By Dabney Coleman, the legendary actor best known for his roles in classic films like 9 to 5, Tootsie, and On Golden Pond, as well as his recent portrayal of John Dutton’s father in the hit series Yellowstone, has passed away at the age of 92. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter Quincy Coleman to TMZ on Friday.
In a heartfelt statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Quincy said, “My father, Dabney Wharton Coleman, took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely in his home on Thursday May 16th 2024 at 1:50 pm. My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of life with elegance, excellence and mastery.”
Born on January 3, 1932, in Austin, Texas, Dabney Coleman attended the Virginia Military Institute for two years before serving in the US Army’s Special Services Division. He later studied law at the University of Texas at Austin but was convinced by his friend, actor Zachary Scott, to pursue an acting career. Coleman left college a semester before graduation and trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City under the tutelage of Sanford Meisner.
Coleman’s career spanned over six decades, with his first role coming in 1961 in the Broadway play A Call on Kuprin. He made his television debut the same year in an episode of Naked City and went on to appear in numerous TV shows, including The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Donna Reed Show.
His breakthrough role came in 1976 when he portrayed Merle Jeeter in the series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a part that was initially supposed to last only six episodes but ended up running for two years. Coleman credited this role with launching his career, stating in a 2014 Variety interview, “From that part spawned everything.”
Coleman’s film career took off with roles in The Towering Inferno (1974), 9 to 5 (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Tootsie (1982), and WarGames (1983). He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the villainous boss in 9 to 5, starring alongside Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, whom he described as “fantastic” in a 2014 interview.
Throughout his career, Coleman won numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe in 1988 for his role in The Slap Maxwell Story, two Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2011 and 2012 for Boardwalk Empire, and a Primetime Emmy Award in 1987 for Sworn to Silence.
In 2012, Coleman revealed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer, which affected his ability to speak. Despite this setback, he continued to work, appearing in shows like Ray Donovan, NCIS, and For the People. His final role was in a 2019 episode of Yellowstone, where he portrayed John Dutton Sr., the father of Kevin Costner’s character, in a poignant scene depicting the final moments of his life.
Coleman was married twice, first to Ann Courtney Harrell from 1957 to 1959 and then to actress Jean Hale from 1961 to 1984. He had three children with Hale: Kelly, Randy, and Quincy, as well as a daughter named Meghan from a previous relationship.
Dabney Coleman’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. His legacy as a gifted and versatile actor will continue to inspire generations to come.
