Dabney Coleman, Emmy-Winning Character Actor Who Became One of Hollywood’s Go-To Villains, Dead at 92

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

In a statement obtained from his manager Jeffrey Goldberg, Coleman’s daughter Quincy wrote, “My father, Dabney Wharton Coleman, took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely at 92 in his Santa Monica home on Thursday May 16th, 2024 at 1:50pm. 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 his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy…eternally.”

More from IndieWire

• 'The Kingdom' Cannes First Look: A Teen Comes of Age in a Crime-Filled Corsica

• Richard Linklater on Upcoming Movie 'Nouvelle Vague': 'It Reminded Me a Lot About Making My First Film'

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

His first lead role on television came in the 1983 NBC sitcom “Buffalo Bill,” in which he starred as narcissistic talk show host Bill Bittinger, who made outrageous demands of his small TV staff in Buffalo, New York. The role earned him his first two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Throughout the 1980s, Coleman became a nationally recognized film actor who was largely known for his villainous characters. His best known role might have come in “9 to 5” in which he played Franklin Hart Jr., the boss that Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin teamed up to enact revenge upon. He embodied the character with the unapologetic bigotry, dishonesty, and incompetence that allowed the film’s black comic premise to materialize, helping turn it into one of the most popular films of the decade. He found similar success in films such as “WarGames,” “Tootsie,” and “The Muppets Take Manhattan.”

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

Coleman’s final role came in a 2019 episode of “Yellowstone” when he made a memorable appearance as John Dutton Sr. He is survived by his four children and give grandchildren.

His manager Jeffrey Goldberg said, “I will only add that it has been a great privilege to have represented Dabney and to have been able to call him my friend. He will be missed greatly.”

Best of IndieWire

• The Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now

• Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 54 Films the Director Wants You to See

• Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.