to portray in the spin-off Forever Fernwood.
But it was his portrayal of the chauvinistic boss Franklin Hart, Jr. in the 1980 hit film 9 to 5 that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. Starring alongside Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin, Coleman's performance was both hilariously on-point and a biting commentary on workplace inequality.
In the following year, Coleman starred in the critically acclaimed drama On Golden Pond before delivering another standout performance as Ron Carlisle in the hit romantic comedy Tootsie in 1982. His role in this film further demonstrated his ability to embody complex characters with a mix of humour and depth.
Coleman's talent was recognised with an Emmy Award in 1987 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Sworn to Silence.
His filmography also includes memorable roles in WarGames (1983), You've Got Mail (1997), and Stuart Little (1999).
In 2014, his contributions to the entertainment industry were immortalised with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Even in his later years, Coleman continued to act, earning his latest credit in a 2019 episode of Yellowstone, where he portrayed John Dutton Senior.
His daughter, Quincy Coleman, described his final moments as peaceful and exquisite, a fitting end for a man who lived with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul ignited with passion and humour.
She said that Coleman ‘took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely in his home on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at 1:50 p.m.’
‘My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humour that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery,’ she added.
Fans and stars in the industry paid tribute to the actor on social media, with one writing: ‘Dabney Coleman had the perfect character actor name, the best character actor moustache, the classic character actor chops. He was the best at playing guys who were the worst.’
‘Rest in peace, Dabney Coleman. Perhaps one of the greatest character actors ever. No one else could do cads, scoundrels, rogues, and curmudgeons, and make them living people like he did,’ another posted.
Kevin Costner, who worked with Coleman on Yellowstone, wrote: ‘One of the most heart wrenching scenes I’ve been a part of. What an honour to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace.’
Source: Entertainment Tonight/YouTube
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